Take a Moment

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You've climbed about 100 steps through St. Nicholas Park and you're not even a little tired. Usually you'd run up the remaining boundary to the Castle but something is holding you back. You decide to take a moment to appreciate your surroundings.

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 As you look back at your climb, you notice how others are blindly moving in unison. You shake your head and smile. They're not paying attention to the lust greenery surrounding them or the cheerful chirping from the nearby treetops. 

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You glance over your shoulder to your left. Proudly standing there is your favorite tree, which you and your friends have spent numerous lunchtimes running your mouths.

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You suddenly hear your name being called. You can see your friends impatiently standing at the top landing so you wave back in anticipation. 

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But the same feeling that caused you to take a moment out from your busy day, instead moves you to the right of the ascending stairs. You search for a shortcut but find only the steep stone barrier. You chuckle to yourself as you admit that there's no way to climb up on this side.

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A warm breeze moves you closer to the lengthy stone wall. You can't help but enjoy the splendor and majesty that the Castle presents to you as it shines through the afternoon sky.

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Okay, enough fantasizing. The bell will ring soon and you still have to make it all the way to the east tower in the next five minutes. 

Before you take those last long strides to your favorite haven, you're certain that these warm feelings will follow you throughout the day. They'll be added to the wonderful memories you've already gathered. Your steps are light and they give you the feeling of walking on air. Today will be one of the best and you're happy that you decided to take a moment.

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All photographs were taken by Lloyd A. Green

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