tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61313186320416619122011-12-29T09:32:39.297-08:00Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.comBlogger181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-50650064060231539352011-12-07T17:57:00.001-08:002011-12-14T19:29:21.594-08:00

Hesitantly, I choose to go into the mountains. Has too much time passed, since I last visited? Will they welcome me, as before? Will my love be evident? Will my love be returned?  Will I, still, hear the whispers of the Smokies?    Will I feel the peace, once found there?   The affinity with gray skies, shimmering drops of rain, the chill in the air and solitude of trails on days such as this,

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-15474263338104695792010-10-07T16:17:00.000-07:002010-10-07T17:52:38.499-07:00

I choose the trail carefully for the day's walk. Completely sure that I'll be alone, for solitude in nature is often necessary for me. I begin, assured of my way and set off through the woods for the short walk to the trail. This trail is more dangerous than others I travel. For now, I have more to lose. The vulnerabilities from the past put me in the way of greater harm.After a time, I realize

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-44545394908350846032010-07-29T19:16:00.000-07:002010-07-29T20:27:22.324-07:00

I choose the Secret Garden. A place with such meaning, a sacred place, a healing place. A place visited by my shadow and I. Reserved in my heart for special times such as these, I haven't visited since winter. Now, wild and untamed, the undergrowth crowds close to the trail. I may pass a bear within inches, yet never know. I make my way to the stream, the same stream that my shadow

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-72283907009666153092010-07-29T18:34:00.000-07:002010-07-29T19:11:47.014-07:00

~ This is a walk taken during the winter at my Secret Garden in the Smoky Mountains. At the time this walk was given by tweet. I would, once again, like to share this special time ~~ My shadow is the only one to walk with me ~~ My shadow looks closely as I point out the labyrinth of tangled tree limbs profiled against the sky ~~ My shadow worries as blood trickles down my arm where caught on

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-66286694431509315922010-07-16T18:36:00.000-07:002010-07-16T19:22:49.411-07:00

As night closes in, the call of the mountains begins in earnest and she responds. As she nears, the whispers begin. The lands hear her. In hushed tones, they reply, "Yes, we await". The skies darken, once again, replicating her mood.They prepare for her arrival. With the first step, the rainfall begins. Soon, her skin is dampened. She moves forward knowing they have, once again, read her heart.

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-24232168796136705592010-05-31T14:13:00.000-07:002010-05-31T14:42:05.015-07:00

Wide eyed with wonder, she approaches the trail. The path is covered in wet fallen leaves. The air is filled with the scent of rain dampened earth. She breathes in deeply.The soft rain mixes with the warmth to create a fine mist over the water. Such mystery. Standing, watching the stream, the appeal to enter the water and play is strong. She resists the temptation and moves on. She searches the

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-83900697847850210972010-05-01T17:30:00.000-07:002010-05-01T18:35:05.526-07:00

Today, I go to the mountains looking for the peace that I know is waiting. I am ready. It has been promised. The temperature is perfect for this walk. Translucent waters tumble around the trail side stream. I hear the melody of the birds. I am drawn to the luminous green of the lichen against tree trunks. Running tips of fingers over the tiny forest, enjoying the feel. The skies have grown dim,

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-33176270355766997132010-04-26T12:44:00.000-07:002010-04-26T13:41:32.078-07:00

As is usual, when she enters her sanctuary, she is alone. This time, the atmosphere replicates her mood. The skies are turbulent. Rain soaked trees appear as furious slashes in the dim air. The green of the leaves are of a deep shade, a shade found only in the darkest of imaginations.Today, she is here, not for fun, adventure or beauty. She came for the solitude. Knowing what she is here for, the

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-41008935763439331552010-04-18T17:14:00.000-07:002010-04-18T17:34:02.178-07:00

alonebright sunlight ~ dim shadowsblue skies ~ looming mountainwarmth on back ~ chill on windbirds chirp ~ unidentified soundstroll through the woods ~ arduous climbalonepale green leaf ~ dead tree trunkpeace beckons ~ danger screamsvivid yellow stripe ~ black velvet wingdelicate purple flower ~ jagged rockalonecrystal waters ~ tangled rootsunlit path ~ slip produce deathyellow bud ~ steep

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-15615595989341908382010-04-03T15:48:00.000-07:002010-04-08T13:55:39.798-07:00

Upon entering her Eden, she's greeted with a calming presence. Moving down the pathway, the whirlpools of jade beckon to her. She stops, transfixed by the swirling waters. It is a reminder of how her spirit has been tossed. Unlike her spirit, it has a soothing effect. Moving on, she searches for a seat. She finds the perfect rock over the water. Stepping carefully between boulders, she reaches it

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-4994899687582484532010-03-21T14:34:00.000-07:002010-03-21T15:32:47.826-07:00

I felt a sense of happiness and fun before ever leaving home to come to the mountains today. After having been trapped indoors all week in training, I'm ready to spend some time outdoors.As always, being here in the mountains, is a balm to my soul. Today, though, feels a little different. With the good mood that I brought, I feel adventurous. A ways into the trail, I spot the fallen tree across

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-87359059265916049442010-03-14T14:04:00.000-07:002010-03-14T14:43:15.285-07:00

My name is Kastalia. For I am a water nymph, daughter of Lord Neraeos and Lady Ourania. I am a caretaker of the rivers. I was created for a purpose. That purpose being to tend the rivers.I have come to partake of the solace of my favorite. I make my way across a tiny stream in the hills. Beautiful, yet I move on. I know what awaits. I hear it's roar in the distance. It calls my name. I am of it.

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-54342689026424085152010-03-12T12:25:00.000-08:002010-03-12T14:08:22.556-08:00

Feeling in a mischievous and bit of an energetic mood, I decide to go for a walk in the Smokies before the evening storms hit. I message a friend to let him know which of three trails I may choose. (Which would be the only safe thing that I did today) Somehow, I find myself on an entirely different trail than these altogether.I choose a trail that I have not tried before. Something feels very

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-86704252556752806122010-03-10T15:32:00.000-08:002010-03-10T15:58:24.637-08:00

Having been sick for over two weeks, I had no plans to be on a Smokies trail anytime soon. Even so, I decide to take a late evening walk. I choose the easiest, flattest trail that comes to mind. Still not feeling well, I slowly head down the trail, one foot in front of the other. A few short steps into it, I feel my spirits begin to lighten. The trickle of the creek, the rustle of what

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-58049411540791173552010-02-20T16:05:00.000-08:002010-02-20T16:26:01.137-08:00

arched stone bridge,harbors treasure untold,no name, no name, beauty so great,emeralds, tumble and swirl,underwater, burnett sways,scores of bubbles, foam white pristine,sound, ah but the sound,cascades roar,layer upon layer, falling, peaceful chaos,collage, shapes sizes textures, river stones,jade pools, serene between falls,summer comes,barefoot wading thrills,tiny rocks, toes buried,flowing,

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-10613309815036387102010-02-18T14:48:00.000-08:002010-02-18T15:36:22.561-08:00

Having a little extra time, I decide to walk up Bote Mountain Trail. I seldom set out with a thought as to how the trail will make me feel on a certain day. Some trails, by their "personality" have a mood already set.Bote Mountain Trail brings to mind the route that was used to reach Spence Field in the past by James Spence, but nature itself begins to override thoughts of history as I climb. On

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-35649093653670865792010-02-14T17:06:00.000-08:002010-02-14T18:04:01.314-08:00

This Valentine's Day, I spend with my love. I dress carefully in many layers, tugging on tobaggan and gloves. Yes, for Valentine's.. for my love is the Great Smoky Mountains. I fear with the weather, I will be rejected. Yet, as I approach, the gates stand open wide. I find the trail I seek and head down it's snow covered path.As with any love, there are times when the going isn't easy. In these

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6131318632041661912.post-33510718981935115012010-02-14T14:23:00.000-08:002011-12-29T09:32:27.995-08:00

I first came to the Smoky Mountains nine years ago. Upon arriving here, I knew that I had come home. The beauty of the Smokies captured my heart. The first trail I visited was Abram's Falls Trail in Cades Cove. Having never been an outdoors person or someone into sports, I was surprised by my immediate attraction to hiking. I began going to the mountain trails as much as possible, experiencing

Paula Comeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489329745396581759noreply@blogger.com3