These photos are from a couple of mornings back. I was up earlier than usual, finding the view breath-taking, I took photos. I’m grateful I was up early enough to witness this, because in a few brief minutes, the marine layer (otherwise known as fog) crept in and clouded the sky, obstructing the view. Everything about the view, changed.
These images are a reminder to me of how every day we are given a new start, the opportunity for a fresh attitude and the chance to find beauty — anywhere and everywhere.
Initial view of the western skyNortheastern skyCaptured the marine layer was encroaching–western sky
I’m grateful for these gentle reminders. What stirs those emotions in you?
While others are combing the shore and the small tide pools, I’ve found a rock where I can perch, allowing my senses to soak in the beauty of nature and the reality of being on the edge of land. The pelicans fly overhead in formation, scoping out the landscape below. They head over the open water then pivot coming back toward land. Multiple broods fly in their individual formations. Scanning the waters and shoreline. Their grace, combined with the perfection of their movements, is a beauty to behold. The waves roar toward the shore with one white cap straining to overtake another. The blue-green rolls over to form a churning white mass racing toward the shore as the roar intensifies. Beyond, the dark grey blue of the ocean continues until it creates a solid dark line against the horizon. Then the lighter blue grey of the sky rises to transition into a deep blue. Shades of blue fill my view.
The wind continues to blow, ruffling my shirt and blowing my hair. The air is cool on my face, with the scent of salt water filling the air.
Following the shoreline around the cove area, the grey of the water’s edge merges with the grey of the land, creating dull shadows of the buildings surrounding the water’s edge.
The churning waves keep moving further and further inland. Soon my vantage point will be immersed.
The sound of the seagulls laughing at the surfing crowd that has arrived to ride the wild waves of this afternoon fill the air. They’ve donned their gear and waded into the water with their boards. Slowly at first as they acclimate to the temperatures, then more quickly to position themselves for when they see the waves calling to them. Into the deep they paddle. A couple of quick runs and alas, they denounce. These waves are not for me today. Then they depart.
Slowly, I arise to explore activity in some of the tide pools. What a peaceful way to clear one’s mind!
After three glorious weeks on the road and over 5,000 miles on the car, we returned home tired, yet oh, so refreshed. We connected with so many friends and family, saw beautiful sights, and enjoyed one of the best Midwestern autumns! We’re home and have caught up on laundry, mail, appointments, household tasks and jumped into necessary holiday preparations. Now, we’re savoring the memories and reflect on them often.
I’m including a few snapshots from this epic trip.
I, however, seemed to have kept the vacation mentality, dragging my feet about stepping back into routine activities. All forms of writing have slipped through most of the cracks. My writing grounds me. It is how I sort my thoughts and feelings, and where I let my imagination run wild. So today, I’m tip-toeing back into my playground.
Thanks for joining me here.
I hope you are expectant about the upcoming holiday season and traditions important to you and those you care about.
Summer is running, already running away It just arrived…
We spent a day at the county fair, what a day it was
On a whim we entered the Butterfly Farm exhibit Enclosed environment filled with beautiful fragil graceful free curios butterflies
And people All captivated or standing in awe
Numerous varieties of butterflies each with their own colors and markings, different species were drawn to various colors
They were emboldened and landed on whatever drew their attention. The people moved among these winged creatures. Enchanted by their movement, their color, their beauty.
We left the butterflies Enjoyed other exhibits Went out to dinner with friends Returned home, contented
Reflection afterwards brought the realization most were smiling in this butterfly environment. Leaving one wondering when and where was the last time so many people were visibly happy? why does it not happen more frequently?
Yes, we left the butterflies yet a part of their spirit remains within me. I say, Bring on the butterflies!
Happy Spring! Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Between Life and Death
Spring 2020 by Linda L. Flynn
I cut my first bunch of daffodils before Easter.
It snowed during the night. The blooms left for later bent under the weight. Buds not yet open succumbed to the morning snow.
My bunch of daffodils in the living room brought sunshine and the promise of spring to come. I’ve enjoyed this bundle of blooms. I’ve watched the petals on these beautiful blooms first become paper thin. Still beautiful, but the truth of their fragility is now evident.
A few more days and the edges of those paper blooms are dry and wrinkled, some have turned a darker color, others just became more fragile.
How like us. We bud and bloom, bringing sunshine and promise to those around us. Our lives bring beauty to some. Like these blossoms, we don’t even recognize the gradual process of becoming more fragile. Our bones are more brittle, muscle strength steadily disappears, our skin becomes more translucent, and our hair thins.
Like my daffodils, we often fail to recognize these changes until something happens.
Last night brought one of those happenings. I feel like I should howl and be in dissent. Today, I’m weary and wonder, what is this time all about?
Journey to the Heights 