written by Jeannie Sieck, Toledo, last wekeend in recognition of the Fun Night this Saturday evening, March 29, at the Otter Creek Nature Center at rural Toledo.

I see a special place where everyone

sees life in all living things; where the animals, trees, plants

even the largest mountains and

the smallest pebbles are seen and honored

for the consciousness that reside in them.

I see humanity and Great Nature working

together treating each with respect and

people everywhere walking the woodlands,

hiking the mountain trials, visiting the shores

and swimming the lakes and streams.

Humanity restoring the environment,

cleaning streams, planting trees producing healthy

crops and growing community gardens.

I see cows grazing on the hills,

sheep mulching on the green foliage

along the fence line, pink little piglets

with their mothers rolling dirt and mud,

and chickens, ducks, and geese, moving

aimlessly about. What a wondrous site to see

our animals roaming freely.

I see people at this special place learning that

something magical happens when you take

off your shoes and walk in the green grass,

soak you feet in the clean natural waters,

breathe in the fresh air, and absorb the

beauty of nature that surrounds you.

This beautiful place brings relief, stillness,

tranquility and pure contentment.

We have a gift and the best friends we can have,

Great nature and each other.