Here on this mountain top I am a new comer. But, I am not new to mountains, tall trees or forests set on high ridge lines.  This place, when I first set foot upon it welcomed me, drew me in and here I feel as if I have arrived at my final destination. Of course, I hope I am also destined to spend many years enjoying the gentle passing of many seasons. But I am grateful for each day as it passes.

 The wildflowers grow in abundance along with so many plants that have wonderful edible and healing potential, and all sorts and bees and butterflies that visit them. So many different butterflies! I am catching them whenever I can. Not with a net, but with my camera. Someday I will have a collection and will be able to identify them all.

Cows low in the distance. Someone’s donkey brays occasionally. Birds give their calls at dawn and dusk. Owls give sound to the night. Deer leave their hoof prints on the clear ground and creatures I have not yet occasionally give evidence they have recently used the paths that are clear through the undergrowth up the mountain side.

It is quiet here. Few cars pass on the road below. I am sheltered from the view from the road, although it is not any great distance away. This tiny cabin is on a rise. It is at an angle that is not easily seen by passers’ by. They have to know where to look. The drive up that takes some time to climb over rough, course, gravel, and along with the barking of the two dogs, I know when anyone might be approaching.

I am doing what work I can to carve out a small homestead. It is going slow and taking time, but that is part of my experience here. I have not wanted to come in with heavy equipment and move around a lot of earth and ask a lot of trees to lie down so I can have an exquisite view. I don’t want to change that which drew me here and has welcomed me.