I've always had a vision of a most perfect place. A place to relax. A place to forget all your worries. A place to share with those you love. Although I've never found this place allow me to enlighten you:

A path long forgotten and not travelled very often is the gate to this place. One would never look to find it through the thick brush, as it wards off prying eyes from the treasure it holds. Though those brave enough to venture forth are rewarded with a vision they will not soon forget. The army of branches, leaves, and underbrush soon start to thin out and give way to the courageous and knowledged.

As you pass through the gatekeeper you are welcomed into a lush plain. The gentle bends and rolls of this green pasture is calming. The soothing colours of the green grass only begin the adventures to come. The ground is soft to the touch almost like velvet, not a single thorn is present here. There seems to be no place for objects such as these.

The centre and source of this area seems to be a lone oak that stands tall and strong. The only one of its kind. It is found up on the small grassy knoll of this garden. As you approach this mighty tree you tremble slightly as it seems to touch the heavens. Its massive branches reach far out, but do not be afraid for it only offers you shade from the bright sun above. The trees leaves are giants in themselves and a dark healthy green. A bark rough and scratched, but tells stories of people and creatures that once visited it. The oak only wants your friendship, someone to tell its stories too. It welcomes you to a nook near its roots, and a breath taking view out into the landscape.

As you take your seat upon the ground, you glance around at this trove you have uncovered. The trees stand guard all around you, creating a militia of forest. They seem to protect you and this paradise in a most comforting manner. The different trees from pine to maple, spruce to cypress, all of them complimenting each others colour. A spectacle to behold in itself. They go on for as far as the eye can see in every which way direction. They do not crowd nor suffocate the serene place.

A gentle stream dashes and darts about. It starts from the north and scurries its way towards the oak only to split east and run back to its hiding place among the trees. It playfully sings a flowing tune and supplies the life to the exotic area. It crashes into the banks encasing it and rolls from hill to hill. It does not harm nor hurt a soul, just continuously, merrily runs. The birds bathe and bask in the cool refreshing water, and the other animals seek it to re_energize their weary bodies. When the sun beats down to harshly, this stream is their only refuge.

The birds in the distance sing a melody that can never be repeated. Every time it is unique and delightful to the listener. Sometimes it is a clamour of cheeps and chirps while others are times of long, chattering conversation. You can only guess to what is happening. You watch them as they emerge from hiding and dive towards the ground. Once they've found what they sought, they fly back to whence they came. Birds of magnificent colour and stature can be seen floating about, but they rest not too long because of the busy day they have.

You look back to the stream and this time follow its path to the east only to find another surprise. A field of wildflowers never disturbed. It seems that they only flourish on this side. An ocean of Daisies, Baby Blue Eyes, Crimson Clovers, Catchflies, and Rose Angels. You have an urge to swim through this patch but realize that this is a place not to be disturbed, but admired. The vibrant colours of pink, blue, purple, and yellow flow to and fro with the breeze. The flowers tease and taunt one another trying to stand out more than the next.

And in the west a family has arrived. A small pack of deer has travelled out into the open to graze upon the sweet grass. The small fawn frolics and kicks with joy all about the field. Its spots still present make it stand out amongst the others. It travels too far and is soon ushered back to the pack. You chuckle at the sight... oh to be so young and carefree. Innocence in its purest form.

The shadows of the day grow longer and longer, stretching out across the plain. They dip and curve around the hills as they begin to fill the spots of light. The visitors to the paradise seem to have grown thin, and even he sun has decided to take to its resting place. As it slowly drifts to sleep, it seems to just hang above the trees in the horizon. It casts its rays of gold, vibrant red, orange, and a gently violet out across the heavens. The few clouds catch the beams and the stream below mirrors the image. You can feel the plain began to breathe slower, secretly telling you it is time to go. Even the mighty oak seems to have drifted off.

You collect yourself and head towards the path. As you reach your goal, you turn and know you will return again another day. To behold the beauty, the song, the memories once again.

"A friendship you share today, could be one you share forever"