Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.

~ Lewis Grizzard

This was the sunset in Atchison this evening. On my way to go run a few errands I decided to go away from a few lights to capture the evening beauty of Kansas. It was a wonderful sunset and I enjoyed a few minutes of quiet just gazing at the sky. After my midterm this afternoon, Adam took me for a motorcycle ride and it was fantastic. (yes SLinda, I wore a helmet, we both did.) We went out of Atchison and more into the country. The landscape was gorgeous and the fresh air did both of us a world of good in the midst of finals week. Adam is a dear friend and a wonderful guy. He will be joining the Abbey after graduation and I am so happy for him. The Abbey is lucky to get him. So, we are trying to enjoy his mortocycles for the remainder of the time that he will be allowed to have them. I cannot wait to go again.

A stroll in the country can set a mind on quite a trip. When I was little, I used to think farmland was so 'boring' and, therefore, not pretty. Now, however, I relish the time I get to spend looking at the vastness of the wheat fields and rows of corn--it is a blessing. I often wonder in 50 years if that farmland will still be there or if there will be a new housing development sitting on our resources. I sure hope not. I have seen it happen quite often in Iowa. Some wonderful farmland soon becomes the foundation of brand new houses and it always makes me sad. The ride through the country today was good for the soul and good for the mind. It reminded me of 'simple beauty.' Please pray for Adam. Deciding on entering the Abbey has been a long and not always so easy process---he will do wonders! I hope everyone had a marvelous day. This sunshine is making my heart just skip! I'm also grateful that in 3 days it will be Friday and I will be out of classes for a week. It's certainly time! Take some time to enjoy the sunsets wherever you are. One of these days I'll get enough strength to get up in time for a sunrise---but that will take some preparing! (smile)