Pine Cone Pleasure

My heart plummeted when I saw the "check engine" light come on my dashboard. I was not actually seeing the red light, but the zero balance in my checkbook. I live in a remote part of Escondido, California. The nearest bus stop is two miles away and the nearest store is right around the corner. I have a problem with allergies and asthma. On a hot summer's day or even in the spring, I often gasp for breath while walking outside. With no one to ask for a ride and with no money for a cab, this health issue can create a big problem in my life.

My other half thought he could fix it. So while I waited for him to walk to an auto store, I walked down to the market to get bottled water. I took Willie, my foster terrier mix, on a leash and we had a pleasant walk in the sunshine with birds singing and only a few cars whizzing by.

The more exercise he gets, the calmer he is for the rest of the day so I was happy to see that he was starting to droop a little on the way home. He is a very active seven-month-old puppy and it is hard to get him to relax sometimes. As we approached the alley behind Home Depot, I inhaled the sweet scent of pine and saw a bazillion pine cones lying under a tall tree.

Remembering that in Southern California, these natural treasures are sometimes bagged and sold at craft stores, I dove in and gathered as many as I could stuff into my basket. They were unbroken and came in a variety of shapes and sizes. As I picked up each one, I was aware of the gentle breeze blowing on my face and the sun beaming down on my body. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought I was at a mountain retreat.

After I got home, I loaded them into an oblong basket and displayed them on a shelf. They looked as nice as any decorator item I've seen in stores and the best part is, they fill the room with a fresh aroma.

If my SUV hadn't broken down, I wouldn't have received the blessing of connecting with nature on that particular day so I am most grateful for the opportunity the Divine Spirit gave me.