in the wildwood

11.03.2015


Saturday was stormy and festive and everything I would hope Halloween to be.  I went leaf-collecting in the trees behind our house that morning and we attempted to craft leaf crowns (my husband's turned out much better than mine), made waffles, drank tea, and watched the rain pour down until late afternoon.  We didn't have any plans in Portland and invited ourselves down to my sister-in-law's in Monmouth so Thor could trick-or-treat with some cousins.  We all got drenched in the downpour and cold to the bones, and it was the best!  Admittedly, it did start to become a bit miserable at the end, but I love being out in weather like that and feeling a part of it.  The kids were troupers and raked in the candy because not too many others were out, and they spent considerable time afterward organizing and trading.  We ended up staying pretty late, not getting back home to Portland until after 2 a.m., which was quite an event for us as we are in bed by 9 p.m. most nights.  It was a great night.

Sunday we finally checked out Wildwood Recreation Site.  I'm guessing it's quite busy over the summer, but Sunday we didn't see another (human) soul, not even another car there.  The autumnal color couldn't have been at a more perfect stage.  Moisture dripped from every leaf and tuft of moss, and a magical misty fog hung in the treetops. 

Everywhere I looked filled me with gratitude and awe, not just for the wonder of solitude and nature and this beautiful place we're so lucky to call home, but for my family and our life together.  I don't take one bit of it for granted and treasure every moment of it, especially weekend church in the wild.
by mlekoshi