Having the Time to Enjoy

I have been looking forward to a peaceful autumnal walk for quite a while.  Somewhere to replenish the calmness that I occasionally need to balance my life.  Recharging the 'happy, happy'' cells.  I wanted to do this last week but with the warm weather it just didn't seem 'right',  so with the rain and the howling wind that the week subsequently brought, it was time to head off to one of our favourite walks at the Deeping Lakes.  There were branches down, squidgy pathways but the beauty and stillness of this place makes my heart swell and my mind calm down to the certainty that Mother Nature always sorts things out.

Walking slowly around the tunneled pathways of natural foliage, the only sound was from the birds and the occasional wind blowing the crispy leaves.

We had the time to take our time and this was even more sweeter.  We could stop, look, imagine and hear our own thoughts.  I sat with this mushroom/toadstool for a while.  I know that sounds a little mad, but this was for the simple reason that I could.  I imagined the insects that may have made this home for a while, protecting them from the elements of the harshness of the weather from the past week.  The colours that were now appearing both on its flesh and also its surroundings.  I had time.

Its neighbours were also looking beautiful against the autumnal backdrop and now had the empty space above them to capture any sunshine that may come their way.

Occasionally there were the man made elements along the walk.  But again, there for people to take time to see nature at its best.

The gateway that just leads to a beautiful view, no where else.  Giving you the time to rest against it and enjoy the moment.

Walking along one of the rivers, the teasles with their many spikes looked wonderful against the backdrop of the feeding swans.

Some were a little curious as to why I was standing there for so long, but that was because I could.

Looking through the trees at the different lakes with the different colours of green with their hints of autumnal yellow.  Having the time to go through that process.

And the occasional capture of a hubby taking time to enjoy the scenery.

Having the time to reflect as the trees do in the almost still waters.

Having the time to enjoy watching Mother Nature carry on her process of the decay of those who have fallen to nourish the soil beneath it, starting the growth of new.

The decay of the old oak ramp providing the food and shelter for the insects.  Their time busy with the hibernation process starting.

The larger animals also hurrying to get their larders full.  This little cutie seems to be following me and my posts.

He certainly seemed to be taking time enjoying the Hawthorn.

While hubby and Mr Teenager were also enjoying the time to enjoy now ripening blackberries

Occasionally the sun came out for a brief appearance to coat the reserve in a golden glow.  The lichens sparkled their beautiful greens in satisfaction.

And the honeysuckle's hair grows in anticipation for next summer.

Time wasn't against us but the pull to a cosy house and a nice cup of tea was.  So after having time to have a sticky seed fight, the short drive home awaited.

Old Father Time keeps us all ticking along but sometimes it is nice to slow this down, stop, think, reflect and sort out our own time management for a little while.

Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings and a huge welcome to my new followers, you are all welcome and I'm looking forward to catching up with you in blog land.

Have a wonderful weekend and week, and don't forget to take some time out for you.

Take care. 

 ♥Chel♥ 

 (Remember that if you want to see a larger version of my photos just click on one and a slide will appear)