My hands are scarred by gashes that I can never explain. I told my followers on Facebook that it's a boy thing. Can we say that today? A boy thing. We've evolved into a generation where having an identity doesn't play by the rules of all out openness. Instead of a boy thing I should call it an all people thing. But can I say people? Yes we live on earth but there could be groups that don't identify themselves as people. I use hand lotion to keep from getting hangnails. Is that a girl thing? It's a people thing. No it's a thing.

The forest is about to get pummeled by a lengthy summer thunder maker. The roar in the sky. Nature is constantly changing. I'm reminded of the woman of homelessness. I asked her how she stays dry. Her reaction was "I keep walking. I know my steps will lead me back to the shelter." More than ever we are a lost generation with a roof and four walls to protect us from the rain and wind. I don't know how to live out there. What if this storm puts me on a walk through the rain to hopefully locate something dry? "No worries," The woman of homelessness said to me, "Nothing will wreck my day."

A forested floor speaks every language. It's not choosey as to who shall receive messages that it's been holding for five hundred years or more. How dare I think I'm the only one listening!

Discovering surface water on the forest floor proved to be an opener of the heart. It took me deeper into the soil to learn more about mushrooms and their importance to the survival of a tree. The act as conductors of communication. Which made me think about human nature. What connect our inner core to others? The digital world is outside. Within our personal energies what keeps us connected? How can sharpen that gift?

If you could hear the forest right now. An intense feeling of calm. Birds of many. A cool summer breeze. It invites the leaves on the trees to not only dance but to provide a rhythm for each and every bird sharing their beautiful vocals. Slowly I make my way toward the turtle laying eggs within the forest floor. Speaking softly and with true love, my calling is to do nothing more than just listen. The forest has so many stories and events. So grateful for it's presence and willingness to share so that I can passing the moments forward.

This forest will soon be trapped in a summer heatwave. Looking at the limbs and leaves on the trees they don't appear to be stressed but rather at peace. The Red Tail hawk is darting across it's wide open sky of a playground. The Sterling's continue to search for seeds while the squirrel's find focus on dancing from tree to tree. They've been taught to watch each other. To warn of possible trouble. Especially if the flow of the stream is interrupted. For we who are human? All we can do is be prepared. To mentally be in touch with what's real. To physically stay grounded. So says the Black snake.

To be a tree. To feel an early summer breeze. To embrace the waters left by last nights storms. To be protection from the sun while pulling in so much energy to feed tree growth. That's how nature speaks to and through us. What sounds are we sharing back? Learning to listen to everything around us teaches the soul to be a better student.

So much wildlife surrounds us here at Andrew Jackson State Park. This comes less than 12 hours from standing under the giant sky at one in the morning to fall witness to comet remnants falling freely to earth. Being in places of natural connection. Locating the space to slow things down. To appreciate the length of time required to heal a body injury. That time in slow motion tends to paint prettier pictures.

A hawk has been living in my forest for nearly two years. A playful hawk in the way of making himself quite visibly and with great sound. The lessons we learn from the animal kingdom. Teaching ourselves to trust what nature shares.

While walking through the forest I took note of the tree limbs drooping. Research shows that this is a sign of tree stress. As a human you want to do all you can to help relieve the pain from the tree. Arborists say to put tree bark and or mulch at the base. To give it nutrients. Having a relationship with a forest means communication. The type that most prefer to tune out. Until their personal lives become stressed and their limbs begin to droop. What's missing from your within that can't seem to be found? What would serve as the best nutrients? Nature hold's so many answers. We're guilty of allowing the loudest to step within. Or we've become persistent in making sure we're in total control of what's allowed. Sadly, that invites the perfectionist. Take walks. Learn to allow the outside atmosphere speak directly into you. Seems kind of odd to experience until you realize there's more of you out there then physically inside of you. Grow forward.