At last I visited the place that had been calling to me for months. Sometime during the summer, the university started building a long-term project called California Pathways. It is the brainchild of Dr. Wayne Pierce, one time biology professor at CSU Stanislaus. Eventually, there will be areas representative of California geography and native plants around the campus.
From the road, I could see the pathway and benches that had been set in place. What I didn't know about was the fountain, the creek, and the pond at the end of this first segment of the Pathway. What an unexpected surprise AND so peaceful as well.
The pathway is 3/10 of a mile. There is a bridge crossing the creek half way through directing one's walk to the other side of the creek and ending at the pond. In between are small signs honoring individuals who donated a tree, a shrub, a bench, and of course, the bridge.
I thought about it for a while and then realized that this would be the perfect place to encounter our Mother with a Rosary as I walked. Two round trips gave me a walk of about 1 1/4 miles - a good start for someone out of shape (like ME).
At the end of my walk today, I was given a little reward for my effort and decision for a daily walk - this small leaf fossil, an echo of the leaf that drifted onto the wet cement and left an eternal image of itself, much as our Blessed Mother leaves her image in surprising places.
13 comments:
It looks like a wonderful retreat!
It sounds like you DID encounter Mary on your beautiful walk!
Oh that's wonderful. I'm sure Mary was at your side. I live in the County of Stanislaus and do know that CSU is in Turlock somewhere. I had thought at one time of transferring from MJC to Stanislaus University, but decided not to. Excellent post. Happy day to you.
I can easily imagine finding peace in such a place.
Mary in Disguise
Walking with rosary beads in my pocket...one of my favorite things to do♥
in every leaf, in every stone..
This sounds like a beautiful walk--a good meditation walk. I like how you superimposed Mary on your walking path. I assume she was not actually there, or was she?
I would love to have seen that leaf, but your from your photo-merge I can imagine it! Blessings. x
adding the actual image of Mary in on this walk speaks very eloquently of what your words are saying!
I wonder how many of us hear places calling to us as you do...
Last Night’s Tea Flowers
Such a lovely place for a meditative walk.
This is really a pretty, painterly spot.
How lovely that leaf... and the imagery it evokes, the echo that is eternal... and thank you for your gift of haiku yesterday, 17 x 2, sifted from my many words... you listen in so many ways dear Annie... XO
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