When the mind races, I take a walk. If I am overwhelmed, I walk. If I have time to kill, I walk. Walking is good for my body and mind. I don’t really need an excuse to take a walk. Today I found myself with an extra hour between appointments and decided to take advantage of the paved river front trail. As much as I like to travel, local life has its charm.

I step out of my car and onto the paved and trail and almost immediately feel the calming effects of the natural surroundings. I am dressed for a meeting that will happen within the hour, but this trail is like a long sidewalk through the woods. I think I have time for about a mile in and back.

The trees are whispering their greetings. The rustling of leaves pleasantly welcome me into their midst. I gently touch the bark of trees along the path to return their greeting. Old men ride by on bicycles. They are moving fast, much too fast to appreciate the aroma of the spring undergrowth or the way that light dappled the forest floor.

Birds are singing a disjointed symphony. I hear the familiar cardinal and robin song. Small birds twitter in the vines. My Merlin app tells me that the warblers have also arrived and that we have a Northern Parula here as well. That explains the vibrant blue splashes darting about.

In the clearing, I can see the broad Missouri River rolling by. Large logs float down the current. The water is high from a lot of rain, but not yet at flood stage. A man walking his dog passes by. I say hello, but am ignored. No matter. I am here for the scenery.

I realize the time, and reverse course. I have less than a half hour to walk back to the car and get to the meeting. I am content to walk in the shade of the trees and think through my meeting notes. I don’t notice a guy on roller blades who skates up suddenly. He says “you look like you are going to prom.” I have on a very casual skirt and walking shoes. I guess perhaps he is not used to seeing a woman in a dress. He says, “will you go to prom with me?” I simply smile and tell him I hope he enjoys his skate.

On my way to the car, I say goodbye to the trees. They have better manners and are always glad to see me. They don’t care if I am in my dirty clothes or my summer skirt. They don’t expect witty conversation. They don’t demand to know where I am going or where I’ve been. They just stand solid, tall, and beautiful and await my return.