Upstate New York

Three days ago, the short hike in the Corbetts Glenn brought back the memory of when I discovered how healthy and enjoyable taking walks can be.  It's October, and as I was told, the leaves are turning into their foliage form for the autumn season, though there are many more green leaves as the leaves won't change their color until the end of October and even November.  The beautiful bright yellow, orangy-red and light brown colors of the leaves turn the park into a magical place and as I continued my easy stroll, it was as if I was in Harry Potter land, the British landscape in England.  One could not believe how beautiful they are until he or she actually situates himself at the exact location. People say you have to see it in order to believe it. In the same way, we have to actually see it in order to appreciate how beautiful mother nature can transform this all green park into a multi-colored place.

The next day, I had a chance to see Niagara Falls and boy, it was something my small mind was unable to predict and expect.  The falls were hundreds of feet high and the length of the falls totaled up to thousands of feet (there was a small sign telling visitors the exact length and height of the falls; I have a tendency to look at signs and numbered facts while seeing attractions during my travels).  The currents of the rivers were forceful and fast and with one drop of an object in the river, one can see the current was able to push it forward to the other bends with intensity and great force.  The American Falls and the Prospect Point gave a spectacular view of the falls and for the first time in a long time, I remember how I could not imagine how such beautiful and majestic could be real, right in front of me. Don't get me wrong, I have seen many falls in Yosemite in Northern California but this falls were something else. It was bigger and it can take hold of the mind and let it see how big mother nature can be.

From this trip, I realize that it is easy for us to forget how the small things in life can be put aside in our mind and how we need to focus on them to live a joyful life.  Niagara Falls and Corbetts Glenn are not small things; they are beautifully created by mother nature and they some how can capture a person's heart and mind with just the way they are. It's like real love. Your boyfriend or spouse should love you the way you are and not because of the type of job and how much money you have and they should accept your bad and good sides too.  Likewise, your friends should love you just the way you are, they should love all your flaws and all your goodness and they should always be there for you when you need someone to talk to and spend time with.  The Bible called this an unconditional love and we all should follow it. It's a good Golden Rule to remember.

All in all, the colder weather in Upstate New York didn't deter me from enjoying the delightful weather of the country side  and the suburban parts of the state New York and I hope one day to see it again. Until next time New York. Ciao.