Every Step

Yesterday I decided that it might be time to get outside and walk. It’s been a very long time.

I was motivated by the fact that it is a bit cooler out than it has been (77 degrees rather than 85).  I also wanted to see how I did. I’m far from 100%, but felt a walk around the block might shed some light on my current physical state. I went out before the sun had come up over the buildings.

I was cautious of every step. I did stop to take a few pictures. The only birds I heard were the mourning doves, and the only animal I saw was this guy.

I’ll be honest. The walk was a challenge. I didn’t feel as grounded as I wanted to be. I will need to give this more time before trying again.

Sunday Seeking Peace

It’s a muggy morning with zero breeze. I had vowed to get out and walk, to connect with Mother Nature, and wasn’t going to let the weather stop me.

I’m glad I kept my vow.  I walked the bridge area to the woods. The Ibis were roosting and it was obviously mating season, as there were many bright displays.

I stopped at a bench that was calling to me. I was thinking a lot about lyrics to a song from yesterday: “Peace will come.” I meditated for a short time on the bench on those words, then took this picture:

Don’t you just love cloud reflections?

I walked into the wooded area and had this thought: why am I saying peace will come? Peace is now.

Then I saw this plaque next to a bench, something I had not seen before:

I smiled at myself. What else do I need? I have the present moment. I walked, touching all the palm fronds along the path, reaching for waxy leaves and feathery vines. A cache of butterflies fluttered over my head. I was sweaty and mosquito-bitten when I returned to my car, but no matter.  I had kept my promise and was reminded once more that being one with nature is all it’s cracked up to be!

Breaking Inaction

 I have been a lazy writer for too long. 

I’ve also been lazy about getting out of the house and walking in nature. 

I am well aware only I can take action against my inaction.

So I’m starting here. I walked around the lake yesterday at Lakes Park on a cool, blue sky morning. I was there quite early, but came upon plenty of walkers and families in the playground. Even more so was the abundance of birds. Roosting birds, flying birds, feeding birds…even a Coopers Hawk who managed to avoid my camera lens.

Some were easy to photograph, however. Anhingas are most often seen drying their wings. But this dude was just hanging out on a rock by the boardwalk

Near the boat rentals, I found a collection of Brown Pelicans, some hanging around, some gulping up fish.

And then I came upon the granddaddy of all Wood Storks. This guy was a loner, and he was HUGE. 

That was it. I felt part of the community of nature once again, and I broke my over five month silence on this blog. One step at a time, right? That’s what it takes. 

Pink (nonet for a Sunday)

 

To enjoy the pink and blue sunrise

This morning, a ten minute walk

Around the block, muggy day

I was alone out there

Too early for some

Pink found me twice

Hibiscus

Wet with

Dew

Between the Branches

 [Note: Sunday morning I arrived at Six Mile Cypress Slough, read David Whyte’s poem “The Thicket,” walked and meditated and took photos, wrote this, and then added quotes from Whyte’s poem in italics.]

I took my meditation to the slough…

free and observant

Contemplated the nature of all things being evolutionary and revolutionary…

surveying the tiny stages and the curtained dramas

Such as the Spanish moss hanging from tree branches…

 every further stage of vision leading me back to smaller and smaller worlds

The Pilated Woodpecker busy on his branch, finding breakfast, preening himself…

Always two realities…action or non-action.

never leave the branching world...a kind of enclosed womb-like eternity

What changes things?

Ideas. Curiosity. Faith.

The trees are both able to be touched and observed in a watery mirror.

Is the reflection telling the truth? 

searching between the branches... the knowledge of some immanence

When it was time to leave, the sun in the Cypress pond lit the way…

 

brought clarity to silence, set me to grow

Heart lifted. Exhilarated. A quiet mind.

Taking all the necessary actions

To meet the revolution.

Auspicious Day 12-1-2021

 On this beautiful morning, I took a walk in the woods at Lakes Park before school.

I haven’t done anything like that in years. 

I was able to breathe deeper and maintained my energy throughout the day. 

This has been a wonderful week of love and gentleness. 

Keep Walking

A Caboose poem from Grace Butcher's "On the Necessity of Snow Angels for the Well-Being of the World."

Here is a link to the reading of the poem. My poem is below.

 

 

Keep walking

towards the next beautiful thing

you will do

Be it meditating in silence

Stretching your body

Eating your Cheerios.

Be it motivating a reader

Listening to a stressed coworker

Taking another deep breath.

Reminding all that integrity

                   and kindness matter.

Keep walking

Raising the Vision (7 Lines/ 7 Days #60)

 #108weeks

 

July 4-10, 2021

 

I realized walking fuels my writing. Riding the exercise bike does not.

Enjoyed a delicious Cuban lunch at a new place called Cubans Be Like

I made a list of things to do to keep me grounded, since I was feeling pretty anxious. Haven't really had to use it because one yoga session fixed the issue

Every time we recognize a blessing, it increases our capacity to receive a blessing*

Finally read the book Pride and Prejudice and find I'm not terribly impressed

Clarity + Confidence = Vision**

New guiding question: What does it mean to live in harmony?

 

 

 

 

Quotes:* Julia Cameron   **Angela Watson

 

Walking a Memory

 It was still dark that December morning when I ran this trail, alone in my disbelief and grief. At 6 a.m. in 1980, my husband at his night shift job at the steel mill, I was a solitary figure on a new bike trail that ran along the soon to open I-480 in North Olmsted, Ohio.

This morning I relived that memory of the morning I heard John Lennon had been killed. I recall running on that mild morning, tears welling up time after time. My desire to be a runner was hard fought, and I have never really become one. I gave up on it long ago. And one thing I know—after that morning, I don’t think I was ever on this trail again until today. 

When I heard our hotel was close to Great Northern mall, I couldn’t stop thinking about walking the trail. The area is extremely built up now, not the many fields with a highway cutting through. I was surprised by the number of houses, as I would have told you this bike path was totally remote. I was amused by the barn on one property, so reminiscent of the farm community North Olmsted once was, and the high rise looming up behind it. 

Much like that day in December over 40 years ago, I was alone on the trail except for one woman with her dog way ahead of me. The maintenance isn’t great, and I know there are better trails in the area for people to frequent. 

Returning here today helped me breathe easier somehow.  I can’t help but think again how grief layers into us. The fact that I had no one to talk with about this for a few hours means I had to handle it alone. I can see now why this has always stuck with me.

Delighted by the wildflowers, and happy that I got a 2 mile walk in, I returned to my hotel, my heart at peace and a lingering memory resolved. 

TKO (7 Lines/ 7 Days #54)

 #108Weeks

 

May 23-29, 2021

 

Important notes about this post: This week I added a bit of a theme and stuck with it. After all I went through I feel like I should have a terrycloth robe with my name embroidered on the back. It was tough, and I'm not sure the next 13 days with kids will be any better. It's exhausting for everyone to have a year like this. This post marks my halfway point with with this project. I am grateful to be keeping this documentation of events, even the painful ones.

 

 

On Sunday I had a nice walk with Amy at Lakes Park, then to Fancy's for Chicken and Waffles. YUM.

In order to survive, I'm teaching a novel to 5th period called The Contender, about a 16-year-old high school drop-out training to be a boxer. Most kids are really into it. It's a perfect story for these guys.

Tuesday was a chill day. The calm before the storm.

JAB--I have to sit in another teacher's classroom with 6th graders for hours while the 7th and 8th graders test. Returning to my room, I spilled a large mug of water, nearly wiping out my cellphone.  Also lost a pair of good reading glasses in transit. Then rushed through 17-minute period (6 classes) the rest of the day. In that short time I managed to write 2 referrals in 5th period.

CROSS--Walking quickly at school I turn a corner and my right foot slides and go down on my left knee, shocking me. No indication the floor had just been mopped. I was traumatized for several hours, but appear to be okay. Falling at any age is tough. At 65, it is scary as hell.

HOOK--Had to write two more referrals* during 5th period. One girl was screaming at a boy during a class discussion. Is there no end to this madness?

UPPERCUT --Anxiety has built up in my chest. Even after getting a massage, I didn't sleep well and had a frustrating dream. Thank God for a 3-day-weekend. I need to recover, because I'm back in the ring on Tuesday.

*I have only written 3 other referrals all year.  This week I wrote FOUR.

Seven Days of Self-Care (7 Lines/ 7 Days #52)

 #108weeks

 

May 9-15, 2021

 

Facing a week of schedule interruption with testing and several other annoyances, I decided to focus on self-care. Here is the result.

Sunday:  Took a walk with Kara at Lakes Park

Monday: New clothes ready to wear this week: cute tops and colorful dresses

Tuesday: Giving kids space to be themselves helps me be calm

Wednesday: Managed an escape from my classroom during lunchtime, and drove to Publix to get some sushi, enjoying the blue sky and white puffy clouds and breathing deeper

 Thursday: Finally returned to my cushion for five minute daily meditation, and my mind is already in better order

Friday: Early morning neighborhood walk on a breezy, cool day

Saturday: Playing Neil Young music at my lesson, getting together with writing group, and finishing an excellent book makes for a perfect day

Getting a Grip (7 Lines/7 Days #42)

 #108Weeks

February 28-March 6, 2021

 

It has been a year since I attended my last concert.

Inspired by The Listening Path, I got out for a morning walk.

There was a day this week when the 8th grade boys were really annoying. Thankfully, just one day.

Every chance I get, I speak out against the 12 period schedule. So many reasons it isn't good.

Gratefully, I'm not overwhelmed with things right now.

I'm 100% taking the weekend off from anything work-related.

Do the next right thing.

Today Felt Wonderfully Normal

 Today I met my dear friends Laurie and Annmarie at Six Mile Cypress Slough for some nature listening and writing.  I was inspired by Richard Blanco before making the trip, and used the end of his poem "American Wandersong" for my format.

For now: Gorgeous day -- low to mid 70s right now and breezy. Dew point in the 60s.

For now: Deep gratitude that I am in this place to take this time. Felt impossible over the past many weeks.

For now: The breeze ruffles my hair and I hear my friends' gentle laughter.

For now: Thinking about the Days of Mindfulness I spent here, and thinking how Julia Cameron calls it "heartfulness."  Distant hawk calls. The breeze wraps around me. I can hear the traffic on the other side of the lake and rookery.

For now: I've come to understand the water is higher than it should be and this is upsetting the ecology. Must be why I'm not hearing the nightly frog chorus. Off to the southwest I hear a whistling bird -- Laurie says it sounds like a creaking playground swing.

For now: An alligator draped across the log, limp, tail curled to catch the sunlight; hawk calling out across the Slough.

For now: A Limpkin picks his way through the water, lifting his legs high and pacing in between the trees.

For now: White feather floats in the clear water, bright green salvinia touching its edges.

For now: I came. I listened. I wrote.

2020 Wrap-Up (7 Lines/7 Days #33)

#108Weeks

 

December 27, 2020 - January 2, 2021
 

A little different approach this week, as I include my musings on some favorites of the year, and my focus for the coming year.

 

Learned to play a boogie line on my mandolin.

 

Six Mile Cypress Slough is fully open! It was wonderful to return.

 

My favorite books published in 2020: The Midnight Library, Fifty in Reverse, Such a Fun Age, Stamped Remix, and Whale Day and Other Poems.

 

My favorite albums released in 2020: ...but i'd rather by with you by Molly Tuttle; Hearts Town by War and Treaty, and 25 Trips by Sierra Hull.

 

My word for 2021 is STRENGTH.  My question is HOW CAN I SERVE?

 

My motivational song for the new year is "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree

 

My Native American Medicine for 2021 is Porcupine, which stands for Faith, Trust, and Playfulness.

 

I'M IN!

 

Entering the Quiet Zone

We are more than a week into the holiday break, and I've entered the Quiet Zone.

Today I followed through on a decision I had made which was to use the "What's Your Word" cards my writing friend Kathy gave me as part of a gift exchange. There are 33 cards that ask questions that are supposed to lead you to your "word."  I decided to go through the questions quickly and answer with one sentence each. After a warm-up and a jump start, there are several categories, each with a few related questions. Categories like Let Go, Be Me, Dream, Grow, Love, and Serve.

Answering these questions in a real "in the moment" fashion helped me get quickly to a couple important things happening with me: one has to do with physical strength, and the other has to do with how I want to spend my time going forward.

For many years I had a lot of different things going. A few years ago I cut back. I decided I wanted to spend most of my time focused on writing.  And I did pretty well with that. I've completed several personal challenges, continue to write a poem a day, and my daily journaling, of course.

But something has shifted, and now there are other things that are calling for my time. One is the mandolin. I'm enjoying getting back into it focused just on ways to have fun and play with others. Second is my Music Polls page. I thoroughly enjoy what I'm doing with it, and others seem to like it, too. And third, a bit of art. I've committed to practicing some Zentangle, and that has been relaxing fun. No goals. Just do it.

One thing that has been a concern though, is what I feel is a physical weakening. It really started with the knotted up lat muscles in my side that sometimes made it painful to stand for any period of time, let alone do any walking. I've noticed a difference in my physical strength since I turned 65, and the lat situation has compounded it, keeping me from being as active as I need to be. I still do my daily yoga and stretching, but things like walks and weights and cycling have taken a back seat. Well, are fairly non-existent.

Answering the questions in the "What's Your Word" put this in the forefront. I realized as hard as it is, I have to find ways to start building strength.

So there is my word.  STRENGTH

I started here...a return to Six Mile Cypress Slough, where I walked nearly two miles with nary a twinge from my crazy lats, and thorough enjoyment of the slough itself. Throughout the pandemic I knew the slough boardwalk was open, but I didn't go because of a simple thing like the bathrooms not being available. By the time I drive there, I usually need to use the restroom before wending my way along the boardwalk, which takes the visitor through pinewoods, a hardwood forest, a hammock, and more than a few ponds. But yesterday I learned the park was fully open, and I knew that was my first stop today.

My friend Kara shared with me her focus for the coming year: Peace, Energy, Calm. Add to that STRENGTH. And that is what I felt today, finally returning to the slough, where I don't think I've been in quite a long time. At least a year...maybe longer. 

Entering the Quiet Zone is a natural part of this bridge of time between Christmas and New Years, a time I traditionally use to reflect and ground myself. All the right ingredients came together today. I intend to use them all to keep my STRENGTH building, despite any setbacks or frustrations. It is the most perfect and necessary thing for me right now. 

STRENGTH -- Challenge Accepted!!!!

Power Spot

I discovered a new power spot today.

I first learned of power spots from Danaan Perry in his book Warrior of the Heart. It’s a place in nature where you can sit uninterrupted and preferably unseen.

This new spot is in Lakes Park. I had another spot there at one time, but when they did maintenance on the walking path they took out the vegetation that kept me hidden.

I was delighted to find this spot today in the marsh area, with a smoothed out limestone rock to sit on. A place to go to gather my inner power, think, and pray.

😊

Morning Song

Inspired this morning pretty directly by Joy Harjo's poem of the same name, this post comes with a lifting of anxiety and a clearer direction before me.

Although I quickly discovered Joy did not write this as a poem. It's a song! And she plays saxophone on it, too. This woman rocks my world! Give a listen.

The creative juices have been flowing these past 24 hours or so, and I feel on the brink of all things new.

Finally got out for a walk while it was still 70 degrees this morning. Took note of many things since I didn't have my phone with me. They made it into the poem below.

After writing with Harjo's text as a mentor, I realized that the ending of this was in Obama's speech to graduates last night. I love synchronicity!

The sun bright on the road

Thought by thought

Beauty by beauty

The ducklings looking for mom

Thought by thought

Beauty by beauty

The runners, bikers, dog walkers

saying hello

Thought by thought

Beauty by beauty

My creative juices flowing

A piece of beach limestone 

in my pocket 

Do not be afraid

Keep taking steps toward new realities

Do not be afraid

Walking in a Different Direction Part Two: Lakes Park

Today I finally did it. I pulled myself out of the house, into the absolutely perfect Florida May weather, and took a walk at Lakes Park. I know I have not been there in a long time, and I went with the purpose to do my usual loop through the woods.

Lone Palm Morning

I expected the usual Sunday crowd, but the people were few and far between. The pavilions and play areas are roped off, the exercise equipment fenced off, and the picnic tables overturned.


When I got there I changed my idea of where I wanted to walk. I decided to walk around the lake, rather than go into the wooded area. Very quickly I realized something -- when I have walked around the lake, I tend to start in the same place and walk in the opposite direction than I was walking this morning. And as I wrote about a few weeks ago, I was seeing a lot of things I haven't noticed before, getting glimpses of photo opportunities I rarely see.

Ibis Island

Walking Toward the Rising Sun

I had made up my mind just to walk and listen and watch. What I witnessed was a wildlife that is getting used to fewer humans. I could feel the lack of human dominance I usually associate with the park. (And that is with good reason: it's a wonderful park!)

One instance of this was a Little Green Heron that looked like it was going to walk across the path I was walking. I never see Herons doing that there, let alone the elusive Little Green. I trained my camera on him, but he stopped and eventually flew off.

Anhinga Rock

I took a few more pictures, then headed home with my sun roof open. The radio played a song that made me cry: Jerry Salley's "I Want to Thank You." It made me think about all the people in my life who encourage my faith and belief in myself and the goodness of the world.  It was a perfect way to begin my day.

Great Blue Heron Detail

Great Blue Heron Wide View

Every Little Cell...

Back when I was a sponsor for Youth of Unity, we used to sing this silly little song called 

"Every Little Cell in My Body is Happy."  

Boy, did I feel that today.

The beaches have reopened.  I went to Bunche the first hour after dawn.

I was not prepared for this.

 

The energy!

The deep breathing!

The incredible high!

In fact, on the way home I heard Muddy Waters singing "Champagne and Reefer" 

and I thought, yeah...like that! 

Only better.

Walking in a Different Direction

It is the first full day of spring break.

Ordinarily, I would be totally exhausted, crashed out, not willing to move.

But this year is different. I am full of energy. I'm committed to keeping my body moving, to get out in the sun and beautiful air, enjoy the last of this winter and the early days of Florida spring.

This past quarter was one of the easiest I've ever had. The curriculum I'm teaching, as well as the four creative writing classes, are keeping me from getting dragged down.

Then today, by happenstance, I took a slightly different pathway through my neighborhood. I didn't realize that I usually walk in the same direction in this particular section of our development. It struck me the minute I saw the yellow house with the purple door.  Hmmm...I've never seen that before.

Then it was the frog menagerie:

The tall monkey pine, towering over every other tree and house.  Noticed there were actually two of them in this area.

And my favorite, a lone yellow flowering tree. This is a tree I love here in Florida that only blooms in March. Unfortunately, most of them got destroyed in Irma.

What have I learned?  It pays off to do things differently.  My classes at school. My wardrobe. My walking patterns.

Mix it up. Find joy. Pay attention!