Thursday, April 29, 2010

Dear Mother Earth

It was a week ago today that we celebrated Earth Day. I was so excited to learn that a special outing awaited me on that glorious day. It was all I could do to contain my excitement when I learned I would be spending the day at one of your many natural forests with my family. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the Earth than by being outside, surrounded by your wonders and basking it its glory.

While it's okay for me to visit, I cannot leave anything behind. I will leave only footsteps, I promise.

The cool grass beneath my paws reminds me that spring is really here. I tread lightly as I go in search of all that spring has to offer.

I was taking in the many sights and smells when the wonderful scent of these beautiful little flowers pulled me off the path. I stopped to say hello to them and to welcome them back from their winter slumber. How happy they were to see me and to breath the fresh air.

I was not walking alone because I promised Dad I would show him all the beauty to be found around us in the forest. We were silent as we walked, listening only with our hearts.

Your beauty shone ever so lovely on this lake. Where would we be without water, that precious resource that gives life to everything around us? The trees around her stood tall and proud, protecting their life source.

As I walked to the shore of the lake, I reminded myself that I could not enter. The lake is home to so many of my friends, but most are still sleeping. I wanted to place a "Do Not Disturb" sign at the water's edge to let everyone know that even though the lake looks empty, it is filled with wonderful surprises.

I searched for turtles basking in the sunlight on this log, but there were none to be found. My turtle friends were out playing when I arrived and I promised myself that I would be back to visit with them soon.

Even this fisherman didn't notice me as I past him on my journey. I know he was only pretending to be fishing because I heard some of my fish friends laughing at him. They would have played the catch-and-release game with him, but they were too busy enjoying the day.

I came upon a pier and tired from my walk, decided to rest with Mom. She picked me up and placed me on the bench next to her so I would not fall. Only after we had recharged our batteries and were ready to continue did I ask Dad to take our picture. We look so happy, at home in our surroundings.

Can you see the hole in the tree? My woodpecker friends raise their babies in this hole, but they were not home today when I stopped by. I bet they were out flying all around the forest, chasing each other and having fun.

Something smelled really good at the base of these trees. I think my bunny friends had stopped by earlier in the day while they were feeding their babies. Since it was early afternoon, the babies were tucked into their warm furry beds taking their afternoon nap.

Meadows are meant for running through and that's exactly what I did when I came up this one. Run like the wind, I told my tired legs. I ran as hard and fast as I could, Mom and Dad trailing behind me. They finally caught up to me at the end of the meadow, but then I turned and ran back the way I had come, off to finish my stroll on the path.

I was slowing down by this time because I had walked so far. My legs don't work like they use to so I had to stop every now and then to catch my breath. Stopping provided me with opportunities to take in my surroundings. You never know what you might find if you just slow down.
I spotted this lovely lavender flower out of the corner of my eye. I rushed over to pick it for Mom but then remembered that the flowers belong to the forest and must remain there for everyone to enjoy. How quickly I had forgotten about that over the winter while cooped up inside.

Even this pretty dandelion spoke to me. He told me how people don't like him, how they pick him out of his home, and even spray chemicals on him. I looked at him with horror upon hearing his sad story. He is as much a part of the forest as the trees. The birds, mammals, and insects need him as much as they need water. I promised him that I would tell all my friends to respect him and his family because they are important to all of us.

I just knew one of my friends had been to the forest before I got there because this tree smelled like him. The lovely scent of a friend can brighten your day. I wondered if my friend was still in the forest or on his way back home to have an afternoon treat.

Near the end of my walk, I saw this sign that Mom read to me. It is a reminder that we must stay on the path designated for us and to not wander into the lake. We are land animals, not water animals and though our paths may cross, we live in separate worlds.

I stumbled upon a playground on my way back to the car. I pleaded with Mom to put me on the swing but she told me it wasn't safe to swing alone. I started to pout but she scooped me up and placed me on her lap. We swung higher and higher, almost to the sky. She whispered something in my ear and then kissed me on the head, thanking me for spending this wonderful day with her.

I was smiling from ear to ear because this had been the best day ever. I relished the time we got to spend enjoying your creations Mother Earth. I've been reminded of all the beauty so close to home that I can always enjoy. I promise to visit you again really soon.

I tread lightly on your loveliness as I walk with you around me. I seek your wisdom to show me things I cannot see. I speak of your beauty and feel it's touch on my body. I thank you for all that you are for I am one with you.

Your friend,

Stubby xoxo

21 comments:

THE PUGLET said...

Oh Stubbs, this post kinda made us leak a little (in a good way, dude).

I think it is the sweetest thing you have ever written and your love of nature and all its creatures (dandelions included) just might be the greenest part of your very green self.

Love ya, man.

Kelly said...

Stubby, what an incredible and touching post.

Thanks for all that you teach me.

Stubby said...

Hi Puglet! I didn't mean to make anypug leak! That's your job dude!

What a great compliment! I had such a great time in the forest last week and I can't wait to go back.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Pearly Poo! I'm so glad you liked this post. There's so much out there to discover if we just open our eyes. You teach me so much too Pearly and I thank you for it.

Stubby xoxo

dw said...

Hi Stubby! I'm so glad you got around to posting pictures of your forest walk! Your mom told me about that outing last Friday, so it's nice to see the pretty forest you went to. I'm also glad the bunnies were out playing since we wouldn't want you eating any of that bunny poop -- stick to Popeye's instead! And it's so nice to see you smiling, too, swinging with your mom! What a wonderful day you had!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Hi there new friend
You sure are a cutie. Yummy recipe!!
Benny & Lily

Those Elgin Pugs said...

OH STUBBY!!!!!!
I LOVE THIS!!!!! I'm so glad you got to spend times today with your Mommy and Daddy! How sweet!!! My heart melted when you wanted to pick the little purple flowers for your Mommy! Oh, and I too like dandelions. So does Mommy. She always has and so does grandma. She gets sad too when nobody wants to see them.
You looked super cutes on the swings with your Mommy! I gots super excited Stubby seeing yous! I really miss my Studly Stubby Man!!! Ours Momma's gots to gets togethers agains and then you and I can be alones (hee hee).
So glad you enjoyed your day!
xoxoxoxo Your Josie Girl

Hank said...

Stubby, like the puglet, I almost leaked a little. You and your parents certainly made some nice memories that day!

You are so cute and smart and thoughtful.

Love,

Sarah

agent99 said...

Great post Stubby, it felt like we were right there with you. I think I even smell the forest....
Plus, that picture of you and your mom on the pier was wonderful!

your friends
Gen & the Foo

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

What a great post Stubby! Such beautiful pictures of Mother Earth :)

You have a wonderful smile too :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

Stubby said...

Hi dw! I thought today would be the perfect day to post the pics and talk about my perfect day. Maybe you can go with us next time we visit the forest.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Benny & Lily! Thanks for stopping by my bloggy. I love making new friends and I'm happy to meet you guys.

I'm glad you love the recipe. Make sure your Mom gives you a little taste.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Josie Girl! I had the best Earth Day ever! It was awesome in the forest and I want to take you there.

I agree our moms need to get together. Maybe we can do something next week. Have your peeps contact my peeps!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Sarah! I can't believe this post almost made you leak. We made memories and soaked up the sunshine on a perfect day.

Thanks so much for the nice compliments!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Gen & the Foo! If you felt like you were in the forest with me, then my story telling skills are spot on. The smells in the forest were amazing.

Mom didn't want to be in any pictures but I insisted. I'm going to frame that picture and put it on the mantel!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Yoda & Brutus! I'm glad you loved my post. It was almost as fun to create as it was to live it. I will never forget that day as long as I live.

I'm kind of shy about my smile because of my crazy looking teeth but I really love to smile. Thanks for letting me know my smile is wonderful because I love to smile!

Stubby xoxo

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dearest Stubby
Thank you so much for taking us on this incredible journey with you.
I could feel what you were saying.
Your words painted a picture that I could see so clearly and feel in the beating of my heart.
You reverenced that mighty forest including the little flowers and the sacred waters.
I could only hear you tip toe so quietly so you did not leave any foot prints, and did not even crush any little blades of grass.
I heard you whisper as you stood in awe.
Your story gave me a time to reflect and appreciate what you were saying.
This is the most beautifuls story I have ever read. And I am so proud to call you my friend.
Thank you for this wonderful story.
And I just love the photo of you and your mama.
love
tweedles

Smushie Ranch said...

This was a beauuuutiful post Stubbs. We got a little nervous of you standing so close to the edge of the lake. You know us Pugs don't swim so good. But we still loved your nature walk.

Love,
Stella, Gunther and Betty

Stubby said...

Hi Tweedles! I just knew you'd love this post. I thought about you while I was creating it because it's so Tweedle-like.

Thank you so much for the compliments on the story. I'm glad you could join me on my journey, a journey I will never forget.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Stella, Gunther & Betty! Mom was very surprised that I even walked to the edge of the lake. I really don't like being in the water but I knew my friends were in there and I was looking for them. Maybe next time they will be awake and can come out to play.

Stubby xoxo

Apollo said...

Wow Stubby, what a poetic post. It looks like a really good time...connecting with Mother Nature and spending quality time with the pawrents. I love when my pawrents take me hiking so that I can listen to the trees, flowers, birds, insects, and other animals.