I recently pulled up an old paper I wrote several years. It describes a special place that I go in my mind whenever I need to rejuvinate. I Decided to share that place with all of you and hope it brings you some of the peace it does me in these trying times. I hope you enjoy it. My Special Place The earth is cool beneath my body and the sweet grasses cushion me as I lie here dreaming beneath the deepest blue sky. The air plays with gentle fingers that ruffle through my hair and caresses by body with teasing fingers. Birds and crickets serenade me with sweet songs and water provides a delightful orchestra. The sun smiles down upon me with warm approval and kisses my face with delightful sweetness. With a gentle sigh, I open my eyes and sit up to survey my domain. Tall trees with their majestic limbs populate my valley and endlessly whisper bits of wisdom and peace. Grand imposing mountains rise like giant silent, imposing sententials all around my secret valley and guard it from all who would invade it uninvited. From my perch upon the hillside I see the tiny lake below with its waterfall of diamond drops that mist the air above the deepest depths of the waters. Crystal clear but still, hiding secrets of which one can but guess and dream. What contrast here! The blue and the black of the water, the diamond brightness of the waterfall and the thick richness of the carpet of grass that cushions the ground from harshness and the sweetness of the delicate wild flowers that perfume the air and delight the eye. The mountain guard or imprison depending upon the mood but are ever grim until the setting sun kisses them good night with blazes of indescribable color. And the endless sky, with the majestic hawk that soars and glides endlessly in its freedom from earths gravity. I look around me and feel the peace settle gently upon my soul like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. I look up and my heart soars with the great hawk as he endlessly rides the invisible currents of air. My heart fills with longing to join him in his endless flight. While I watch I dream and slowly my eyes close and set my soul to soar high above my secret valley. I spread my arms and drift and soar with only the hawk as my companion as he shares his domain with me. Upward and down in dizzying spirals as the currents lift us and then playfully drop us. A feeling enters my soul of such exhilaration that it is almost painful, almost ecstasy. Ah, but the time passes and the call of life pulls me back earthward, back to the reality of everyday. It is with sadness and with a sense of renewal that I return. I am at peace though and a secret smile rests upon my lips for I have a secret and the knowledge that this is my place and none can come here or invade my valley unless I invite them. Always it waits for me and always it welcomes me whenever I find the need for me. It rest within my heart and mind and is the expression of my soul. This hidden valley, this delightful place is my secret and belongs to only me. Ah, but my friend, you are welcome here whenever you need what is here. You may change it to suit you, but do not worry I can always make it mine again with just a thought. So come whenever you are burdened or hurting as often as you like. For you, my friend, are as special as this valley and as necessary to me as it is. Priscilla Schooley