Moon & Chief

I awakened very early on Saturday morning.  I have no idea what time it even was. The sky was still relatively dark and I wondered if it was going to be another bad day.  Snoozing a bit, I opened my eyes again to see the sky turning pink.  I listened to the sound of the birds and watched the water glisten.  Each time I opened my eyes, the sky had turned a new shade of pink-red as the sun began to claim the day.  The sunrise seemed to take hours and I wondered if our view was west but, after a very long time, it finally burst over the horizon and spread beams onto the water.  Its face warmed the whole room and I had to get up to turn on the ceiling fan.  It was assuredly going to be a good day!

I thought about reading for awhile, but couldn’t tear my eyes off the wonderful view I had of the boats and water in the morning sun, so just lay there enjoying the sight until Hopeful1 awakened.  We chatted, trying to decide whether to go down to breakfast in our pajamas or not.  The decision was made via inactivity.  We hadn’t decided by 9am, so down we went swathed in satin (we wore fancy stuff). 

Annie served upside down pineapple French toast, baked peaches, and ham, juice and coffee.  It was all delicious.  We had a wonderful chat with the sisters who were also staying at the Blue Heron.  During the chat Hopeful1 received confirmation of her decision to soon move forward with fostering a child to adopt.  It’s very strange how God can orchestrate these “chance” discussions.

After breakfast we returned to our room to each enjoy a shower and steam then to pack and get ready for the next event my brother had planned for us.  This event was to be a walk on the grounds of a friend of his who owns a large estate with a forest, crystal gardens, bee hives, etc.  We checked out of the lovely Blue Heron and began the drive to  Joy Lane in Hollywood, Maryland. 

Once we got there, my brother introduced us to his friend who invited us to explore her property as much as we liked.  Her delightful dog bounced out and greeted us as did her friendly cat.  Both wonderful animals accompanied us on our walk and were terrific hosts! 

We followed a path through the forest directing us toward her crystal garden.  On the way we found a small stone embedded in the ground that was painted with the words, “This way to everything.”  Chuckling and light-hearted, we tossed a stick for the dog, marveled at the cat scrambled, meowing alongside us, found our way to the crystal garden.  In a few steps, we found an area not unlike a campfire circle, with a large crystal formation with other rocks spiraling out.  Sitting on a log, we quietly thought our thoughts for a time, examined the rocks, and (of course) continued to through sticks for our new friend, Moon (the dog).  We also pet Chief, the wonderfully friendly and talkative cat.

After our rear ends were damp from sitting, we rose up and walked further on other paths, exploring and finding little treats like seashells placed here and there in the dirt and odds and ends turning up to be discovered with delight and interest.  All the while we played with and were amused by the charming animals who stayed with us every step.  Their personalities were so utterly enchanting that we felt as if we had made two very good friends by the end of our little hike.

Returning to the house, my brother’s friend asked if we would like to stay while she suited up and got honey from her hive.  We opted out, however, because I am completely phobic of bees!  Nevertheless, Hopeful1 got a good close look at the hive and we spent a few minutes talking about the benefits of fresh honey.

This time spent on Joy Lane was the unexpected and serene high point of the trip!  It was mysterious, pleasant, fun and exhilarating.  Certainly extra blessed, in good part, because of the ministrations of our hosts, Moon and Chief!

Joy Lane Healing Center