Lurking on the dark path

   When your hike takes you along some dark paths at daybreak, everything seems to loom larger, stay darker and appear to be downright scary at times.  The same path during the bright daylight hours is totally different.  This morning, my hike down by the wild persimmon trees was only lit by the ambient light of the morning sunrise and that was dimming quickly due to thick, dark clouds.  Not one to be afraid of the dark, I pressed forward choosing my steps carefully.  Back here, there are still some places that hold Hurricane Zeta debris from several years ago.  I figured there was no need to let some random, rusty nail pierce my soft moccasins and, thus, my foot.  So, I stepped lightly while also keeping a sharp eye for any impending "danger" that may lurk in the shadows.  Coyotes and bobcats are known to roam freely here during the night.

  Just as I made a bend in the path, I paused.  The bare treetops were clearly outlined against the clouded sky.  A huge "blob" was huddled in the top of one of the persimmon trees.  Coon?  My first thought was a raccoon had sought the tree as a place to settle in for a nap.  Something seemed off, however.  I stood quietly in the shadows waiting...waiting for movement that would identify my critter before I moved onward.  The figure shifted positions.  Still...not identifiable but, at least, not threatening.

  A few more minutes led to a fit of giggles!  My mystery critter was Bat!  My goofy cat had scooted down the path before me and climbed the tree.  When I rounded the corner, all I could see was a dark outline of a critter.  Like I said earlier...things seem to loom a lot larger than in real life. Bat is a huge cat but he sure seemed to be a lot fatter while huddled up in the tree.  My silly, sweet cat was now winding around my legs wondering why was laughing.  Oh, Bat!  You are something else!

The Dark Path

  Sometimes, it is a bit intimidating to walk down a dark path not knowing what may be lurking in the shadows.  Anything could be there.  Something evil may be waiting to pounce but, then again, something beautiful may be waiting to be discovered.  Facing our own fears can be quite daunting.  It is that unknown the pulls the creep factor up to the highest point and our minds refuse to temper it.  We cling to the sure and safe and rarely go down that dark path.  It is far too scary but. at the same time, our brains remind us of that "something beautiful" and the urge is real.

  I did not sleep well last night.  The body feels like some evil entity is trying to enter.  Thinking that a brisk walk in the night air might help, I headed out far before the sun rose in the east.  Things were dark, a bit creepy and, yes, daunting.  While on the pier, I was fine. Being over the water allows for a good bit of ambient light to surround you.  Plus, the pier gives some semblance of safety since there is only one entry point and anything clomping down those boards is easily heard.  Still, there was that uneasiness that lingered so I headed back up the hill.  Not wanting to go back to the Little Bayou House, my path veered to the right and around the marsh edge until it led to the woods.  Did I dare enter?  The path sure looked dark but I know this place as well as the back of my hand.  Yep.  I might as well push onward.  I might as well face those fears right up front.

 In this time of uncertainty, fear is playing a large factor in people's actions.  It is not fear that is going to get us through this chaos.  Commonsense is the best answer.  When it was put out there to hunker down and isolate from others, it was wise advice.  If everyone would use the logic behind this idea, the virus would soon die out for lack of hosts.  BUT....a lot of folks are lacking in the commonsense area.  Even here.  While I am a pro at this social distancing thing, others are not.  If the virus infects the Little Bayou House, it is because it was brought here not because I was out and about.  I am just going to go down that dark path and hunt for the beauty at the other end.  It is there...regardless of how many monsters I have to battle before finding it.  

  STAY HOME, folks!  Use commonsense!  Be strong.  Fight the urge to mingle because "I am strong and healthy".  Think of others.  If you want to play games with your health...so be it.  Don't inflict it upon everyone else.  Now...that said...pardon me while I become a hermitess for the next couple of weeks and search for something beautiful at the end of that dark path.  Do not come to the Bayou!