If you go down to the woods today...

...you'll pretty much be in the woods as I discovered on Saturday when I went for a walk in Countesswells Forest on the outskirts of Aberdeen. And I would like to report to my parents who told me stories when I was but a wee lassie that there were no teddy bears having their picnics in the forest. What a disappointment , next thing people will be telling me that there is no tooth fairy and that the man with the big belly, white beard and red coat is not real. 

But I must say all nonsense (ok well most nonsense) aside the Countesswells Forest walk is like stepping into a time and light trap. When approaching the forest you can already see that the tall huddled together trees fan out stopping the sunlight from making it all the way to the ground. 

Inside the belly of the forest there are trees that look like they were once creatures before being magically transformed into bark and leaves as punishment for some mischievous deed. They stand out from the tall and lean trees as a warning to behave in the forest. 

At times it feels like there is nothing but insects moving, birds chirping and trees that stretch towards the heavens. 

But then you spot an ancient boundary wall, like the ones you've seen in the King Arthur and Elizabeth movies. Yes these moss covered stone walls do exist and can even be found in the forest. 

Following the wall, you stumble to the edge of the forest where flora and fauna of Scotland meet. 

And you can look out onto open lands and nearby forests. 

Meanwhile back in the forest... 

a visitor can be heard approaching....

Well it may not be a bear but at least they were friendly. 

So as it turns out if you go down to the woods today...you will be in a place that allows you to wander both literally and figuratively. It is a place to explore, to relax, to ease your mind, 

to disappear into a cave of trees and escape the concrete of the city. 

And best of all (well at least for me) it is a place where you can watch light dance and filter itself through leaves and branches in a desperate attempt to touch the earth. 

Dear Shan,

You were scared of water and knew all the best hiding places when it came time to be bathed.

Yet when mom and dad tried to find the frogs keeping them awake,

You would always be leading the hunting party, stalking the pool area and even dunking your head into the water to catch the offending little guys.

No insect, mouse or frog was safe in the house with you around.

You quietly loved us in your own way letting the others fight for attention.

A shadow, always there making sure that we were safe.

You will be missed and forever loved.  

xxxx

Furry Friends

Whether you are a dog lover or a cat person your heart can't but be filled with the impulse to instantly take everyone of God's creatures home with you when visiting the SPCA. I recently visited the SPCA in Grahamstown to take some photos for two writer friends that are doing a profile piece for Grocott's Mail on animals that need homes. The three photos of dogs that are below are are just a few of the animals that are looking for a loving home. The cats are from the SPCA in King Williams Town (my hometown).