“Blue Eyes…Baby’s Got Blue Eyes”

OK, they aren’t blue, those are serious, hot eyes, maybe even a little attitude eyes, and they brought me to my knees, as does the song. Elton can do that with his deep, melodious voice. The song makes me melt. But that’s another post.

There are some things in life that stop us in our tracks, make us think. Certain things have a way of catching our attention, garnering perspective. Certain songs have the same affect.

My husband and I went on a mini-vacation this past weekend, and a Wildlife Refuge is near where we stayed. Hot Eyes is just one of the many characters we met.

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After meeting this guy, and making sure the cage was securely locked, I walked away in awe.

The place is absolutely gorgeous. In April, hardly anyone else is there. We kinda planned on that.

This one melted my heart, a seriously friendly, red tailed hawk that was hit by a car while eating off the road. I don’t know whether it occurred during the day or night, but when I asked about the injury, the woman handling him told me all the birds in the sanctuary were injured in the same manner. They were hit by a car.

This lovely creature’s wing was injured, but he’ll be OK, we were told.

Back at the ranch, we strolled along the many interconnected pathways. They are wide, paved, and weave nicely through the trees and houses. We used to bike these paths with the kids. Ah. Sweet memories.

As we walked, a deer appeared. Sadly, there was no fear; in this locale the deer have grown accustomed to a steady flow of humans. They rarely startle. They hang around and eat, rest, walk at their leisure.

I seek solace in nature. It is there I find it. Always. It has a way of grounding me, guiding me to stay on track. When connecting with the outdoors; somehow, after, I don’t fall (as far).

I am especially drawn to nature when I’m feeling a bit down (not being able to take vacations with the kids any longer is a biggie). After visiting a place like this, I feel refreshed. It fills me  up. I feel stronger.

And, I wish I was more fearless.

Just like Red Tail up there. Now, where’s my Elton CD?