BLUE WATERS, LEMON RUST HUES, AND PEACEFUL HIKES THROUGH WOODS--FAR AWAY FROM POLITICS--TO MY DELIGHT!!!

Over the last two days I couldn't get far enough away from politics and presidential campaigns.  I had absorbed too much political discourse and had my fill of it. Like most Americans, I didn't like most of what I observed.  To be honest, it made me sad, and still does.  I'm wondering what happened to the country I've known and been a part of.  I need to work harder than ever to be positive, and that's not my style.  It's time to get back to the people and things I love. 

One thing I truly love is taking long walks along lakes and through the woods--in other words, getting away from the so-called "real world." It's the most calming thing I can do for myself.  I've been lucky to have a car for a few days so I can check out more parks and trails.  Minnesota has an abundance of them.  Have I mentioned what a beautiful state I'm lucky enough to live in, regardless of the season?  After 45 years of living here, I'm never bored with its natural beauty.  I love it here, and don't plan to leave anytime soon.

Here is a quote which sums it all up for me, as reflected by Lorraine Anderson in SISTERS OF THE EARTH.
    
     "Nature has been for me, for as long as I can remember, a

source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion."

Here are some photos from my

recent journeys. I hope they make your world a little calmer too, even if you haven't been absorbed in politics.