I had heard that Cleveland had a great park system.  Congratulations on your way of releiving stress.

What a beautiful scene.  I noticed this week that our Dogwood is just beginning to blossom.  I'm inspired.  I'm going to get some local Spring photos today. 

I live near a large lake and find that a walk there is always a great way to clear mind mind, or brighten my spirits!  So I guess we share a therapist!

Ohhhh, I love walking and picnics in great places! I plan fully on passing that appreciation on to my children!

I can smooth out after a bad day by working in my garden.  It's almost like meditation for me.  I can beautify and enjoy my little part of the earth while I watch and hear mourning doves and other birds.  Sometimes squirrels or rabbits chase each other just having fun and enjoying the day.  On REALLY special days, there are hummingbirds to watch in the garden.  They're amazing and the more they see me, the less fearful they become. 

Beyond that, there's the evidence that an unknowable Intelligence is in charge of the cycles of nature.  If I check on the dahlia and calla bulbs I dig up and winter over, they'll be sprouting in February.  They're in a room that's dark and unheated, so they're not responding to warmer temps or longer days.  They just "know" it's time to wake up.

I am not familiar with the parks in Cleveland, but the parks in NW Ohio are just gorgeous.  I can fully understand how it would help relax a person - it sure works for me.  Besides - the parks are the only place I can go into "Dr. Dolittle" mode and not have people stare at me like I'm ready to be committed.

Karen,

What a beautiful serene picture and wonderful write up.  It sounds and looks so relaxing.  Have you found a spot in the Fort Worth area that has the same affect on you? 

Also thanks about the comment on Lady, my horse.  Unfortunately, her story has some tragedy involved with it, but your suggestion might actually be thereputic.  It is ironic that you live in Fort Worth also because Fort Worth also played a role in her story.   

Karen, there's nothing like God's creation to relax and heal!  Your post waxes quite poetic!  Nice!

We have lots of parks in and around the metro-Atlanta area too! They are perfect for getting away from the hectic pace and re-centering oneself. While it is important to work it is just as important to remember ourself and our loved ones too!

Karen Anne.....what a wonderful way to relax let alone to de-streess.  One of my favorite ways to  relax is a drive on the country roads or on Highway 1 overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the top down.  Water always does it for me.

Russ:  Yes, the parks in Cleveland are well-known, and are so very pretty in the Spring Time.  Some Cleveland folks have nicknamed the parks Cleveland's Emerald Necklace.

Lenn:  You have been inspiring me for months and months, so I am glad you found my Walk In The Park inspiring.  Spring is such a special time of the year.  In some early cultures, the first day of Spring was their beginning of the New Year... as the death and doldrums of Winter gave way to the birth of the flowers and crops, and the blooming of the trees.  Yes, please take lots of Spring pictures, but be sure to share them with us.  Lenn, thanks for your kind words... take care...

Laura:  Yes, walking by the lake can also be so very therapeutic.  I am glad you have your "therapist" so close by.  Depending on what we need... it surely can clear the mind or brighten the spirits.  Thanks for sharing.

Lindsey:  That is such a special gift to be able to give to your children.  Our current crop of kids have no clue what they are missing in the beauty of nature.  Computers and games are find, but they don't even come close to the wonders of Mother Nature.

Karen:  It's all part of the never-ending cycle of life.  It really sounds to me like you truly do have your own part of paradise in your yard.  Mourning doves and other birds, squirrels and rabbits, and then the occasional hummingbird.  Sounds like paradise to me.

I used to have a garden when I was much younger, but just haven't been able to do it lately.  I'd love to see some pictures of your garden, and some of your animal friends in a blog post.  Thanks for sharing.

Carol:  You must not keep your marvelous talent a secret.  You need to rush right out to Best Buy tomorrow and get one of those Flip Videos, and catch and preserve your Dr. Doolittle for all of us to see and share.  One of the many names that Cleveland is knows for is The Forest City.  Lots and lots of trees.  There used to be a pretty large business in Cleveland called Forest City Enterprises.

And Carol... not to worry when people stare at you and wonder why you have not been committed.  That happens to me all the time.  After a while, you will not only get used to it, you'll begin to like it.  Take care, and thanks for sharing.

Karen Anne, I'm lucky enough to have Rock Creek Park for a neighbor.  The red bud trees are in full bloom and the dogwoods are starting to come out.  If the rain stops, I think I'll take Mr. Willie down there for a walk today!

Patricia:  You're going for a walk with Mr Willie.  I didn't even know you and Bill Clinton were dating ??

Rock Creek is a great park.  Just wonderful for walking, jogging, and just getting away from DC's hustle and bustle.  I would love to see the red bud trees blooming, and the dogwoods just starting to peek out.  Sounds like a topic for a post to me, doncha think ?

I have never really walked through the park unless I was trying to clock a mile or something. Never to just enjoy it. I think I will try that. It sounds peaceful and like something I need to try. I will get back to you on how I liked it. I look forward to it.

Angela:  I think that would be a great idea for you.  You have really missed having a very inexpensive therapist... by no taking advantage of the healing qualities of walking through the park.  I would love to hear how it goes.  Take care...

Karen, I love walking in the outdoors. I like walking where I can hear the water and the stillness.

Sharon:  That is simply something I just don't do enough of.  I did it alot more often when I lived up in Mentor, Ohio... but unfortunately lately... I have let it go.  I need to get back into it.  Yes... water, stillness... the breeze moving the tree branches... how incredibly replenishing for the soul.  Take care...

Karen Anne, it was between this post and the one about Fort Worth being the fastest growing city post to feature, both worthy for sure.  The other one was probably a better choice for our group, however this one struck a cord with me, and it's good advice, so hopefully every one will also read you other one too.  I just work a post that is for the Wild Flowers, but I stared it with a thing about the need for retreat into nature...Renewal.  I think you would like it, when you get a chance have a look, Photos of Texas bluebonnets, wildflowers & nature set to music of Willie Nelson   Liz

Please follow this link to Karen Anne's other great post,

Fort Worth, Texas... America's Fifth-Fastest Growing City...
Fort Worth Real Estate - Karen Anne Stone