avatarAnne Bonfert

Summary

An individual explores their new neighborhood in Germany, enjoying the rainy weather and the opportunity to connect with nature, wildlife, and the changing seasons.

Abstract

The narrative describes a personal journey through a forested area adjacent to a trailer park where the author recently moved. Despite the rain, the author embraces the outdoors, observing the mix of last year's leaves and new buds on trees, encountering a deer, and listening to birdsong. The exploration leads to open fields, blooming trees, and the discovery of a maple tree's seedlings, which the author learns about using a plant identification app. The highlight of the walk is an encounter with a garden snail, which serves as a metaphor for slowing down and appreciating life's small joys. The author reflects on the importance of recognizing the good in life and concludes with a quote on joy from Marianne Williamson.

Opinions

  • The author enjoys all types of weather, including rain, and emphasizes the importance of dressing appropriately.
  • Living in close proximity to wildlife, such as deer, is appreciated by the author.
  • The author finds beauty and interest in the details of nature, such as the forest floor's lush greenness and the sprouting of new plants.
  • The use of a plant identification app indicates a desire to learn more about the natural surroundings.
  • The author values the small moments in life, like observing a garden snail, as sources of joy and reflection.
  • The author encourages readers to join their email list or Medium membership, suggesting a commitment to sharing their work and experiences with a wider audience.

A Lone Wanderer on a Rainy Day

When the weather doesn’t stop you from exploring

Credit: Anne Bonfert

It was just another rainy day in Germany. I don’t mind the rain. Or the cold. Every weather has its good and bad sides. Rain just means you get wet. But only if you’re not dressed accordingly.

After lunch sometime I had enough of sitting in the trailer all day long and decided to head out to explore our new neighborhood. I didn't have the time yet and thought this was the perfect moment to catch some fresh air.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

This forest is bordering the trailer park we just moved in two weeks ago and it is where I started my walk.

The other day when we walked to the car which is parked right here, a deer was peaking out of the forest staring at us. We stopped moving for a while and held eye contact with the animal. It was a special moment.

I love living somewhere with wildlife in my immediate surroundings.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

The forest looked a bit weird on this wet and rainy day. I’m not sure why. Maybe because some trees are still holding onto last year’s leaves while others are sprouting already new buds.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Birds were singing all around me.

They probably also enjoyed the break as the rain had just stopped.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

The forest floor was lush green and fresh grass and other plants were growing everywhere.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

I had expected to get to a farm or forest road on the other side of the forest but instead, there was just another endless huge field.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Walking at the edge of the field towards the nearest road I passed some fruit-bearing trees sprouting full of green.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Some were already in full bloom.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Then I got distracted by a different tree or let’s specify, by its seeds. I had never seen this form of seedlings hanging off a branch before. Or at least not intentionally.

After uploading the picture to the plant identification app I now knew it was a maple tree. Funny, I have had all kinds of maple trees all around me as a child and later on in life as well but must have never paid attention to them when they were first sprouting in spring.

Well, now I know.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

A few meters later I hit the road and turned off to a field on the other side.

That was when I met the lone wanderer.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

A garden snail was slowly but surely crossing my path.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

I stopped to let her pass and take a moment to slow down in life.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Sometimes we need to bring our focus away from the things right in front of us. To see those tiny packages.

Small pieces of joy are what make our days special.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” — Marianne Williamson

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