What's Left After Winter

Walking season is starting. If the temp is above freezing and the dew point below 62, I usually take Olive for a walk at Durand Eastman on Saturday mornings. This Saturday there were clear blue skies, hardly a breeze, and temps just under 40, so we were off to enjoy.

Thanks to the strong, steady winds of the past few weeks there were lots of twigs scattered about and few loose leaves left to cover the trail. The trees were stark, and bushes and vines were bare. Only the bones were left. I got the sense that winter stripped and cleared everything in preparation for the new energy of the year.

It struck me that winter did the same to me. I’ve been clearing and honing—with still more to do—knowing that there will be changes this year. I’m trying to get to the basics, to what I want to do, what feeds my spirit, unencumbered by extraneous stuff and distractions and things that have run their course. My “theme word” that I chose in January for 2023 is “create.”

I bring myself back to the word every day and create something that furthers my goals. I’ve streamlined this website by updating and consolidating my photography page (click on the Art section :-) ) I’m preparing inventory to sell online here and, hopefully, a couple of shows by the end of the year. I’ll be writing more blog posts on food and wine and other things important to me. I’m releasing fears and worries and inviting in good and abundance.

What would your theme word be? Does it connect with your goals for the year? Is there something, no matter how small, that you can do each day to honor the word and move forward?

Wishing you spring growth and a bountiful result.

Leaves

Today I got up 45 minutes earlier than planned but got the Saturday walk and a couple of errands out of the way by 11 a.m.—which was awesome. All afternoon I perused Facebook, sent these photos to my computer, did my Saturday chores, and watched MST3K on YouTube. I am trying to rest this weekend and not do “work” work.

I need time to think quietly and make decisions on the next chapter of my life. I haven’t been well this year, and stress has played a large part. Perhaps, hopefully, the ousting of the current disturbingly corrupt administration will ease some of it. But there are other elements and signs in my life that are pushing me toward change, to make changes before it’s too late. I’ve been too easily distracted by the outside to face what is within. Time to reckon.

These photos are my little nature still lifes 2020 edition. I remember starting these in Cannon Beach, where fall leaves blown onto the sand mingled with kelp, pieces of shell, little twigs, and other ocean discards. I suppose I’m drawn to the colors, but the groupings remind me, somehow, of abstract paintings. Fall leaves are so beautiful anyway whether subtle or bright.

Enjoy this weekend, this season, the leaves.

Monday Morning Orange Juice, October 28, 2019

“Look up. Look around. Observe. Avoid excess. Make room for mystery. Find at least one reason every day for saying, 'Ahhh.' "

Victoria Moran

Saturday’s park walk was gorgeous! (I’ll be posting more photos in a separate blog post this week) The foliage is still beautiful this week, but cold weather sets in next weekend, from what I hear. Now looks like a good time to take in the colors and earth scents of fall. A lunch hour in a park or on a trail could have such a positive effect on your day.

Enjoy!

Monday Morning Orange Juice, April 29, 2019

"Let go of what has passed. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Don't try to figure anything out. Don't try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest."

Tilopa

A meditation this week for me, as we finish the final preparations for our City Love fundraiser. Just breathe... #mondaymotivation #positivevibes #quotes

Open to everything happy and sad

SEPTEMBER 05, 2016 IN GENERAL

Open to everything happy and sad

Seeing the good when it’s all going bad

Seeing the sun when I can’t really see

Hoping the sun will at least look at me

Moby, “Slipping Away”

Today did not start out well. It’s a holiday and one of my three or four days off for September. I set my alarm for “late” after finishing a movie well after midnight last night, and was planning on a leisurely morning. My new neighbors were up bright and early, though, chatting and walking around the yards in our little strip. I grudging got up at 7:15, not being able to sleep.

I took Zsa Zsa out, and one of the new neighbors’ dogs was in “my” yard doing his thing. ZZ ignored him, and he came over and peed on her.  Yes, you read that right. The neighbor came over and apologized, but it meant I had to bathe ZZ right away. I did that, fixed our breakfast and went out the door for a walk at Durand Eastman Park.

Ahhhhh.

I did an article a few years ago—and have probably mentioned it here—on “nature therapy” in Japan.  City dwellers there pay exorbitant fees to be bussed with lots of other city dwellers to parks and forests, where they wander around, lean on trees, lie on the ground and just take in the oxygen. A few hours later, refreshed and de-stressed, they board the busses and go back home.

I step onto the trail with Moby on Pandora and put one foot in front of the other. Moby always brings up a range of emotions for me: relaxing, inspiring, nostalgic, motivating, and some of it hits notes in my soul. Today was the first time in weeks I’ve been able to chill and walk under the cool shade of these tall trees. (breathe in)

As Moby’s instrumental rocks a walking beat (breathe in) I stroll past the houses at the beginning of the trail, breakfast in the air. (breathe out) And down the hill into the woods I feel my muscles soften and begin to release some of the stress of last month. (breathe in) Earth and green leaves, and another scent of summer less identifiable. (breathe out)

“Focus on everything better today,” the lyrics whisper.  I smile at a couple walking by and a pass a couple expecting a baby.  (breathe in) Sunlight in the trees, shadows on the path, smells of daily life in the woods.  More people glide by. (breathe out) My body is now out of body—listening to the music, filling my lungs with this freshly produced air, feeling the rhythm of the songs as I step, step, step, step. (breathe in)

There are no red-winged black birds today at the bridge over the wetlands, but the reeds are thick, and I know there is life among them. (breathe out) Up the hill toward the lake, a thin jogger wearing thick glasses and a baseball cap approaches with his hand out to me in a “high five” move. Most passers-by give a nod or a smile, but he was a cyclone of energy. (breathe in) We hit our palms together, and I giggle.

I turn around at the park sign for the return trip (breathe out) and notice everyone heading in the opposite direction is smiling now, all met by the “high five” guy. What a little gift he gave with his encouragement and joy. (breathe in) I meet him again on the bridge. He is clapping and laughing as he runs this time. I put my palms together and motion toward him. (breathe out) “Thank you,” I say as we pass. He hesitates a little, grinning. I don’t think he expected a thank you.

A woman walking a greyhound (breathe in) asks me if I’ve seen a fawn along the path that someone told her about. No, I haven’t, but we chat briefly about the wildlife and greyhounds. I continue up the hill with my music. (breathe out)

I needed this. This has been one of the most difficult years, and it is most certainly—finally—turning around. I am fortunate, (breathe in blessings) but this has not come without pain and trust and faith. I am still processing all that has happened, but by October I should certainly be in a better place mentally, emotionally, and most other “--allys,” too.  (breathe out gratitude)

“It’s all a mystery, let it come and let it be,” sings the haunting song by Blackmill in my ears. Up the hill I push the pace. Let it all come at me. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. (breathe in) Life is a balance, an ebb and flow. Patience, faith, determination. I reach the top of the hill, feeling the physical release of the last of the negative energy. (breathe out) Let it be.