Wallace Stevens wrote: "Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake." I'm happy to say that I've started a new habit, morning walks. I'm not a morning person, so when I worked, I never found that getting up in the dark to exercise was particularly thrilling. These morning walks are usually about 9am or after. I tried to stay mobile at school, walked around the building, parked a long way away in any parking lot, and "sometimes" walked after work. It wasn't fun since I was tired, and certainly irregular. So, now, all summer most of the time, at the beach and since, I've walked every day. I feel good after the walks, I like seeing things that I never noticed when I drove by. There is a lot of public art in my wider neighborhood and I'm discovering it, and able to really "see" it when I walk. For example, I just saw that there were two beautiful air force murals at the back of my nearby grocery. (My wider neighborhood is the re-developed Lowry Air Force Base.) I've driven that street hundreds of times and never knew they were there. In my defense, there are a few trees in front of them!
As I walk, I enjoy seeing so many others also out walking, or riding bicycles. And I look hard at things, try to find interesting patterns, natural objects or shadows that make me look again. I'm pleased that this is becoming a new, and daily, slice of my life. Enjoy some of my recent, favorite pictures. Some of you may already have seen a few on Facebook!
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| magpie-allowed me to get close to take the pic |
Isn't it fun to have the time to look at the little unnoticed things that are all around us? Even after the 16 years we lived at our other place, there was always something new and interesting to check out. Now with our new place, I'm finding there are so many more things to check out. Enjoy your walks. Thanks for sharing your findings.
ReplyDeleteI imagine you are having a lot of fun discovering new things at your new place, Judy. Thanks for sharing. And I appreciate the wishes.
DeleteI find that I am my most creative after a morning walk. Welcome to the world of morning walkers. It sounds like you are enjoying it but watch out for those bees.
ReplyDeleteThe walks really do open up different ideas, Bernadette. You're right! Thanks, & will be watchful of the bees.
DeleteI love your shadow pictures, especially the one of the bike rack. The bees and yellow flowers are stunning. Glad you have time to become a morning walker. I'm always looking for a walking buddy, but I'm sure I would notice more if I walked alone.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ramona, it is lovely to be outside, that's the best thing no matter what surrounds me.
DeleteGreat photos - love the shadows. I have been thinking about the morning walk but have used the morning time to focus and then walk later when my mind is not as clear. It is wonderful to create new habits. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLately, it's just too hot to go midday, and I miss the shadows, but in the colder days, I imagine I might change to afternoon. Thanks, Joanne.
DeleteYou remind me of myself, walking Lucy, prone to taking pictures wherever and whenever! Glad you are enjoying yourself and not having to get up too early to do it :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tabatha, lots are also out walking their dogs, also nice to see.
DeleteLinda, morning walks are so refreshing. My husband likes to take a ride to the beach to walk there. Yesterday, we did that and I found a patch of sand with tropical trees that was not there before. It is so wonderful to really LOOK closely at our surroundings. I love the photos that you caught on your walk. Enjoy the week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol, your "find" sounds great, makes me wonder "how?". How lucky to be so near the beach!
DeleteWalking in the morning with pauses to notice what is around (and inside you) is a wonderful habit. Enjoy the mornings. They set the tone for the day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terje, I am also reminded of your lovely photos taken when you go to the house in the summer. Being outdoors is a good thing!
DeleteYou noticed such incredible things...It's as if you found "small moments" and "slices of life" as you walked!
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful thought, Anita, my tiny slices of walking life. Love it! Thank you!
DeleteWalking does open up a whole new world to see, things we didn't have time to notice before. I am sure your walks will give you much pleasure and much to write about. I look forward to reading of the new world opening up for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, it'll be exciting as the seasons change!
DeleteHearing you talk about your walk made me think I'm going to start walking in the moorings as after reading your post I walked around my building and took some pic of some flowers I was wondering if I could be your friend on face book I often post my pic and art and writing on my page I 'm mostly friends with family
ReplyDeleteYou can look for me on FB, Jessica, of course. I'm glad to start you walking!
DeleteI think you have discovered a new talent my friend - the photographs are arresting (particularly the one with the shadow). I feel this slowing own in my summer walks, too - it's nice to have the time to spy what one would have otherwise rushed by. This weekend, for instance, I spied a fabulous hawk feather!
ReplyDeleteAnd I remember you found an apple tree, too, Tara. I continue to be envious of your farm, think I need to find a wilder space for my walks sometimes. Thanks, Tara, I'll keep slowing and looking!
DeleteHow wonderful that in your retirement you are discovering a way to be healthy and happy. Do you have a walking partner? Sometimes it's tough to stay motivated. My dog Charlie seems to know when it's Saturday. He jumps more than usual, asking for a walk.
ReplyDeleteNo, no walking partner, not even a dog, Margaret. I miss having a dog, but when I think about having one, I feel bad about leaving it when I want to go out, so will wait to see. Fun to hear about Charlie!
DeleteAhh the joys of retirement Linda! Since retiring last year I'm proud to say that if I'm home I work out 6 days a week now! Some days my muscles are screaming but it's worth it! Great habit to have...love the pics
ReplyDeleteAnd you live in such a gorgeous place in which to work out, Lynn. Love hearing this! Thanks.
DeleteI do love your pictures, Linda! I never knew you weren't a morning person. : ) You know, I have an uncle in Denver. I keep thinking I'll come out to visit and invite you both to lunch. I love how you are structuring your days now. My walk has shifted from around the neighborhood to from my classroom to the front office ( a half mile one way).
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have lunch, Lee Ann! I know what you mean about the walk from the classroom to the office. Our main building is in a square, so someone figured out that 5 times around was a mile (I think it was 5). There were walkers at lunch, & in the am. Glad you have some kind of movement! Come visit!
DeleteWhat a wonderful new routine and it must be a lovey place to walk. Love the photos from your walks.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beverley, for the comment & for starting me on the search for shadows. I look all the time!
DeleteI love morning walks but mostly can't make it work before school. Early evening walks are lovely right now too. That's my clearing my head time.
ReplyDeleteIt is getting cooler late afternoon into evening, isn't it, Carol? I could never make the time in the am either, was at school so early. You have your dog to walk too, I know. Hope the year is starting great!
DeleteI am a morning walker during the summer, and like you, often find inspiration along the way. Your photos are stunning, especially the shadow of the bicycle rack. Enjoy your walk tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Catherine, glad to hear that you walk too!
DeleteSuch mindfulness on your walks, Linda! I love that you take your camera with you as well and are always on the watch for life's surprises. You and elsie should walk together (if you lived closer together). I can only imagine the stories and pictures that would result.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be wonderful to have those walks. Elsie & I get together once a year as you know, always too short! Thanks, Jennifer.
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