There’s a spot I love to visit just a few miles from my home. The road passes on the very edge of a state forest.

The hikers can follow a trail along the ever-changing creek, stopping along the way to view a few waterfalls. Closer to the parking area, one can wander in far enough to feel disconnected from the world, yet comfortably close.

A few pine trees create a ceiling that blocks the sun on a hot day, making it a perfect place to enjoy the shade. Mixed in among the natural setting are a few trees I think are dogwood. I’m not good at recognising the varieties that make this area so beautiful, but these burst into beautiful small white flowers right around this time of year.

I have a spot I call my own. I love to sit there and for a few brief moments not think at all. On this visit I could hear the faint crunch of footsteps approaching from behind me.

I am not much of an outdoorsman, so footsteps in the woods only brought on images of bears or dinosaurs. “Hello! I hope you don’t mind me sneaking up on you.” I looked around and couldn’t see anyone. All I heard was a sweet, almost angelic voice coming from somewhere.

Then, suddenly she appeared from behind a huge tree. “I know it was right around here. I can remember that tree,” she said. Even though the sun was shining, she was all bundled up with a sweater and scarf. She stood about 5 feet tall and perhaps in her late sixties. — Beliefnet.com