Looking for Life

How I stay above the muck.

It’s a bright, sunny day here in Oregon which is something to celebrate. Our weather is typically cloudy and cool with maybe some rain. Climate change has changed it up in the last few years but I’m still a true Oregonian. When it rains, I smile.

Sigh. I’d like to be smiling right now. How about you? It seems all around us there are dark clouds gathering. Anger rising. Threats to our lives and security. A crazy maniac in the big White House who is followed by crooks interested in stealing money and selling secrets.

It’s overwhelming at times. And I don’t know about you, but I refuse to get mired in the muck.

Pulling myself up and out.

One way I’ve managed to save my creative soul and spirit is to get out into nature. Walking isn’t just about exercise, it’s about moving my body, mind and soul into the real world of nature. Trees and birds and squirrels who live in peaceful contentment rooted in the earth around them. Thankfully, I have a beautiful park in my neighborhood to walk around everyday.

Hearing the kids play on the swings

Seeing the Heron floating in the water.

Looking down at an oak leaf and thinking of how I could form it in clay.

Breathe in life. Real life.

Step by step around the lake I go, watching and hearing and hoping. I smile at the people walking by me. Heal in my dog to let them pass. And hope, no matter what new craziness happens in our country today, that they are ok. That we are all safe. That all of our days get better. That this craziness will end peacefully and safely.

Let’s all take a deep breath together.

Breathe in beauty.

Breathe in love.

Breathe in life.

We will get through this.

By looking for life and beauty all around us.