Favorite places

There Are Places, and Then There Are PLACES!

Some places are just there, drifting by unnoticed, like the passing moments of a busy day. Others have a purpose—a supermarket for the week’s groceries, or a corner pizza joint that’s been around for decades. But then there are those rare places that hold something deeper, something timeless. Places that make you feel like you’ve stepped out of the world, even for just a moment, and into a space where your soul can breathe a little easier.

For Ollie, our English Shepherd, his favorite place is simple—a spot across my husband’s lap while he's reading in his chair. It’s the kind of comfort that only dogs understand, the pure joy of being close to someone you love, without a care in the world. It’s sweet, it’s uncomplicated, and it’s all he needs. And in his world, that’s just about perfect.

As for us humans? We’re a bit more complicated. We’re always chasing after something. But to find a moment of peace, a sliver of calm in the chaos of life, is precious. I found my spot many years ago, tucked under a tree in the backyard that feels like an old friend. It’s not just any tree, mind you—it’s the tree. The one that’s been there through every season, every change. Its branches stretch out like a protective arm, offering shade from the sun, a quiet sanctuary away from the bustle of everyday life.

Sitting there, beneath that tree, time seems to slow down. The world softens around me. I can breathe in the earthy scent of damp moss, the rich perfume of the ground after a rain. I hear the bullfrogs at the pond, their deep croaks echoing through the still air, like a song that's been sung for generations. The noise of the world slips away, leaving only the whisper of the wind through the leaves and the comfort of being right here, exactly where I belong.

In today’s world, where everything moves so fast, it’s easy to forget the importance of these quiet moments. But we all need a place to pause—a place to remember that some things don’t change. That tree has seen so many of my memories, from the simple joy of sitting in its shade to the weight of more difficult times when it felt like the world was too much. But no matter what, it’s always been there, patiently waiting, offering a little peace when I need it most.

So, find your spot, the one that feels like home, where you can step back from the rush and breathe in the world a little slower. The days may change, the years may pass, but those places, the ones that have been there all along, will always remind you where you come from and where your heart feels most at rest. Your soul will thank you.

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