An invitation

The unknown enlivens our imagination and heightens our participation in the world. It breaks through to us. It stirs us and creates within us a desire to know more. It invites us to become seekers and questioners.

Timothy D. Willard

Sometimes I feel like I am an outsider of the landscapes that I am drawn to. Fear draws me inward and I desire to be safe since I am not certain what is ahead on the path forward. For me staying on the edge of the paths that are near by are a safe place and yet entering into a habitat area where other inhabitants live is so unknown to me. But it’s an adventure that I am willing to seek after.

This time of year are hidden rattle snakes and the scurrying of the rabbits or the birds in the scrub oak leaves can really create unrest to my imagination.

I almost feel as if I needed an invitation into the conversations in these special places where hospitality exist. I knew I was a guest and I wanted an experience. My search for color still remained as I pursued what the earth had to offer me as I learn about place.

My question began within me on how did my experience in this place invite me in once I discovered more colors in the rocks ahead.

It started as a recognizable path that was a way to enter into the landscape. Dirt, dusted on my shoes and various scat from the animals let me know that a new season had arrived. Clearly a bear or two live in this territory as my observations on the trail would indicate. Early morning conversations had already started with the neighboring birds. The different types of trees were now in bloom as well as the meadows. It was when I came out of the forested area and the sunlight dripped its warmth on my face that I let out a deep sigh.

I pulled out my water and took a drink as I listened. Up ahead on the soiled dusted trail a color was exposed and I smiled as I realized this place had offered me it’s hospitality and gave me a source of color to learn from.

This was place. And I accepted the invitation.