It’s been a long year. Yesterday we finally went through the front door, stepped into the car and drove for a while. At the other end we stepped out… and found ourselves in a different world – a Paradise.

I basked in the warmth of the sunshine, bending to look at the wildflowers as we wandered the woodland – anemones and celandines, bluebells, violets, primroses and tiny wild strawberries. Orange-tip butterflies floated through the air like petals on the wind.

We heard the falls before seeing them through branches, the rushing roar of water as it tumbled downstream.

Finally we were free.

    0 0 votes
    Post Rating
    38 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    2 years ago

    Just what we all needed after the endless lockdowns. Even for those of us who don’t have a paradise to escape to, this story still lifts us out of our sense of isolation. Beautiful descriptions. Book us all tickets, please!

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    2 years ago

    Wow! Does this mean that you’re finally out of lockdown? Great story.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    Paradise indeed Carrie and some freedom at last. You’ve described it so well. Lovely story.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    2 years ago

    Carrie, I love the descriptions of the waterfall and the wild flowers. It sounds idyllic! My first thought when I read this was that it must have been the first outing after lockdown. Well done.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    Wow! How happy I am to know that you are finally out of lockdown and finally free. It is now easy to travel and explore paradise. A well-written story.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    2 years ago

    Yes, Carrie. I can feel how you love to be close to the water and nature as I could vividly imagine the beautiful description of waterfalls, wildflowers, and birds in your story. You love nature, as I love nature too.

    Julie Harris
    Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
    2 years ago

    Ah yes, Carrie, it has been an exceedingly long year. How nice to read about your newly found freedom! I hope we are out of the Covid woods and into the real woods, with their gorgeous wildflowers and waterfalls. Thanks for sharing!

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Yes Carrie, freedom comes in so many different ways ?.

    Daisy Blacklock
    Daisy Blacklock(@daisy-blacklock)
    2 years ago

    We are nearing the end of a dark time. This is a beautiful way to welcome the new happy times. Brilliant writing (as always! ? )!

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    Now, there’s a difference! I can imagine the joy and sense of freedom you felt, finally being able to enjoy nature and wildlife after that long time indoors. Great description of your experience.

    Susan Dawson
    Susan Dawson(@susan-dawson)
    2 years ago

    Released into summer as well as from the lockdown. It was very constricting not being able to travel to beauty spots in the winter, but we have been out and about a bit in the Spring.

    Julie Harris
    Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
    2 years ago

    A lovely story, Carrie. Hope you’ve been to visit your daughter and parents since you first “escaped”. We’re all so ready for “Normal”!! Congratulations on your win.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations, Carrie.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Carrie.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations Carrie, a very uplifting story.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations, Carrie! Every time I read your story it makes me wish we can get into the car and go on a trip. Great story!

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    2 years ago

    Carrie, that is so true. I appreciate this community of writers who, even during a pandemic, can take each other on trips to other times and places. It really does give me comfort.

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    2 years ago

    Carrie, you always give us such gifts in your stories! Congratulations on your win, but also on your newly-found freedom! May we all find our own paradise this summer!

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    2 years ago

    Definitely a story we can all relate to, Carrie! Every small step is paradise now and I hope we never forget how lucky we are to have precious freedom; the small things, the big things, ALL things. Well done!

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    2 years ago

    We certainly do, Carrie, and how lucky we are to be able to write about it 🙂

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations, Carrie! With your beautiful choice of words, it is easy to see and feel the experiences described in your story.

    Recent Comments

    38
    0
    Selected Authors may submit comments (5 Credits)x
    ()
    x
    Scroll to Top

    Sharing a Post

    Why do my friends need to SignIn to read the post I shared?

    Actually, this is a voting security feature. During public voting, only club members can read posts submitted for that contest. Since anyone reading the story is able to vote (click the Like button), we reserve these capabilities to members who SignIn. Before we implemented this security feature, people were voting multiple times and making the public voting process unfair and out of balance. To fix this, our staff finally decided to allow only members who SignIn to read the stories. Membership is free and easy, and ensures our club is safe, secure, and family-friendly!