Chapter 1
I heard a voice call my name. It sounded like my wife. She wasn't in a panic but she clearly called out to me. But my mind was distracted from her voice for some reason. A calm came over me. I was still asleep but it the most peaceful, deep, relaxing, calming sleep I'd ever experienced. My mind bounced back to my wife wondering if it really was her and if it was, why I wasn't worried. At other times, if she called me out of a deep sleep, there would be something to worry about - a sick child, a fire or a raging thunderstorm. But this time was different and as perplexed as I was about it, I also was drifting off to another realm. I started to wonder if I was in surgery and under the effects of the anesthesia as my mind drifted from the reality of her voice to the call of the path I was on.

For some reason, I felt no worry, I felt no pain rather I had this strong sense of adventure. I wasn't sure what was happening but it was captivating. It was a ride of sorts and the anticipation of the next step was compelling. A short while later, I awoke. I wasn't at home and thankfully wasn't in a hospital room either. I was totally rested and relaxed and found myself in a very nice cabin. The bedroom was simple with wood walls, ceiling and floors. The bed was the most comfortable bed I'd ever slept in. I stretched and sat up on the edge of the bed and looked outside. It was the prettiest day I'd ever experienced. The sky was crystal blue like on a cold fall morning when the sky is dominated by high pressure but the blues were the strongest I'd ever seen. The air was mixed with brilliant white clouds that looked like whisks of an artist's brush. My eyes shifted their focus out onto the landscape surrounding this cabin. The grounds were immaculate but also very simple, very modest.

The cabin was on a hill surrounded by a pecan grove. The trees were huge and spread out like mighty warriors guarding the cabin. In the area immediately surrounding the cabin was a lush garden fenced in with a picket fence that ran about 100 yards from the cabin. My mind raced to measure the size of the garden and I figured it to be 200 feet long by 200 feet wide with the cabin as it's centerpiece atop this lush hill of over sized pecan trees. Out my window was an alley of crepe myrtle trees that ran from the side porch out to the gate of the picket fence. These trees were 30-40 feet tall and had bright pink and white blooms dancing against the bright blue sky. To the right of the alley was a perfect English garden ringed by boxwood's and centered with a perfect green lawn. Four full shade trees defined the garden and benches underneath provided spots to enjoy the garden under the cool of the shade. Overflowing flower beds lined gravel paths that chris-crossed the garden. The garden called out to me as a place to come and rest in its beauty.

To the left of the crepe myrtle walkway lay a huge vegetable garden full of ripe tomatoes, corn, melons, cucumbers, okra and squash. Huge blueberry trees lined the back wall of the vegetable garden and I could tell whoever tended this garden reaped great rewards from all their hard work. It was obvious whoever owned this cabin had created a very special place and by this point, I hadn't even left the bedroom.

I ventured out into the main room and like the bedroom, it was simple and rustic. The cabin had a two story main room with a large stack stoned fire place on one wall. Comfortable leather chairs and sofa formed a seating area around the fireplace. To the right was a simple kitchen and to the left, a seating area with a large window overlooking the English garden. Like the bedroom, the walls, ceiling and floor were made of old heart pine. The tables and lamps were simple but extremely well made. Large bucks hung on the walls. In one corner there was a gun cabinet with some pristine, antique rifles and in the other corner were some hand made fly fishing rods. The cabin had a warm worn feel to it. It was a very simple, very modest, very welcoming home. I was stuck by how such a simple place could feel so complete. Everything I would need for life was inside this cabin and it made me consider some of the choices I had made back home.

I found some fresh bread in the kitchen and I sliced a peach and some strawberries to eat with my bread. There was a box that was like a refrigerator but more simple. It wasn't cold per se when you opened it but it was cooler than the outside air. It didn't have a light or make noise and I wondered how it worked but quickly shifted my thinking to the fresh squeezed orange juice and plate of cheese I found. I drank a big glass of orange juice and ate a slice of cheese. Like the cabin, the food was simple, healthy and complete. The food satisfied me fully without making me feel full. I went back into the bedroom and found a simple bathroom off to the side. There was a pump over the sink and I pushed down on it a few times and the sink bowl filled up with cool well water. I washed my face and ran the crystal clear water over my head. The water felt so good and so refreshing, I pumped the handle some more and filled up a glass and drank it quickly. The water was the best tasting water I'd ever had. I went back into the room and found some clothes in a pine chest of drawers. They fit me perfectly - tan work pants and a simple shirt. I found some sandals in the corner that were leather and worn and extremely comfortable. I was called to head out and explore the rest of the grounds when I heard a loud voice.

more to come.....

Soar!