I have committed myself to writing more and more of my stories down. Little by little I hope this project will get easier and faster as I tune in more to what I want to say.

Today, Saturday, I started my weekend like I have done most others by venturing out into the woods. Every time, I hope to see one of the neighborhood bears, the family of deer, or something I've never seen before. Today, I went with an open mind ready to see, hear and feel anything I needed to. The journey began by immediately finding a heart shaped leaf just before venturing on the trail. I did a little off-roading on the trails to see if I could observe any creatures in their own happy habitat. As I wandered, I realized that many people do not understand why I live my life the way that I do. They are bound to ridicule me for not sticking to the straight and narrow path that has already been carved out. I brushed that off as I twirled the stem of the leaf with my fingers while I walked. The significance of these leaves and the heart shape has been showing up for me in great amounts over the past few weeks. Today, I noticed the edges of these particular leaves are like a crinkle cut pair of scissors. Immediately what came to my mind was "create your life with the shape of your own crinkle cutter."

To me, this means that each individual person is meant to be just that, unique. We come in all shapes and sizes with different interests and some may look slightly similar except cut with a crinkle cut pair of scissors. We are meant to show up to the world as our own truly authentic selves. Offering our best and sometimes even weirdest qualities to our communities and the world in general. The best gift you can give this earth, your family, and your partner is to be you.

I found this heart in the base of a tree root as I continued along. The message I got here, was only one word. "Disconnected." When you disconnect from your heart and personal desires to become like others or to do as they say you are actually doing a disservice to yourself. The ends just don't meet and your energy drains to things outside of what is important to you. A piece is missing. If you find you are in a place of feeling disconnected start by asking yourself a few questions. What is it that you love? What makes you happy? How can you add a piece of that into your life each and every day? And once you've answered the questions, start working to DO those things.

Your heart is full, plump, and shiny at your roots. When you come across tough times, go back to the basics and find your roots.

It took me a little while in this journey to see some creatures. But right in front of me the most beautiful Pileated woodpecker appeared with a massive red mohawk. They must be one of the fiestiest birds I've ever seen. Like the Harley Davidson crew of the woods!

Woodpeckers spend their lives banging their heads against trees. When you really stop and think about what they are doing it might give you a headache...but! It is really interesting! I ended up sitting nearby and observing this bird peck away on multiple trees. Sometimes small chunks would fly out other times huge pieces of bark came down. As I observed, I heard... "Opportunity Knocks." Woodpeckers do not just bang their head against a wall for no reason. Each tree is a new possibility. A new door they are determined to open. They are searching for food for themselves in some trees. Other trees provide the opportunity to build a beautiful new home for their current or future families. But they never really know what they will find behind the door...

Shortly after my extended time with the woodpecker, I came out of the woods and back to the main path. All of a sudden a strange thing flew in front of me and landed on the wildflowers to my left. It bounced around a little to the tall grass. At first, I couldn't figure out what it was. But it stayed still long enough for me to see a praying mantis! (At least I think! Please correct me if I'm wrong) The first thing I noticed was its eyes. HUGE. Typical bug eyes. He was observing everything around him, including me. He sat in stillness, practicing patience while also camoflaging himself to the grass he was hanging on to. He swayed in the wind, but his grip was so stable, calm, secure as he waited for the prime opportunity to take flight again.

"When opportunity knocks...be patient, stay balanced and open the door when it is in front of you."

As the seasons begin to change, I hope to send you all many nuggets and hearts as they continue to show up for me. Embrace the winds of change and allow the leaves to fall where they may. Just remember to open the door.

~AcornTales