It had just poured outside when I took my break. The sky was still dull and grey- muted tones of what had just washed the world away. Everything smelled of greenery and rain- and I was restless.

I didn't want to sit and write in my journal... my usual spot- leaning against a tree in the back lawn of my office building- was soaking wet... and I didn't want to sit in my car! I sit all day!

I took a look at the building behind ours. Beyond that building was the University of Buffalo. Or- at least- their woods and park. It's full of walking and biking trails... but it had never really dawned on me to explore it. I wasn't precisely certain if it was safe... if it had alot of people constantly roaming it. But today? I decided I wanted to walk it.

In my high heels and skirt, I started down the path. It went under trees and alongside the road- until it suddenly ducked under the bridge... that ran over a stream.

It was beautiful. There were willows on either side, and long tails of bright purple flowers that reached out to the water as if it were a long-lost relative. I moved down the path absolutely basking in the beauty of that little piece of nature.

I followed the path alongside the stream until I rounded another corner- and came almost face-to-face with a Blue Heron. The huge bird stared at me down its long nose with a serenity I didn't know could be possessed by a winged one. Since childhood, I have considered them the best of omens- and the best of luck. I could NOT believe I was this close to one...

I watched him for ten minutes- wade about the edge- catch a fish and gulp it with gusto! Then, I was forced to climb a tall walk-bridge to get back to my office... It towered above the stream and seemed so rickety- I hardly believed it was safe! Through it all, the heron kept one placid eye on me...

Walking back into the office- purple flowers in hand- I could hardly believe the treasure I had found.

It's the little things that make me feel so blessed... as, indeed, I am.