We are almost into the third month of 2009 and this is my first post. Wow, how the months have flown!
On an impulse today, I decided to visit White Rock Lake which is a popular spot in east Dallas. Often called an urban oasis, it is truly unique in that it sits right in the core of the city but yet transports you to nature that seems so far away from the concrete jungle that surrounds it. I entered on Poppy Drive which is not a usual approach and encountered a glorious site of birds frolicking in the water....ducks, cranes, geese....it was truly magnificent.
I sat in the car for a while as it was cold and windy. Beckoned by the sun, I ventured out for a closer look and a goose was near the parking lot presumably begging for food with a loud cackling. I walked out on the wooden pier to gaze out at the lake and feel the sun. How could I be so close to such a beautiful place and not visit it more often? I live less than 5 miles away and rarely come here. This is the perfect prescription for stress relief, relaxation and inspiration. Note to self: "Remember the Lake when I need a break." I said goodbye to the gaggle of geese.
Scene Two - I walked back to the car and decided to drive to another part of the lake since you can't make a complete circle in an automobile. The next spot took me high up on a precipice so that I could look down at the paths and the water. Beautiful! I saw cyclists, runners, walkers and people with their dogs walking. There was such much activity and all of the participants looked as if they absolutely loved it! I closed my eyes and imagined what it would be like to just walk the path along the lake with the sun on my face....pure bliss and a surreal closeness with God is the best way to describe my feeling.
Scene Three - I drove to my usual spot when I go to the lake. It's called Winfrey Point and is also on a hill. I watched as several people went down the hill with their dogs. One couple with a tenacious and rowdy dog headed down the hill. The woman hesitated as the man and dog eagerly made their way down to the lake. I guess she changed her mind as she waved at them and then promptly returned to the car. A few minutes later, a dog unleashed and apparently very happy about it ran as if he had no bounds. He marked several spots as his owner whistled for him and finally decided to heed and return to the parking lot. You could sense and feel the freedom that that dog must have been experiencing as he absorbed nature around him.
After two hours I reluctantly decided that I need to get back to the house. The usual weekend errands and to-do's were waiting for me. I sighed with a deep breath and slowly drove out of the park taking in the trees, the park benches placed strategically for optimal lake viewing, the sculptures and two final dogs running and playing together. I finally arrived at the street and as the traffic approaches on Loop 12, I'm readily reminded that I'm still in the city. It took five minutes to turn onto the street!
But ahh...., just within that busy thoroughfare, just within a few miles of my house, lies an urban oasis and rejuvenation.
Photo Courtesy of bmarsh011
