woods

i've always known that i love the feeling trees in the woods give though i can't quite describe it.  most people i know have a special love for the beach- i guess living on the east coast inspires one towards the sand and water- and while i grew up going to the beach often, its pull never quite won and so i frequently notice puzzled looks when people find out that i've spent the entire summer without going.  during the time i have spent there, i find myself longing for the lush green of the leaves and the shade of the trees despite being just as happy reading in the sun or working in the garden. i have been staying in the house of some friends just north of the small town to which i frequently refer, that sits in the middle of the woods and by that i mean that no neighbors can be seen and the driveway stretches for a third of a mile. it is very green. and woodsy. and dark at night. and filled with animal sounds. and not like the city at all. i find myself vacillating between loneliness and contentment but have yet to feel the restlessness that comes when i'm away from the woods or at the very least something green. i went to visit my little city place the other day to check on it and will be returning there soon. while i'll be glad to return to my studio in the city and a little less clutter, i think i'll miss the woods. maybe more than i think.