I sat in my forest in south Charlotte, NC as Tropical Storm Florence made her way across our lay of land. As the rain began to fall I listened to it's pleasant voice as it fell between the leaves still attached to the trees. I guess you can me a true tree hugger. It's more than that. I've written in this forest since 1994. A lot of thoughts and word shapes were put into play because of an energy within its presence. So to sit with the forest while a monster storm began it's journey through our present place was no different than sitting with a friend. I saw the deer with their young. Two fawns bouncing around like nothing was happening. I watched the birds dance in the strong gusts of wind. They had no reason to rush off to the store to purchase everything off the shelf. I stared at the long grass that so many around me would call weeds. They seemed to be waving as the wind threw everything at them. The creek was still dry. I knew that would change. It did on day two of the storms growth. I studied it's strength while being aware of the trees. Weather men said they would fall. I didn't lose one during the storm. Just sitting with a friend. Offering a little support to something that's not human. Then again... During your own personal storms with no way to predict the final page... Do you ever sit with yourself and just listen?