Tag Archives: nature

Apr20

Mindful Musing

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Mindful Musing

It’s been a relaxing couple of weeks since I’ve been back. I’ve made an effort to be more mindful and I’m actually feeling the rewards. I’m not nearly as stressed as I thought I’d be seeing as I’m still settling in and will be traveling again in less than two weeks.

For one thing, I haven’t dived back into teaching yet. I have gone to a training session and I did do a CPR refresher. But I haven’t gone back to Tai Chi classes as I’m still waiting for this sciatica to let up. And it probably will just before I have to board that next four hour flight to Minneapolis. But the long flights take a toll on my back although I make a point of getting up every now and then and walking a little. At least I’ll have a layover and will be able to walk around a little before my connecting flight to Winnipeg.

The highlight of this week was going to writers group on Wednesday. It was great to see everyone again and meet new members. The stories and poems we shared were especially amazing. I have missed the support and encouragement of my writing friends. Unfortunately it was a bit of a tease as I won’t be back now until June.

I’m looking forward to doing some volunteer work on Monday with my friend in Cashmere. Joanne is a professional volunteer in her retirement years and always has interesting things I can help her with. This time I’m helping her prepare for a kids event.

After church tomorrow, Joyce and I are going to a concert in Wenatchee. It’s a benefit for the Ukraine. One of the women in my life group will be singing and I’m sure I’ll recognize a few others in the different choral ensembles who will be performing.

I’ve started coloring again. It has been relaxing and I must admit I sleep better since I’ve cut back on the videogames and turn to my gel pens and markers instead. When I get back in June I intend to pull out my paints and pastels that are currently hidden away in my closet.

The course I’m taking online has now switched topics from nutrition and reading food labels to mindfulness. And I’m making a serious attempt to have mindfulness become my middle name.

The other day I was sitting outside waiting for a friend to pick me up when a cat sauntered by. He eyed me suspiciously through the fence. Yes. He. I’ve decided that Marmalade is a male. I gave him that name because of his coloring. And his tail has these magnificent ring-like stripes. I watched him as he nonchalantly made his way down the street.

On another day I was treated to a small procession of quail strolling across the street. Mama in front and the babies trailing behind. They were all oblivious to the traffic that had stopped for them so that they could safely proceed to their intended destination.

It’s common to see cats in the neighborhood as well as quail. But I know I looked at them differently this time. Mindful musing.

May11

Dryden Days

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Dryden Days

I’m living in Dryden for the month of May. This is a small town between Cashmere and Peshastin. Here is a pic of the house where I’m staying.

The house is surrounded by orchards, along with a lovely view of the mountains .

My bedroom has a spectacular view of the river, including a fish ladder, and the mountains.

It’s quiet and peaceful here. While Leavenworth is a quaint Bavarian village only ten minutes away, I do not miss the constant tourist traffic. I enjoyed a walk along a back road yesterday and marveled at the beautiful trees and wildflowers.

I have truly found a piece of heaven on earth here.

Sep30

Yesterday

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Yesterday

Yesterday morning I went to Cashmere. I remember vividly the first time I visited this town and a flood of memories of other visits came to mind as well.

I’ll start with Spirit of America. And the 9/11 memorial services I’ve attended. And the many times I’ve come here to just think and reflect.

I wandered through the downtown. I went to the bakery for an apple fritter and had a lovely visit with staff who remembered me, the Canadian who has adopted Leavenworth as a summer home. I went to the bank. I passed by the library. I noticed a few minor changes as a result of Covid-19. My favorite Mexican restaurant, Agave Azul now offers takeout and curbside only. Scarecrows have begun to appear as October is just around the corner bringing with it Scarecrow Days.

My favorite pastime is walking the streets and admiring the trees as they change color. My favorite red maple is just beginning to show its fall color.

Here are some other photos of trees on Cottage Avenue.

October also means Halloween is on the way. Decorating has begun early this year.

It’s the end of September and some flowers are still blooming.

Later in the day a walk through downtown Leavenworth was on the agenda. Front Street is closed to traffic now in order to provide additional outdoor seating for restaurants due to physical distancing practices. It was sad to see that some shops and restaurants are now permanently closed as a result of Covid-19. The usual celebrations and festivals have all been cancelled this year as well. But even the virus can’t stop the glorious fall colors of the leaves.

The beautiful hanging baskets add to the charm of this Bavarian village.

The park and gazebo area are also favorites of mine.

I’m here. I’m back. Very different from where I was living ten days ago. It’s nice to be back home.

Apr4

What About Your Other Health?

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What About Your Other Health?

Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Maintain social distancing. Stay at home. This is all great advice for protecting your physical health.

But what about your mental health? What are you doing to protect your mental health?

If you’re self-isolating, you spend a lot of time by yourself. This is a perfect opportunity for your brain to go into overdrive. This results in an unnecessary abundance of fear and anxiety and ultimately panic. Even if you are at home and have other family members with you, the conversation ultimately focuses on COVID-19.

The art of mindfulness and meditation are two techniques that work for me. If I’m coloring I focus on the masterpiece I’m creating. If I’m watching a movie I really listen to the Spanish and am amazed at how much better my comprehension has become.

I meditate with music and imagery. I’ve even gotten back to gazing at the flame of a candle.

I’ve replaced a great deal of my social media viewing with the above-mentioned. When I want the facts about COVID-19 I go to the Mayo Clinic website. I also participate in discussion groups on this site.

I find online Church as well as Bible study to be important. Both are a great way to stay connected. I also find them comforting.

I also spend less time on the phone although I do connect with the my family and close friends more regularly. Just as long as the conversation doesn’t focus completely on the virus.

Quite obviously I’m spending more time writing. Blog posts are every second day. I’m also working on my next book.

I make a point of going out for walks every day. I lose myself in the beauty of nature. So many trees and flowers are beginning to bloom.

I guess you could say I take a lot of time for ME and I highly recommend it.

Take time for yourself!