Pretty Little Window

   On my early morning hikes about the hillside, I like to look for things that are often overlooked by others.  Whether it be a mossy knoll, a lichen covered tree or perhaps just colored pebbles on the pathway.  I feel all of these things are there for a reason and what better reason than for me to marvel.  A lot of folks have remarked that I dwell in my own little fantasy world and, in a way, that is true.  If I revel in the mystique of the Bayou, then I can escape from all of the drama of the worldly folks.  It probably would not take much shoving for me to move lock, stock and barrel to some remote location where I would not be bombarded by technology and busybody people.   

  This morning, Mr. PJ, the soon-to-be true Bayou Dog, joined me on a quick jaunt around the hillside.  Rain threatened at any moment so our leisurely stroll took on an air of urgency.  Even with his arthritic limbs, he fairly galloped beside me.  He could feel the excitement as could I!  Every so often, he would stop to sniff where some wild, unknown critter had been just hours earlier.  An armadillo had dug divots in its search for grubs.  A raccoon raided the wild persimmon tree again and dropped dozens of the little golden nuggets to the ground.  Two baby otters squeaked in the marsh.  Life was good for the old dog and I enjoyed seeing him explore.

  Down on the east side of the property where the shore meets the Bayou, I found something that intrigued me.  While PJ mosied nearby in search of new scents, a gap in the branches drew my attention. Through this window, I could see all the way across the Bayou to the opposite shore.  The dim morning light lit the area as if it were a stage.  I half expected some magical creature to come waltzing across the marsh at any moment.  None did, to my dismay, but I was still enthralled...creature or not.  

  The window was framed by yaupon and oak branches.  Beyond those, a small sliver of water surrounded by sedge grass and marsh.  Then in the far distance, cord grass was backed by groundsel bushes.  FInally, the tall pines stood watch over all.  The layering effect was marvelous!  My pretty little window provided by nature!