By Al Batt, Hartland, Minnesota

This guy can write (Al). So I thought I'd share a couple of Al's storys.

Express-Lane Blues

I'm as guilty as most people, running through life at a frantic clip. That's why modern stores offer "12" items or less checkout aisles in order to speed us on our way. People just don't mosey anymore.

*Cowboys used to mosey. School janitors used to mosey. Cows still mosey. As a kid, I was a candidate for the Moseyeying Hall of Fame. Like everyone else, I had places to be, but I was more than willing to leave early, so I could take my time getting to where I was going. Moseying led to some deep thinking.

**Later, I became a licenced driver I liked moseying in one of my old $75 cars. Oh, I flirted with speed like most young men do, but I quickly learned that life went by fast enough without me hurrying it along...

***********Life in the Slow Lane*************

People were more likely to mosey when they drove in those days. We'd wave at everyone we passed-slower speeds made it easier for a driver to see the person he was waving at.
We're told that today's automobiles are made for high speeds. And the roads...they're built to handle vehicles traveling at a breakneck pace.

These things may be true, but after seeing the 'kestrel'(species of hawk), I question whether people were made for speedy travel.
Nature offers so much, and it provides it free for the looking. So why not enjoy the flowers, the clouds and the birds? Finding joy in nature is good for the mind and body.

How many times have you driven a familiar road and, after getting to your destination, had no recollection of the journey? It happens to most of us.

But not today. No, I took the time to notice a handsome little bird called the American Kestrel, and rediscovered the lost art of moseying.

THE END

*I was thinking, if Al hit the 'Moseying Hall of Fame', do you think he's sitting next to Arlo? If not, it's gotta be Pete!...LOL...<img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>

For more of Al's story's check out www.birdsandblooms.com

This makes me think how fast-paced my life is... and mine is slow compared to some folks I know... I believe I shall have to take up moseying... and ambling... and meandering

I'd like to mosey barefoot through deep green moss with a touch of morning dew...

I'd like to amble across an open field, pausing to hear the meadowlarks amid the shasta daisies...

I'd like to meander down a cold clear stream, stepping from rock to rock, and maybe slipping into the refreshing wetness....

Thank you for reminding me that there is no need to rush through life.