Back in the Woods

 

Thanksgiving's now in the rearview mirror and our Christmas decorations are in place; however, my heart resides in the woods at the river's edge.  My thoughts often return to the trees, leaves, squirrels, songbirds, bald eagles, chipmunks, racoons, deer, owls, monarchs, swallowtails, woodchucks, wood ducks, coots, loons, trumpeter swans....some reside here while others just pass through while traveling to summer or winter homes.  These pictures are treasured artifacts from this space that always soothes my soul.  Ahhhhhhh...

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

                                                                                                       --John Muir

Thanksgiving

 

"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around."

                                                                                              --Willie Nelson

Your Path

 

"Pay attention to the things you are naturally drawn to.  

They are often connected to your path, passion, and purpose in life.  

Have the courage to follow them."

                                                               --Ruben Chavez

Advice from Snoopy

 

“Keep looking up... That’s the secret of life...”

                                                                     —Snoopy

Frozen Delights

Last week while exercising outside along the river I had to pay attention to my footing as there was significant frost and wooden surfaces were like a skating rink.  And, initially my thoughts were lamenting the cold and coming winter...until I noticed these gorgeous frosted leaves.  Quickly I turned back to get my phone and started snapping pictures of these incredible masterpieces created by Jack Frost.  As an avid tree and leaf lover, I wanted to photograph each one and preserve these icy delights; however, the sun, as it peered over the bluff, had a different idea and soon these pretties looked like the ordinary pile of leaves that the neighbor didn’t rake.  And I’m glad he didn’t.

“The poetry of the earth is never dead.”

—John Keats

Good Enough

 

Like apples?  Yep, I love them but that’s not the theme of this post.  Actually, a while back I decided to leave my comfort zone for trying to draw and use color....since I always get most concerned with creating a masterpiece that would belong in a museum’s permanent collection....and that’s way too much pressure!  Anyway, I wanted to give myself a break, despite my tendencies to perfect, to just relax and enroll in an online colored pencil class.  Of course, I incorrectly also thought that we wouldn’t have to draw but rather would just practice techniques using orbs.  Now that thought seems so silly as it’s far from the truth.  Nevertheless, I engaged in the process, despite the drawing requirements, and have enjoyed the experience....although I initially resisted when in the 2nd class we were assigned 4 beautiful flowers as our homework.  And, after trying to draw roses and dahlias, this apple simply is “good enough.”

‘If you are waiting until you feel talented enough to make it, you’ll never make it.”

—Criss Jami

Knotted

 

Given the wonderful weather we’ve fortunately had for the last week, I’ve been kayaking and enjoying beautiful scenery and wildlife along the bluffs.  And I feel grateful almost beyond words as being on the water soothes my busy mind, softens my tightly held abdominal muscles and helps me center in the calm of the present moment.  That is a priceless gift.  And, of course, if you’ve read several of my posts over the last few months, you recognize this theme.  However, the new twist for this post features the first picture where the bobber and sinker are infinitely wound in the branch.  Unless cut free, they are permanently knotted in that place.  And this image instantly resonated with me as I thought about how it is so easy to get entrenched in thoughts and then remain permanently stuck....and maybe not in a place where we are truly free to live and love ourselves and what is....inhale....exhale.....repeat.  Peace.

Calm

 

With Election Day now in the rear-view mirror, albeit with no official winner yet declared for the nation’s highest office, I really needed some tranquility like the scene in this image.  Again, when getting so caught up in these uncertain times, I find some calm in just sitting in a quiet place, noticing my breath and letting my body relax.  And, typically my mind follows.  Peace.

“The pursuit, even of the best things, 

ought to be calm and tranquil.”

                                                                                                               — Marcus Tullius Cicero

Autumn Views

 

Often these rather ordinary scenes remain tucked away in their little corners of the world; however, sometimes those make the best images -- simple, beautiful and calm.  Currently, given the many hot topics in our world, I find myself taking shelter in the serenity of the outdoors and its seasonal delights.  And, on a lighter note, I realized October had passed without me posting any pictures of pumpkins.  So, here are some wonderful autumn scenes complete with a wheelbarrow of those awesome orange globes.

"Autumn doesn't always promise that winter will come,

but she works hard until every colored leaf

has reached its destination."

                                                                         --Terri Guillemets