Changing Gears

[Rinkerfam]

The boat came home last weekend to begin its long winters nap in our driveway. And although more than half the "booty" my two sons collected on Halloween remains in their Trick or Treat bags, my oldest has his sights set on the wonder that is Christmas. I happened to notice my skis in the basement for the first time since last season, while packing boat gear away, even though I've walked by them a hundred times. The leaves have all but completely abandoned their seasonal watch from the trees in our yard. Our freezer has made the transition from summers grill friendly fare to the "other" seasons comfort foods. Bathing suits, shorts and t-shirts have mysteriously migrated to the attic while jeans, sweatshirts and fleece have taken their place in our closets. As I sit here clicking away on the lap-top, while a pumpkin scented candle burns on the stove-top, I realize that a change has taken place. Not only has the season changed, but so have I. I no longer feel like something has been taken from me (summer and time spent at the lake). I now understand, that as I transition from one season of my life to the next, that far more has been given to me.

[glennsteely]

I like posting trash talk about sports......but I am seeing another side. The amount of skill that is displayed here on the forum. The writing skill that a lot of you possess is incredible. All of your stories touch my heart, and this forum helps me in my day to day struggle of missing The Lake......

[SIKSUKR]

I'm with you Glennsteely.The stories that have been posted recently have been nothing short of wonderfull.They touch the heart,inspire thoughts of past memories and just make you feel all fuzzy.I for one love all the seasons NH has to offer.My favorite season by just a bit over summer is almost upon us.I just can't wait to get on those boards and rip down those trails,head out into the woods and blaze a path through the trees where it feels that no one has been before.Snow clinging to the bare birch trees with the winter sun shining through has the look of a coral reef at times.You almost feel your inside one of those shake-up snowy x-mas globes.The peaceful feeling I have when I'm out there alone is as good as it gets for this guy.The whole world is right and I don't have a negative thought in my body when I find a solitude spot to perch on top of the mountain and take in all that beauty that is NH's mother nature.I now have given myself goosebumps so I must go look at photos of the previous seasons journeys. SS

[glennsteely]

SS, its not just the quality of the stories, but the way they are conveyed. The pictures they leave in my mind, are colorful and vivid.

[weekender]

The Lake brings out the best in our hearts and relaxes the soul which inspires us to write meaningful phrases. The lake certainly is a gift from up above and for those of you who look out your window each day to its beauty, I hope you never neglect what you have. For the rest of us, must rely on our webcams to see the seasons transpire. ~Missing the tranquility~ :(

[glennsteely]

.......How true is that comment. Now that you said it, I realize it, just thinking about the place calms my soul. It gives me a bright spot, something to look forward to and touches me where no other place can. I have been a lot of places in my life, both phisically and spiritually, and no place, to me, is as beautiful in both cases. In another thread, someone posted something to the effect of, I hope the permanant residents of the Lake realize what they have.....They do, and I, for one, realize what THEY have too ! And wish I still had it ! Well, enough mushy stuff, I will be back in 7 months.....and counting....