While out hiking my dogs I spotted a very inviting bench. I'd been hiking for a couple of hours and was tired. A rest was just what I needed.
From this bench, I watched the dogs:
Daisy- Pit Bull (foster)
Westley- Vizsla (boarder)
Aimee- Border Collie mix
Cooper- Cocker Spaniel mix
Jazz- Shih-zu mix
They were chasing eachother in big loops around the small clearcut area this bench was in. Clearly they did not feel my need for a break. It makes me smile watching such wild abandon. To be able to live in the moment like they do, and get so much out of life. I envy them. Daisy comes up to me with that irresistable Pit Bull grin and rests her head in my lap. I stroke her ears and feel totally at ease. Suddenly the peace is broken as loud yells and whoops fill the air. I call the dogs to me and they come running, clearly uneasy about the interruption. Four boys on mountain bikes come tearing through the clearing being as loud as humanly possible. I keep my fingers looped around Aimee's collar as she is watching them bug-eyed, just dying for a chance to chase the fast moving bikes. Seconds later, the air is still again and I release the dogs back to their game. It's amazing how the atmosphere is changed. The dog's are on edge, they pace restlessly near me and keep their eyes up- scanning the surroundings. I no longer feel safe and restful on my bench. I feel conspicuous and self-aware. The idyllic scene is trashed so I pick up my things and we continue back to the car. Never able to get all the way back into my "zen" state.