Reflections on Hidden Pond

Oh, the delightful memories I have of a magical place called Hidden Pond! Tucked within a typical suburban neighborhood in northern Virginia and not far from my former residence, it was a place of true refuge and solace.

I’m so grateful for every moment savored in this place – hikes with my late partner, Jose, who lugged his enormous 8×10 view camera to photograph the magical appearance of skunk cabbages that sprang to life along the forest floor each spring; the hike along the creek where I became acquainted with a red fox; the time my mother and I were delighted by a raucous serenade by an impressive murder of crows.

I may have traveled to the Southwestern desert in search of grander landscapes, but there is nothing here to compare with the tender, jewel box beauty of a simple eastern pond. When I look at the swirl of Autumn’s reflections on its surface, I see the beauty of all my memories captured in one magical exposure.