I love walking in the hills of Idaho. The high desert with sagebrush, rabbit brush, cottonwood trees, hawthorn bushes, beautiful rocks, and all the wildlife. There’s so much to see, feel, smell, and experience. I often wonder what the long-ago settlers thought when they came to this part of the country. Most were looking for gold, silver, and other metals to make them rich. They probably had no interest in what it looked like for aesthetic reasons. On my walks, I often find remnants of times gone by and wonder about the people.
Walking is a great relaxer and stimulator. It relaxes the mind and lowers blood pressure. At the same time, it can stimulate a person to think outside their normal boundaries. If you are upset, you can go out, away from everyone. Scream, shout, jump up and down. See what beautiful scenery the world has to offer.
In the fall when I look across the valley, I can see all the hills covered in their magnificent glory. With the oranges, reds, yellows, greens, and browns, it’s a sight to see. The hawthorn bushes are painted purple, scarlet, and gold. What glorious scenes that neither a camera nor a paintbrush can capture.
Watching a small herd of deer with a few fawns grazing near the river is awe-inspiring. No one can think about anything negative while experiencing this wonder. Mother doe watching her babies exploring new territory and each other, knowing mom will protect them.
This is my home. This is my dream come true. This is my Shangri-La to never leave.
Rural Realities - For women about women 