The Pond
is 15 years old this year. It began as a “I need a project because
the garden has become boring” thought. That thought took on a life
of its own. In two months I located, dug, dug, and dug some more,
researched, moved shrubs, laid liner and laid stones; everything a
novice needed to learn by actually doing.
To say
The Pond has been a life changer is an understatement. It's my Eden,
my sanctuary when life gets too much and I need a reprieve. There's
a serenity about it; calm water with orbs floating around blown by
the summers breeze; bird and frog songs are the only sounds; and
plants every shade of green on this earth.
It has
taught me how to create a safe haven for the wild that take residence
in and around it. Frogs of every shape and shade, and toads. One
summer I was blessed to find a young snapper floating in it. To
think she walked from the river, crossed a busy street, probably
fended off a few cats, and settled in startled me, and humbled me.
She was returned to the river and bid safe journey.
I have
woken sleeping frogs in spring while cleaning it. Who knew they
hibernated in the sand! I didn't. So its also become a teacher and
me its enthusiastic student. It has also taught me to enjoy just
being. With a journal in hand I can sit for hours scribbling my
thoughts, feelings, views, if you wish, my ponderings. It enabled me
to self publish a book during this time. Something I would never
have thought of before.
This
special anniversary year I intend to post a few of the residents that
never became famous. Starting with this one shot last October, wrapped in leaves warding off autumns chill. Perhaps we'll meet in
spring when it awakes.
