How much further?

and giant flips-flops

Saturday was our first adventure on snowshoes this season.

We welcomed the fresh falling snow and by 9 a.m. the roads were clear to travel to my favorite place—Highland Forest in Fabius, NY. It was the first time both of my children strapped on “giant flip-flops” (as Delaney called them) to explore the woods.

They were ready to hike and excited to try out their new footgear.

About 10 minutes in my daughter was ready to turn around. “My legs are tired, how much further do we have to go?”

I had to think fast about what I could do to help her shift her mindset. Her grumbles, deliberate stops, and slow shuffles along the trail were enough to set me in a spiral!

I’m not turning around only 10 minutes in—no way! Grr, why is she complaining?! 

Oh, Aunt Phoebe, (my inner judge) there you are— but I know just what to do. I’m not letting you ruin our time together. 

Meanwhile, Brindsley was leading the way in his glory! He had no idea what was going on. 

“Delaney let's stop, close our eyes, and listen. In a minute or two let’s open our eyes then we can share what we heard.”

She didn’t look pleased but watched me as I sat down in the snow and closed my eyes. I peeked to see her on a snow-covered log eyes closed and relaxed. (thank goodness)

We sat and listened…

Snow crunches—Brindsley continues ahead, a woodpecker, voices in the distance, barking sounds (a dog or a fox, oh! my imagination), my breath, and water trickles in the stream.

I opened my eyes and just then Delaney did too. We shared what we heard as we continued on the path. It seemed to help and we were almost to the part of the woods I wanted to show them.

Oh good! This is fun! Look at these evergreens, snow, and fresh air—peace. 

Two minutes later…

(To be continued…)

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            Snowshoes

Giant flip-flops—Oohs 
Ahhs, walking on sunshine no 
sand between my toes. 

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We wrote, we celebrated!

Thank you Rebecca, it was a pleasure to write with you.

Come join our next write together Friday 3/10/23 at 11 am (EST).