I was walking up a gravel country road; the sky was grey, and light rain was pouring down. As I walked along, the road went up a gradual hill, and I could see a few weathered houses here and there. There was complete peace throughout the whole scene. Towards the top were several graded lots awaiting new homes. The lots were covered with lush, tall green grass and surrounded by dark green fir trees as if cut out of a forest. At the top of the hill was a gravel cul-de-sac. To my left were a vacant lot and one peculiar-looking home.

An older woman was standing on the front porch, and when she saw me, she invited me in. Walking through the house, I saw it had been built along a cliff towards the back of the lot. The house had a large bank of glass windows, and I could see rusty steel rods holding up the house, buried into the basaltic rock. I gazed over the edge, becoming dizzy from the height. But then I looked out and saw this magnificent valley.

It was a relatively small, u-shaped valley. Everything was lush, bright green. To my right, I could see a tranquil stream and a small waterfall pouring unto the valley floor. To my left was a small stand of purple, green fir trees, their color so deep that it defies description. And straight ahead, the valley opening framed a round hill perfectly lined with fruit trees. I have never seen such perfection in an orchard. I was so captivated that my spirit because thoroughly overwhelmed; every sense in me was stimulated.