Dear Liza,
The world seems to have gotten more stressed-out lately. Wars in Ukraine and Israel, along with American politics getting more ego-driven than ever, made me set out for a long walk yesterday, to see some beauty and find some peace.
I walked through the lovely Laurelhurst neighborhood, ran smack against busy, noisy, Sandy Boulevard and wondered where to go next. The number 12 bus zoomed by and my problem was solved. The 12 goes to The Grotto! I waited just a few minutes and caught the next one.
After stopping at the Cameo Cafe for a quick lunch, I walked a few blocks to The Grotto and inhaled the peace and acceptance of the forest and gardens. I bought my senior-discounted token for the elevator to the gardens at the top of the bluff and said hello to some old friends.
Mt. St. Helens in the distance.
St. Francis, chatting with his animal friends.
Sunlight glowing through the changing leaves.
I must have sat on half a dozen benches, soaking up the autumn sunshine and the beauty of the gardens. And when I felt filled to the brim and ready to face the cockeyed world again, I came back down.
I can’t fix the whole world, but as my Dad said, I can help what I can reach. And today, that was me.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 