Today's Visit to Sacred Ground

Went hiking today with the kids today. The weather lately has been so... questionable. It snowed a few days ago, then warmed up, then rained. But, today was gorgeous. We went to our favorite park, a 280 acre Nature preserve. We didn't hike as far as we wanted (only about 2 miles,) but it took us about 3 hours. Needless to say, the kids had a blast.

We found a wee baby firesnake, the color of dried pine needles. The children were excited. I was surprised, Aurora had been squealing at the various insects she saw on the trail (ahh! Spider! No touch toes!) but she was excited about the snake.

I love being at that park. It's very beautiful, with meadows, forests, marshes, and prairie. We didn't get to visit with the large Oak that we always visit, but we did see other friends. I'm hoping we'll be able to go again this next weekend and see the Oak. I bring her gifts now and then, a little bit of DIY liquid compost. She seems to appreciate it as the energy she projects has only gotten stronger the more I spend time with her.

She first called to me, several years ago. We'd never gone down that particular trail before and we were approaching a bend in the trail. I felt something then, a strong reaching. It was warm, powerful, and beckoning. I was entranced, curious as to what was sending out such strong energy. We rounded the bend and there she was, standing tall, surrounded by her family in the prairie.

I am thankful for her friendship. Over the years she has gifted me with a stone I use when offering healings, bones for my divination kit, and precious advice when I stray off my own trail. It's been so long since we've visited, I really do hope to see her soon.