She said, "thank you."

      I finally remembered to take my recycling bags with me as I went for my walk. I began picking up litter along the road and in my beloved state park from a sense of altruism. On the third consecutive day of my green activism nature rewarded me with a star and ants. Yes. I was hiking along the trail just before dusk, tree branches caught my attention and I looked to the left. The small branches formed a star for my benefit. I looked away and when I returned my gaze to the magic occurring the branches undid themselves fluidly. There was reciprocity and respect in the act. She was saying thank you, and giving me a message to go deeper into my way of being, and stand in the strength of my being going forward. I continued on the dusty path and stopped abruptly as the ants made themselves known. What I learned from them is that I can’t control that which is larger than myself. Worrying about it won’t help anyone. What I can do is show up, work hard, communicate well, work well with others and be the best I can. I received nature’s gifts to me.  In writing this post it occurred to me that David Sedaris, my superstar, is quite the anti-litterer.  Litter removal may be considered an endeavor irrelevant to writing. Perhaps it's what confirms that one is a writer. That and the writing.