Each time I visit this natural mural I am in awe. From afar it seems magical, almost surreal but the closer I get the more breathless I become, for Mother Nature has, once again, captured my heart and drawn my attention towards her canvas of the Rocky Mountains.
I marvel at this display to which She has scrutinized over the slightest bit of detail; She has left nothing to chance. I feel the weight of my life lift effortlessly from my shoulders as I enter this wondrous world of majestic snow-capped giants. Their flowing arms of cool, clear rivers envelope me in a hug of refreshing mountainous air. I am always welcomed with a breezy kiss and a myriad of bird songs. She has taken her brush, and with strokes that even Monet would be proud of, dabbed on an, oh so, colorful display of flowers that wave from the cordilleran slopes.
It is here that I feel at peace, at one with Her. The trickling streams run away with my troubles and throw them over ostentatious waterfalls to plunge to the frothy depths of rocky canyons, leading them to the icy fingers of the placid, glacial lakes. Even the thunderous crashes and electrifying bolts of lightning during her tumultuous storms can not smash through my tranquility while I observe Her environmental work of art.
Daily, I am welcomed to the lonely loon’s wake-up call and the news from the chattering squirrels. I am greeted with the warming rays, so delicately spread in muted colors of saffron, amber, and crimson and fading into the beginnings of the endless blue.
Her design also includes a watery looking glass, that reflects the billowing clouds in the sky and the gracious treed sentries that guard the rock fortress’ secrets. Against the backdrop of stone Goliaths I am sure to miss much camouflaged wildlife as they stand ready for flight if I make a wrong move.
I will walk along the forest carpet, breathing in Her realism and return to my true self for the first time in a long time. This faced paced tempera colored life that I lead blends into her relaxed atmosphere and soon becomes forgotten. In this quiet woodland I have been caressed by an unexplainable serenity that has finally completed me. Her masterpiece has become my cathedral of which I draw strength.
Soon my visit must come to an end and like a pebble shatters the reflection so to do the trickling thoughts of my life’s daily routine return. Here the splash will become a wave and my pebble of peace will sink to the bottom. Though I am sad to leave, this time I have been able to take a tiny slice of tranquility home with me. I will be able to return to my serene place by closing my eyes and listening to the “Beautiful Music of the Natural Symphony of the Canadian Rockies” on my CD player. I will wave a teary goodbye to my artistic, soul-cleansing, friend and holding tight to my autographed serenity whisper my promise, “I will return!”