Brooks, streams, creeks, and treasure

The tree and twisted roots in the foreground are usually well above 

the level of the water of Stony Brook, and the current is usually far 

tamer.  The wildly rushing current was mesmerizing.

I had some extra time several days ago, and took the opportunity to walk down to Stony Brook, which is - surprise! - a stony brook near where I live.

There had been a great deal of rain in the previous days, and the brook was more swollen than I had ever seen it, with the water rushing furiously along.  Rocks that were usually visible above the water were hidden beneath the currents.  It was beautiful, and the sound's effect was instantly anesthetic.

Often I wish I had a house with a brook on the property.  Being able to sit by the brook and relax to the sound of the water flowing by would be so life-enhancing.  But I recognize that I am fickle, and crave variety.  I worry that just one brook wouldn't do - I would soon be back exploring different brooks, streams, and creeks, searching for natural treasures: water-smoothed glass, shells, weird stones and pebbles, distorted branches . . .

I have a list of brooks and streams still to explore.  I need to get cracking - time's a-wasting, and magic awaits just out of sight, past the bordering trees, in the woods, on the banks of the brooks . . .  It's waiting for me, and for all of us.