Merci's Quest Continued... Waking, the journal still held loosely in my hands, looking down, rereading the words written there.  Thinking of the past, the rocky stream followed to the ocean.  How the water sometimes flowed placidly over smooth rocks, leaves drifting quietly upon sky-blue water.  And how sometimes quite suddenly the water changed, flowing rapidly over rocks and boulders, churning around obstacles, and if around was impossible, throwing itself over the top, frothing, angry, eager to make its way downstream.  Or how sometimes, still moving rapidly, but without the anger, bubbling and dancing over the rocks, sending rainbows to play in the sunshine.  Singing happily to all who take the time to listen.  A tale of many facets, of joy and happiness, loss and sadness, birth and death...Remembering sitting quietly at streams edge, drinking a cup of coffee, savoring the morning peacefulness, and looking up, to find myself joined by a doe and her young one.  Watching, frozen, as they partook the nectar of the creek...feeling gifted by the magic of the moment.  And of the time, at dusk, likewise with coffee in hand, pondering the day, startled by a rustling, and watching a raccoon begin searching the shallows for fresh water mussels and crawdads, catching and washing before eating...never paying a bit of attention to me.  Sitting here, remembering the smell of the water, the heady smell of the earth and woods, and feeling intensely homesick.  Rising, calling to Kava, who is wandering nearby, hunting butterflies and rabbits.  Kava, ever eager to be on the go, quickly responds, pink tongue hanging,  panting happily, tail a white plume of pure joy.  Gathering the reins to the patient mare, packing my belongings, tightening the loosened saddle...swinging easily into it...and, with firm resolve, going to find my stream.....