watershed rambles

we wimped out of a drive to the mountains

on this beautiful autumn weekend

and, instead, enjoyed a fall foliage hike

on our own county's watershed trails

we picked two trails we'd never explored

(there are that many!)

and enjoyed the destination of West House,

along the north shore of one of Lake Townsend's fingers.

 the house was built between 1815-1820

and features "Flemish" brick construction.

it looks like it must've been inhabited

for more than 100 years,

as there are old electrical lines

dangling from several spots in the brick.

mushrooms & red maple leaves

were highlights of the trail for me

 and there's still plenty of green around

in the piedmont

 we crossed over the main road to try another new-to-us trail,

the Peninsula Trail (has been renamed the Crockett Trail),

where we happened upon a bit of running.

 the last runner was just entering the forest

what a lovely afternoon

at Lake Townsend

imagine art

i know people who imagine

 and, then, create ...

 and that takes determination

mixed with a large dollop of talent

and a heaping tablespoon of assorted believers

 in the vision

 and in the person.

 to take missing parts,

 old ideas,

 and revise, renew, reimagine their purpose

is a most human endeavor.

 with spirit, beauty, expression,

 and community

as the force behind the creation

and the product of the journey -

this is what binds.

this is what joins.

this is what evolves.

this is art.

imagine.