When in doubt, a little mud will help.

I don't know what it is about running through squishy, sloshy mud that always seems to lift my spirits. Especially when this mud makes up a trail that runs along the Bois de Varnaz reserve along the Arve River just around the corner in France. Beautiful crispy seafoam green river gurgling its way past, trees lining either side of the valley, and in the distance, a panorama of the Alps. And this, despite what you may think, is a rare occurrence in Geneva. At least in the winter. There are so often clouds spanning the skies that it's hard to see far enough to get a full view. For example, I had no idea for the first month here that there there was a stunning view out of the bathroom window. Silly? Maybe. But you just can't see them with the daily Genevois cloudcover! Along this trail, I found one of my top-five favorite places in the world. Along with Goddard park, this peaceful water-side space is quite literally Heavenly. Plus, coming back from the park covered in mud is quite literally something to be proud of, if you've ever seen it after the rain! (Mid-race is the best, when it's been fully trod on and in its prime muckiness.) I truly think that God spent a little extra time in Switzerland, and focused all of His energy on this spot. Anywhere you look are snow-capped mountains, including Mont Blanc (which is very aptly named). The tree-lined river is a clear green, cool and refreshing. Pure. Decent-sized, smooth grey rocks cover the bank and the water rushes through. Wow. So serene. So perfect. And just what I'd needed. After a long few hours in the office working on reports, I needed to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Again, not every day is it sunny in the winter here. Up until early afternoon, the clouds were covering the sky. So when I returned home, I took off my shoes before approaching the door. Then I saw Sister Lina. AH! I showed off my muddy shoes and splattered ankles and calves. YES - that muddy. She's the one who doesn't know much French. SHE'S the one who is a neat freak! And so I was being given an Italian explanation for why I'm a silly girl for going knee-deep in mud. I tried to explain to her that it's okay to play in the mud because God made nature, and therefore mud, and He wants us to enjoy it. (But she doesn't know enough French to understand that!) So we just laughed. And I brushed off the dried mud before carrying my shoes into the house, where I put them in a bag to contain the mess! : ) It must seem as though I only talk about nature, though by the end of the day when I get a chance to write I may have already spoken to my parents or a friend about the happenings of the day, and it seems more pertinent to attempt to describe the indescribable, which is the beauty of the nature here. Even with a camera, most of the scenes are more moments in nature which is impossible to catch. But luckily I didn't bring my camera today, as I would still be out on the banks of the Arve.