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A Walk to The River
July 25, 2012
They walked down to the river to play. To build sand castles and cities at the river's edge, where the water is shallow and slow. I let them go, with kisses and bug repellent.
It had been over an hour, at least, and I missed them. Their laughter and even their crazy antics. To be honest, I worried just a wee bit too. Always the tension of letting them go and holding them close.
I couldn't remember what time they left but it was soon time for supper.
I walked to the river to call them home. To see their creations. And just to be. Here.
This breathtakingly beautiful spot in our backyard - down the hill (through the woods) and across the infrequently traveled road. This place without predators, animal or human. Where the only thing "dangerous" are the bugs.
This is life where we call home. And here I thought there was no paradise on earth.
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Leanne on July 25, 2012, 12:12 p.m.
You do live amongst beautiful nature! It is funny how, when the kids are old enough to do a few things independently, that us mom's (some of us that is) miss the childs presence. I enjoy a few minutes of quiet but then I find myself missing my children :)
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renee on July 25, 2012, 1 p.m.
My family will go to town some days without me, to run "daddy" errands. I love the quiet that descends over the house. But after one hour or so I miss everyone. I really do love being with my family, and I love snatches of time to myself each and every day.
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Heather Hendrick on July 25, 2012, 2:27 p.m.
I just showed my boys the photo of your kids' "city." They are so inspired. We have a creek in our backyard with the perfect bank for making something similar.
I love your blog. It's beautiful.
Heather
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renee on July 25, 2012, 2:35 p.m.
Thank you Heather! You can tell your boys, if they care, that this the Domehead and Menhir (yes, like the upright stones) tribe city structure. The two tribes worked together to build this river's edge compound. (Smile)
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Nicki on July 25, 2012, 6:40 p.m.
That was so beautiful it made me want to cry a tiny bit! I love their creation and totally get where you are coming from about missing them. On the (very) rare occasions I am on my own I DO enjoying it but start clock watching after an hour or so.
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Ellen on July 25, 2012, 8:30 p.m.
What breathtaking and awe-inspiring views. I love the mist hovering over the water. God is so good!
Looking forward to your salad e-book!
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renee on July 25, 2012, 10:50 p.m.
that's how I feel to Ellen, about God. I am full of worship when I am in nature (so lots these days) and especially so on this walk to the river. When I reached the river, I stood there arms raised and just wanted to both take it in, and give out - all at once. But I don't write about that part much, as it's both deeply personal and not something everyone can readily relate to. But I think you can understand...
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Beth Wagenius on July 25, 2012, 11:42 p.m.
I understand completely! (I hope it's okay to reply to this)
Your family is just so blessed to be able to live in that place. So beautiful.
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renee on July 25, 2012, 11:54 p.m.
Absolutely ok to reply to this. Everything written here is public and open. I do feel so blessed Beth.
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Beth Wagenius on July 25, 2012, 11:44 p.m.
Such a beautiful place. Your family is truly blessed to live there.
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Jill on July 26, 2012, 10:02 a.m.
Fantastic!!
The things we once thought were just a dream, and then we see them manifest...
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renee on July 26, 2012, 11:29 a.m.
Jill, I was actually going to write something along those lines, that once this was just a dream of ours, and now it's the reality. But the writing itself took a different turn.
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Tonya on July 26, 2012, 11:42 a.m.
I feel that way often about where we live. And how wonderful for you and your family Renee! Just this year I have started to allow Isaac (just turned 14) and Abby (just turned 12) go down to a shallow swimming hole (river) by themselves. After they have been gone for about 30 minutes my thoughts turn to them as well as I usually have them come home within 1 hour. - But it is a great growing time for them.
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Lori on July 25, 2012, 12:05 p.m.
Wow, that IS amazing..... We have a little stream in "our woods" in our yard, and I love to see those sand creations. That's the "stuff" of childhood that I treasure!
http://www.getwoodworkingplansnow.com on Dec. 11, 2012, 10:02 p.m.
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I've tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.