Feeling Calm

I feel calm just looking at this picture.

There's something about being out in the canoe. I think it's because you're surrounded by nature on all sides. You have to slow down and push yourself forward stroke-by-stroke -- there's no roar of the boat motor, no wind numbing your ears, no talking crowds, nobody wanting anything. Just the sound of paddles sliding through the water, frogs and turtles jumping off lily pads as you pass.

Other things that make me feel calm: 

• being in between stacks at a library or bookstore
• swinging on my brand new swing under the tree in our back yard (you'll see it in a few weeks of pictures)
• racing on the wave runner on the lake (I know that seems a little strange and opposite of the canoe, but it has to do with -- again -- the wide expanse of the lake surrounding you and the constant whoosh of the wind isolating you from the rest of the world. And you can go FAST)

And P.S. ice cream cookie sandwiches are delicious. I know that's unrelated but I'm just throwing it out there.

A good day.