Hello, beautiful daydreamer, thank you for joining me today for a walk along Willow Stream. This is the perfect place to stroll on a sunny afternoon. The stream slowly winds its way to the boating lake. Our walk starts on the other side of that copse of leafy Birch trees.

Dearest daydreamer, you pass through the trees; you are standing in a summer meadow, let us walk along the bank of the stream. You stretch your arm, letting your fingers gently brush against the pink petals of the Cuckoo flowers and the creamy clusters of Meadowsweet. It is this beautiful, tall-stemmed plant, adding its sweet fragrance to the rich, earthy aroma of Willow Stream. 

The sky is a soft baby-blue colour, dotted here and there with delicate wisps of pulled-cotton clouds. It is so peaceful walking along the banks of the winding stream. Willow Stream is far away from busy village life on the Isle of Neverwas. The clear water flows gently as it meanders along towards the boating lake, far off in the distance. The sun shines high overhead, heating the earthy meadow, but the air is cooler near the stream. The breeze dances over the water, rustling the leaves; the tall grass dances. A dragonfly zips in front of you; its wings are an iridescent rainbow. You pause, holding your breath; the dragonfly is hovering in the hot air. You want to hold the moment for as long as possible. The breeze catches it, and the dragonfly zips nimbly away through the meadow grass. You slowly let go of the breath you have been holding. 

Today is not a day for strenuous activity. Work and chores can wait. Today is a day for slowing down, for keeping the stream company as you both wander along its banks. Just up ahead, there is a good place to stop and rest. The grass here is shorter, dotted with buttercups. You can lie down and listen to the sound of the water slowly slipping over and between the rocks, the splash of a fish as it breaks the surface. 

The air touches your face and arms; it is a cosy, warm blanket. You press your back into the soft ground; the earth beneath you is cool. Meadow grass and wildflowers fringe this small clearing. You can hear the soft buzz of a bee and the birds singing. A melodic conversation is taking place between two Skylarks. You feel peaceful. These are the magical moments that are worth holding on to. If you listen carefully, you might even hear the sound of the grass growing or the flap of a butterfly’s wings.

The sky expands above you, and the clouds drift by slowly. Take a deep breath and let go of all the stress you have been holding onto. Give your fingers and toes a wiggle and let go. Let your imagination wander and be free, daydreaming between heartbeats. You could live a whole life in a moment like this. Stay here and rest a while, watching the clouds lazily float by and listening to the sounds of the stream. Today is not a day for hurrying.

When you are ready, we will continue our walk farther downstream. Before the water curves and bends away from us, you will see some large flat rocks. This is an ideal spot to sit and cool off, dipping your feet in the clear spring water. On the opposite bank, Weeping Willow trees grow, their branches cascading down.

The water is clear; you can see all the way to the rocky bed of the stream. Fish swim by lazily; others find shade between the pondweed. The smooth surface of the rock has been gently warmed by the sun. Why don’t you take off your socks and shoes and dip your toes in the water? The water is refreshing as it gently flows over and around your feet. Can you see the family of ducks swimming? They have made their home along the banks of the stream. 

There is a small pile of leaves and twigs tucked in the space between the stones. Let’s use them to make some boats and send them sailing downstream. There is enough space on the rock for you to lie flat, your fingers trailing in the cool stream as you place your leafy ships on the water. Make a wish and watch them sail away. There is no hurry to leave Willow Stream. Stay a while and enjoy the sunshine.

For my daydreamers, mischief-makers, and restless souls. Welcome to the Isle of Neverwas. You are home.