Nature Nut

Most of my friends feel at their best when they're at their computer, whether it be writing code or playing games. Then there are those who are most content to see what's next on the television. I admit, I'm guilty of all of the above; however, I have a higher passion for nature.
I feel at my best, my most content, joyous state when I am outdoors, surrounded by nature. Our great friends the majestic and sturdy trees, which provide us with shade, oxygen and fruits. Their beauty is another most important gift, for the world would look naked as a weed-ridden parking lot without them.
I love to explore woodland paths, to be shaded by the forest canopy, only to emerge into an open meadow. Allowed to grow, this meadow would harbor so much life and activity; even cut short the plants retain their vigor and perseverence, using stored energy to repair and regrow itself. Few plants do I see struggle as hard as the wild onion and the dandelion. Weeds though most consider them, both are gifts of food, beauty. The onion, its leaves long, tubular and smooth, stand out elegantly in clumps against the ugly flat-edged grass turf plaguing so many yards. The dandelion, showing its rugged nature, will grow nearly anywhere. Its edible root sends up edible leaves, which produce a rich yellow flower; if, allowed to amass by the thousands, will provide literal golden fields.
After the seeds have set from many flowers, autumn comes around. The trees turn all shades, the nut trees cast their fruits down for all takers. Relentless bombardment of the black walnut will give one a good knock on the head, be they unfortunate enough to get caught in its path. Accept it as a gift rather than curse it; shell the casings off the hard nutshells and allow it to dry, then crack open the shells to receive these gifts.
Perhaps my favorite autumn activity, seeing that I live where many nut trees grow wild, is foraging. Walk around with your head down and people may wonder why. If you know me, it's no mystery. I love to search for hickory nuts amongst the many hickory trees nearby.
Ah, the hickory.. Perhaps my favorite tree. Its nuts have a lovely color, the meat inside rather tasty; though hard to obtain. Racing squirrels to the nut harvest though, it a challenge in itself. Hickory wood has a good strength and will lend itself to many projects. The tree itself is easy to identify. Once you find the nuts underneath it in autumn, you'll soon spot its shaggy bark, then the shapely leaves.
Remember, as you walk along that shaded path, look up. Revere in the life around you, the beauty you may have been passing by. Thank everything; from the tallest tree to the scrawniest dandelion.