I Find Mountains and Trees to be the Best Elixir for my Body
Reciprocal November Nature prompt: “Dream Destinations”
I grew up in the mountains along the Hudson River of New York State. My family chose to homestead there when I was six years old. We lived in a surplus Army Hospital Tent in 1946, without electricity or water. Life wasn’t easy for my parents raising three small children in primitive conditions. I was the oldest and thrived living close to the land in a deep forest. Every day was full of wonder and magic with the changing seasons.
My teachers were the birds and mammals and woodland creatures. The air was full of bird song during the day. Owls hooted at night. Tree squirrels chattered away in the canopy above. Orange newts scampered at the base of cedar trees. Deer foraged on the mountainside. Ants built elaborate tunnels underground. Butterflies, dragonflies and walking sticks fascinated me. Wildflowers carpeted the forest with vibrant displays of color. The gentle world of nature surrounded me with an endearing sense of love energy.
Then — I went to school where I met turmoil, prejudice, bullying, unkind human beings. My brothers and I were judged for the clothes we wore and the manner in which we lived. Slowly, over time I lost my innocence and naivety. I learned to keep opinions to myself and…
