Pleasant Valley

“ Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”

— John Muir

I remember as a young child the first time I looked out over this picturesque valley with its quaint, fairy tale farm and gentle flowing river. I felt a sense of wonder at the simple beauty of the green fields nestled up against the foothills and the stillness of everything.

Tonight as I stood here again looking out over a valley that has not changed much in 40 years, I felt pure peace. I watched the long shadows stretch across the green grass and then fade away. I listened to the sounds of the birds chirping and felt a gentle, cool breeze against my skin. I realized that taking this picture has been on my bucket list for many years. I may even go shoot it again when the skies are blue instead of cloudy. Definitely smiling tonight.