Natural State
~
moss covered rocks
scraggy oak trees, limestone bluffs
fresh running rivers
some of my favorite things
found in the natural state
~
The nickname for Arkansas is the Natural State due to its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, forests, and clear rivers and lakes. The rugged Ozarks are filled with craggy limestone formations, old mountains, abundant oak trees, scenic rivers, and chicken farms (but that is another story!). I have slowly fallen in love with the diverse terrains of Arkansas. We are blessed with the Buffalo River, the first designated National River in the United States. But we don’t have the grand vistas of the Southwest, Colorado, or Northwest US. It took me many years to let go of the comparison to those grand views and learn to enjoy the simple beauty, often found in the small details of nature and life.
May your week be full of simple beauty.
writing to freedom 
Awesome and marvelous place, Brad and beautiful poetic words so well composed on nature and its beauty. Great post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kamal. It’s been a long process to let go of the big wows to find the little ordinary ones.
LikeLike
Yes absolutely true words spoken, Brad and life itself is a struggle and once we overcome then there is only bliss. So keep on continuing in life. Welcome Brad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kamal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome Brad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s growth. Learning to let go of what you treasured, or at least to leave enough room in your heart for new treasures. Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Cynthia. I was very hard the first few years. I’m grateful for the softening of my heart and needs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said. I commend you for making the transition. It’s tough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I knew you would understand. ❤
LikeLike
How lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cindy. I’ve learned to find my treasures locally.
LikeLike
Beautiful, Brad! I’ve been to The Natural State and it’s lovely there. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Julie. It has some nice surprises. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is amazing beauty in nature everywhere, Brad. I’m glad you’re finding it in your own neighborhood. Lovely poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diana. I’m glad I’m finding it here too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arkansas is incredibly beautiful. Growing up I had an aunt and uncle in Hot Springs….we would go down (from Iowa) every other year and traveled all over the state. Love it! I think there is incredible beauty in nature in almost every local…even a desert has it’s own unique beauty. Great post Brad!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Kirt. I agree that there is beauty to be found everywhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely words. Stunning photo. Thanks for sharing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Drew.
LikeLike
Beautiful Brad, reminds me of a story I read as a child, “Where the Red Fern Grows,” as it took place near the Ozarks, and that book gave me a great “feel” for the mightiness of the land.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Ka. That sounds like a fun book and memory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I remember it was very engaging and touched my heart, even though I was so young. There have been so many books afterwards but that was an early one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How nice to have those memories still alive in you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really, it’s your photo and poem that reminded me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like these things too, Brad. Pretty poem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yay! To natural delights! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fabulous beauty spot this is Brad.. And yes some of my favourite things too in Nature 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nature is the gift that supports us all. Really we are nature, but have forgotten to live that truth.
LikeLike
How beautiful. There is nothing more simple and amazing then a river. https://noelliesplace.com/2019/05/07/rivers/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Noellie. Your poem is a lovely tribute to the power, mystery, and life-giving nature of rivers.
LikeLiked by 1 person