Pelicans, Eagles and Rainbows by Deena Dawn Larsen

To say that I enjoy riding my bicycle is an understatement. My bike is my transportation, my recreation, and my means of exercise. If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you know that biking is often part of the subject matter of my writing and that biking is where I often do my best thinking.

Lately I have realized that biking alone is not enough to keep me healthy. I recognize that I need to do more walking. My goal for the month of May is to walk three miles per day, in addition to biking. I plan to increase the amount for June. I have too many signs that tell me I need to push myself. This morning, I drove to the trail so I could chase the sunrise. Watching both the sun and moon was spiritual. The colors and shadows were captivating as I moved myself down the trail. I realized how much I have missed walking; I realized how it was evident that I was out of shape. The endorphins of my movement put me in a positive space and I was seeing beauty in the world. I felt so good that I decided to keep walking and get five miles today instead of three. The weather was ideal for walking and I was appropriately dressed, carrying my water on my back. When I finally turned around, I was very surprised to see a rainbow! I had no idea this was behind me the entire time I was walking. I decided to walk on the beach at this point in order to see the rainbow better. Rainbows seem to be a sign

of something, a time when I check-in with the universe. Instantly I interpreted it to mean that it is okay to look behind me from time to time, to see where I've been. I have learned it isn't healthy to be stuck in the past but I think our present journey is more meaningful when it is still connected to the past. I think the past often provides necessary context for the present. The universe was certainly speaking to me. The fresh air, active clouds, lapping waves, exercise seemed idyllic. I often just look at the lake, this Great Lake that we are fortunate to leave near. What an amazing body of water! I was almost euphoric as I took this all in, giving me a little

extra bounce in my step. I moved back to the trail, glancing at the lake as I walked. Seemingly out of nowhere, I noticed that the pelicans had returned! Their bright white and characteristic bill certainly stood out. It is such a treat to see them. I continued down the trail wondering if this day could get any better. With each step I was surpassing my walking goal for the day. It wasn't even 6:30 a.m. yet and the beauty of the world was unfolding before me. And to think I would still have my bike ride to look forward to after I got home.

I didn't walk very much farther when I noticed a larger bird enter my field of view. It was a bald eagle! Within the last couple of years eagle sitings seem to have been more common along the lake. While they certainly aren't appreciated by many of the other species of birds, seeing one always brightens my day. Today was definitely a day when I was not asking anything of the universe and yet, I was given an amazing display of natural beauty. Although, if the universe truly had been listening, I would have also had a unicorn cross my path.