It seemed like a good day to stop alongside the stream. I had just picked up some books at the library and while the weather forecasters were warning about high temperatures and the need to stay indoors, I chose the stream.
Really, it wasn't a tough decision to make, stay at the air-conditioned library or sit beside the quiet stream. In the end…it was a rather easy choice to make. I pulled up and parked in the shade of a small sapling. On a day like this, even though it was still morning, every little bit of shade was appreciated.
It was quiet; the stream was low and wasn’t making any sounds as it slipped between the rocks. The wind wasn’t blowing and so, the weeds sat still, no rustling noises came from them. The birds were quiet; there was no chirping. Even in it’s quiet, the spot was a comforting place to be.
Picking up one of my books I started reading, seeing if it would be any good. The book was written by Harry Harrison back in 1966. Its name is Make Room! Make Room! It was later made into a movie that many of us probably remember, Soylent Green. Chances are you still remember the famous catch phrase of the movie!
Before I knew it, I was 20 pages into the book and pretty sure I was going to like it!
Setting the book down for a minute, I glanced out the windshield of the car just as a heron flew over. It was low and looked huge! I had an idea of what it was but since it was flying away from me in a straight line, I wasn’t sure. It arced to the left, circling back around and I saw its legs hanging behind it. It flew over the stream and towards a tree flying around it rather than landing. It flew lower to the water, following its course and then disappeared behind the weeds and trees.
What a great thing to see! The Egyptians viewed herons as symbols of resurrection. The Greeks thought of them as divine messengers as did ancient Irish folklore. The Native Americans viewed herons as a symbol of patience and good luck. I myself also think of them as good luck; I always consider myself lucky to see them!
I just had a dream last night where my brother Ralph and my Mother came to visit me. Hmmm… perhaps there's a message here that I should be aware of!
The day is off to a good start, visits from two people I miss and love and a close sighting of a heron. Plus…I also got some new (?) books to read! Oh yeah, it’s off to a good start!
