National Adult Literacy Database

October 30, 2000

This story was written by Dianne Russell, from Prince George, BC. Dianne is a single mother of two boys. She has recently enrolled at the College of New Caledonia as a Fundamental Level student. Her goal is to complete her Grade 12 equivalency.

My Favorite Place

by Dianne Russell

As I walk along the trail, I feel the coolness around me, and the softness under my feet. In front of me, there is moss on the trees, and I see the changing colour of the leaves. A light wind is blowing all around. The roots are showing through the ground. There are wild flowers growing where the sun hits making the air smell so fresh. Suddenly, I am at the edge of the bank! As I look over, I can see an old weathered farm house with a big beautiful garden and flower beds. As I sit down on the hard ground looking straight ahead, I can see the road with its hard, cold pavement. Then I see the train tracks that seem to go on forever. Past that is the river, flowing so fast. I look across the river. There is the park. It is all full of colours with the changing of the seasons.

As I scan past the park, I see the City of Prince George gripped in a cool fall day. With a feeling of serenity, I listen, and I can hear the birds singing and chirping. Then just at the right time, the sun goes down. The sky is filled with orange, yellows and reds. I feel at peace with myself and relaxed. I just think about the beautiful day I had, and the darkness comes. I see Prince George all lit up, and I know it's time to go home.

This story was taken with permission, from a collection of stories by members of Seniors' Writing Circles and Fundamental Level Students, College of New Caledonia, Prince George, BC. The book is entitled Writers, young and old, share experiences. See page 30.]