12 Comments
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Kathy Barron's avatar

I am pretty sure I remember reading this on the original publication date. What an amazing experience.

The aerial view of your homestead made me so homesick because I really, really enjoyed all your photos taken at ground level of all those loved locations.

Meg's avatar

Wow, just wow!

David Jenkins's avatar

thanks for picture of your house on Goose Creek. I often wondered what it looked like while reading your writings. I wonder what time of year you viewed the hawks. Could it have been a mating ritual?

cate kerr's avatar

I remember this, and it is even more beautiful than it was twenty years ago. In the scant handful of years that probably remain for me, I would like to have such experiences often.

Fred First's avatar

I hope your timing is just right, at least a few more times in these final pages. I do think expectation and intentional and full use of the senses--and inner quiet--can elevate the chances of such rare moments of joy and blessing. Travel hopefully...

Carl's avatar
Jan 11Edited

Ah, a beautiful entry from the “Fragments” that called me to where I am.

Jimmie Cormier's avatar

Very inspiring Fred. You call us to nature. I am blessed to have nature experiences like this one where I live. And I will think of you next time I see a Red Tail gliding overhead. Thanks for your writing. It is a gift.

Fred First's avatar

Jimmy, good to have you sharing in this, and thanks for lifting this up to the "elders" of our common acquaintance. I hope someone finds value in the encounter I recorded within five minutes of the event, while it was still fresh in mind and memory.

Jane Garden's avatar

Me too! "I will be more inclined to expect small, personal miracles of beauty in the years that remain. And I will ponder the likelihood that we create these revelations simply by being expectant and receptive and ready to witness them in the ordinary of our busy lives." Thanks for the reminder!

randall wells's avatar

I’m still blinking. RW

Fred First's avatar

Recommend Visine. And a nap.

Linda Benefield's avatar

I'm glad you reposted this. I must have missed it the first time around because I'm sure I would remember it otherwise. What a wonderful thing to see, and a wonderful description of it for us.