Saturday, September 17, 2011

Magic Kingdom

Recently I've thought a lot about imagination, partly because I used to think my imagination wasn't that great, compared with someone like Anne of Green Gables or others like her. But then I started thinking about it and realizing just how much I actually do use my imagination.

A friend recently moved away and left me her pass to Eagle Creek park, which is just a mile or so down the road from me. I had no idea what a gift it was! Now, any time I fancy I can drive in the park and step into another world -- a magic kingdom of sorts. All is quiet and peaceful, there are no buildings, no traffic, everything is green and growing. If I want, we can go for a hike in the woods, or around part of the reservoir.

In the park I can imagine myself somewhere else: Scotland, Maine, Europe.......

We can enjoy nature and discover new things.

(Like this amazing tree that is hundreds and hundreds of years old. The first marker viewable towards the top marks the Revolutionary War!!)

One of the best things about the park is that I can drive through it and end up almost right at my sister's doorstep. It's like one of those secret passages I always longed to find as a child.

The beauty of imagination is that it can help one to be content in the setting one finds oneself in. The danger of imagination is when you refuse to be present in your circumstances and use imagination to escape reality in a harmful way. So, don't let yourself think imagination is only for children! Brighten up your day by enjoying what you are surrounded by.

3 comments:

willow said...

It looks like a lovely peaceful place. I have been to the small woodland near home this morning, its only small but away from distractions it is the perfect place to let thoughts roam free. For me that sort of imagination only really happens in the countryside.

Reneelynn said...

What a great peaceful place! We live in the country and I agree that the quiet and fresh air is priceless.
What a wonderful place to explore with your children.

Christina Wall said...

I love this post and this way of looking at Eagle Creek. It is a Magic Kingdom! Don't you love that one spot on the main road where it's lined with tall evergreens? I also loved the idea of the secret passageway to my house! It is!