It’s been days since I took a walk in nature simply because the rain had set in and staying indoors is the thing to do when it is cold, windy and nasty outside.
Today it is different. The sun is finally making a showing and the temperature is going up. It’s a perfect day for a walk. Bundling up as I usually do, I head outside only to find that the tulips are sprouting. We are still in winter so there’s no way that could be happening or could it?
I make my way to the fields and it looks different too. The perpetual haze is gone and the mountains in the distance are clearly visible. The birds are chirping incessantly in the trees and the tempo is picking up, the tempo of life I mean. Something is definitely happening. Could it be the advent of spring?
Remember my article on, “The Tease,” where I spoke about the non-existence of snow this year? It still stands true and now everything is in a rush to show that winter is done with and better days are ahead. However, I’m still waiting for snow!
The walk itself was uneventful except for a neighbor walking her dog. She smiled and waved and when we were face to face she said, “It feels like spring doesn’t it?” with a great big smile plastered on her face. She took the words right out of my mouth!
Walking further out into the fields, I hear it. The cackling was strong and as I looked to see where it was coming from, I noticed the familiar V-formation in the sky above. A flock of ducks were flying high and making a racket as a few stragglers tried keeping up with them. They were not heading out but coming back in! I stood and watched this mesmerizing spectacle wondering if spring is really coming early this year or is it just a “tease” like with the snow that never got here.
Whatever the case maybe, change is coming and nature alone decides when and how it all takes place. What about climate change? That’s a different story altogether!
“To me, a rich and satisfying life means one full of contrast. Give me sleep ins. And soft rains. Coffee shops and conversation. But also adrenaline and adventure. And drunken bellows to the stars. I am determined to embrace this extravagant life for all that it has to offer.” Beau Taplin
It wasn’t a great day for a walk, grey clouds were gathering and as promised rain was on the way. What a difference a day makes, weather-wise. Yesterday it was picture perfect, warm and absolutely mesmerizing but today it had turned tables and was ready to show another side, a grey and wet one. There was no beauty to speak off as I trudged nonchalantly through the muddy and leaf-strewn path heading for the forest line. Oh, but I was wrong for I had only to open my mind and my senses to see the contrasts between a beautiful day and a bad one. To my surprise, each had its own brand of beauty if only I wasn’t so quick to pass judgement.
The not so subtle rustling of the leaves caught in the interplay of wind and absolute silence was balm for my anxious soul. I needed peace but somehow it was missing today. Glancing into the forest, I noticed that it was quiet, too quiet. The trees were tight-knit and hidden in shadows of its own making echoing the onslaught of rain that was to come. I usually don’t like walking close to the forest because a feeling of unease usually envelops me and my senses are usually on high alert as it was today. There was no room to relax. I walked on in silence and in the distance, the hoot of an owl could be heard. I welcomed the distraction and made my way to the stream. It’s gorgeous in spring, its banks overflowing with golden daffodils but today it droned on in silence, devoid of color as it made its way to the pond where the storks gather. Today, there was not one stork to be seen. They too had gone hiding from the oncoming force of nature. Standing at the tiny wooden bridge, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was peaceful but the unease was still there. Enclosed spaces are not my cup of tea and neither are deep dark forests. I moved on, got back on the path and made it to the fields.
My mind began to relax as I took in the wild open spaces before me. I was free again and standing at the bottom of the hill as I took in the panoramic view. It was grandiose even through there was no sun to speak of, only a light purple haze enveloping the distant mountains. It was beautiful just the same. Just a different kind of beautiful.
Contrasts are necessary to show the light and dark aspects of life and today nature decided to show my jaded mind, come rain or sunshine, there is always something beautiful about each aspect if only I would open my mind to it and embrace it with open arms to reap the full benefits. The rest of the walk was uneventful, an ordinary walk but my mind knew that if I kept my eyes peeled, I would capture the extraordinary. It was just a matter of time and if nature was willing to throw it my way. As the first droplets of rain hit the muddy path, I pulled my jacket tighter around me and ran back home leaving nature to do what it does best.
The ebb and flow of life was at work and who was I a mere mortal to question the order of the day or how it was brought about to life. Just accept and enjoy was the message and I bowed my head to its all-knowing wisdom. I was at peace.
Chachi, the cat, is on a mission. He is hell-bent on showing me that he’s not dumb and he has plenty to do than sleeping most of the day and the rest of the time cleaning himself as most cats do.
He says: “That’s for the birds mommy!”
My ex, who is a physicist, once said, “Cats are dumb creatures!” Obviously, he hasn’t met my Chachi yet. This little guy has smarts and sometimes I have to sit up, take notice and grit my teeth in frustration.
It started out with little things. I noticed a cupboard door being left open here and there but didn’t pay too much attention to it thinking I had forgotten to close them. I noticed that the same doors were open again even after I had made sure that they were closed. One day, I walked into the kitchen and lo and behold, the doors were open again so I closed them. A few minutes later, I heard rattling coming from behind the door and Chachi dashes out with a panicked look on his face! He had not only opened it but found his way behind the pots and pans AND probably enjoyed having new territories to explore!
A week later, I noticed one of the bedroom doors upstairs standing wide open. Can a cat open a door? The kitchen cabinet doors were closer to the floor but the bedroom door requires “height” and Chachi, the macho, definitely wasn’t big enough to do that or was he? A friend told me, it must be the work of a poltergeist or something. The “something” turned out to be the little guy with the fur coat. One day I caught him in the room and when he saw me, he dashed out like a kid caught with its hand in the cookie jar.
I think Chachi spends most of his days observing and figuring out how to do things when he’s not tearing his stuffed birds and mice to pieces! Like I said before, the little brat has some passive aggressive traits about him.
Fast forward to this morning. I woke up only to find his stuffed bird on the floor with half its insides beside it. Then I noticed the bedside table drawer had been pulled open but wait there’s more. The little guy with the deceptively cute face had opened the TV cabinet door! How?!! The door was locked and the key was in the lock. How did he manage this feat? God, only knows but when I yelled:
“Chachi, you’ve got stop doing this!”
He looked at me nonchalantly as if to say:
“I don’t know what “human” is going on about BUT if she’ll get me a companion to beat up, things will be just fine in my world. This bird stuff is for the birds and I’ve outgrown them!”
Well, folks, I’ve got my hands full with the little munchkin! I think he wants to beat Einstein at his own game! What will he do next? I don’t know and I don’t want to find out!
I woke up this morning hoping to see the streets and rooftops covered in white but no luck there! “Magic” was what I was expecting but the weather decided otherwise and the forecasters were wrong again!
What a tease?!! Promise of snow has been in the forecast for the last few days but each time I get my hopes high and think tomorrow is the day I’m going to take the first walk of this year and be welcomed by snow-covered fields has amounted to nothing but disappointment.
I love SNOW! Let me take that back. I love snow as long as it is not accompanied by ice. I love the soft powdery kind that looks like icing on the cake and is sprinkled thick over the fields covering them in white, blinding white for as far as the eyes can see. A pristine and serene landscape that captures the imagination and takes off running to parts unknown. At least mine does but then again I have an overactive imagination.
So far, we’ve had a light smattering of snow in December but when I headed out to the fields most of it had melted and the pathways were a wintry mix of snow and mud, not my idea of “magic” folks.
We don’t get much snow in these parts. If we’re lucky, we might get some heavy snowfall two or three times during winter and that is it. I’m still waiting for it to dump some heavy duty snow but all it has done so far is to “tease” with promises of more to come. This morning I walked out the front door and a few flakes greeted my unbelieving eyes and hope springs eternal but alas, it was not to be. The sun is shining brightly now and those itsy bitsy tiny flakes were a tease as well!
I guess it will come when it is good and ready and not a moment sooner. Here’s the thing, the forecast says snow this weekend! Hmm…..not buying it until it shows up wearing bells and brings snow drifts to boot! It’s a wait and see approach now AND the “teasing” has got to stop! Put the snow where it belongs, right there in the fields and I’ll be quiet for a change. Please ! Pretty please!!
Update:
I guess it (the weather) decided to let me have what I was hoping for but on its terms! We got lots of snow during the night and I was up bright and early ready to tackle the day meaning in these parts when there is snow you need to get out there and clear up the sidewalk and salt them as well. I was ready and willing since I wanted to go walking in the fields afterwards and revel in the wonder of a snow-covered fantasy. I bundled up and headed out only to find that it was raining as well! Hmm…what a tease!! I guess it (the weather) thumped its nose saying, I’ve still got the upper hand! Oh well, no walk today since it is still raining and the forecast is rain for most of the day. I’ll leave it at that and it’s time for another cup of coffee.
I woke up this morning hoping to see the streets and rooftops covered in white but no luck there! “Magic” was what I was expecting but the weather decided otherwise and the forecasters were wrong again!
What a tease?!! Promise of snow has been in the forecast for the last few days but each time I get my hopes high and think tomorrow is the day I’m going to take the first walk of this year and be welcomed by snow-covered fields has amounted to nothing but disappointment.
I love SNOW! Let me take that back. I love snow as long as it is not accompanied by ice. I love the soft powdery kind that looks like icing on the cake and is sprinkled thick over the fields covering them in white, blinding white for as far as the eyes can see. A pristine and serene landscape that captures the imagination and takes off running to parts unknown. At least mine does but then again I have an overactive imagination.
So far, we’ve had a light smattering of snow in December but when I headed out to the fields most of it had melted and the pathways were a wintry mix of snow and mud, not my idea of “magic” folks.
We don’t get much snow in these parts. If we’re lucky, we might get some heavy snowfall two or three times during winter and that is it. I’m still waiting for it to dump some heavy duty snow but all it has done so far is to “tease” with promises of more to come. This morning I walked out the front door and a few flakes greeted my unbelieving eyes and hope springs eternal but alas, it was not to be. The sun is shining brightly now and those itsy bitsy tiny flakes were a tease as well!
I guess it will come when it is good and ready and not a moment sooner. Here’s the thing, the forecast says snow this weekend! Hmm…..not buying it until it shows up wearing bells and brings snow drifts to boot! It’s a wait and see approach now AND the “teasing” has got to stop! Put the snow where it belongs, right there in the fields and I’ll be quiet for a change. Please ! Pretty please!!
It was a night like any other or at least it started out that way. Chachi did his nighttime routine of eating, drinking, using the toilet and cleaning himself. All was calm in this household and I thought I was going to have a quiet and peaceful night. I thought wrong because the guy that wears the pants in this house had other plans!
First, he did the catwalk. Yes, the catwalk where he has this John Wayne stride and the only missing is his holster with the gun in it. I usually find it entertaining but not tonight. It went on and on. He would walk up to me, his back stretched out as he took one long stride after another and once he reached me, he would look me in the eye, rub his face against mine, do a turnaround and head to the other end of the bed. This went on and on and my patience was wearing thin.
Me: Chachi, stop that!
Chachi chuckles or what sounds like it but he wasn’t done yet.
Just as I was about to put him in his bed, he decides it is time for bed and for cuddle time with mommy. He pushes his back up against mine and stretches out for the night. Within minutes he is snoring and I mean SNORING! Cute but just a tad unsettling. I reach over and place a kiss on his head to reassure him that he is safe and he goes quiet.
Great! Time to get some rest. Just as I am dozing off and not three minutes later, Little Chachi decides he has had enough sleep and it’s time to play! He jumps off, goes to his toy basket, picks out the new stuffed bird I got him, the other one that tweets is gone now. At least, he’ll play quietly I thought. Well, I thought wrong. Chachi loves proving me wrong. He gets down on the floor with the poor frightened bird clutched between his paws and goes to town with it. It must be some sort of passive aggressive thing and if that bird had been alive, it wouldn’t have stood a chance against the onslaught. Within minutes, the stuffing was peeking out and he threw it aside as he jumped back on the bed and landed just inches from my face. I don’t know how he does that but he has got that down to a science, missing my face I mean.
ME: Are you ready for bed?
He grunts and plops down pushing his back paws under my back. Again, within minutes he was off in dreamland or wherever cats go in sleep. Half an hour later and having woken me up from sleep with a slight pat of the paws on the back of my head, he sits there staring at me. I swear he was grinning!
You guessed it. It was a very long night to say the least. I am thinking of getting some kind of “calm” spray to get him to settle down. The thing is, the little guy thinks he is king of the castle and he runs the roost and it might well be but I need my beauty sleep even if he doesn’t. He is beautiful enough as he is and did I mention as cute as a button? Well, he is. Now, if I can only get him to settle down and teach him that he’s not the BOSS, all would be well in my world. It will be a painstaking ritual and success might not be in the cards as far as that is concerned because “cuteness” knows it will be a losing battle!
Isn’t it funny how the weather dictates how you feel and takes you soaring and diving depending on what’s out there? It’s that time of year when “dark” is the norm and the sun has taken a well-earned reprieve. Not that it has gone away but you know what I mean.
I’ve been wanting to go for a walk for the last two or three days but unfortunately the weather put a stop to that thought. I did get out for a few minutes yesterday just to feel the cold wind on my face when there was a break in between the never-ending cold and wet drizzle.
The fields were shrouded in grey and there were puddles of water everywhere. I had to pick my way around them and even though there was no one around, I decided against jumping in them. My decision was to “adult” today and not to resort to any childish antics although “adulting” doesn’t bring the twinkle in my eyes as the wanton display of disregard for norms as a child does. I gritted my teeth and kept myself in check as I walked, alone again except for the loud and raucous cawing of a crow somewhere in the trees.
Lately, there has been very little movement out in the fields. The wildlife have taken their cue from Mother Nature and have burrowed themselves deep underground or gathered in the forest somewhere for warmth. Soon, it will be my time to find solace and warmth indoors and to let nature do what it needs to do for the cycle ahead. When the first snowfall hits, I’ll be out here again to see the magic take place as the fields go from drab to a blinding white covered in snow and the trees, oh the wonderful trees will be frosted beautifully, enough to take your breath away. We’ve still got a ways to go yet before that takes place as there is no forecast for snow in the near future. I don’t think dreams of a white Christmas is going to be a reality this year.
Still, I love this time of year even though my mood takes a dive now and then. It doesn’t stay down for long because I’m learning to see the positives instead of always concentrating on the negatives. The glass is half-empty methodology has been turned on its head and now I’m looking at it as being half-full. Gratitude is doing the rest to lift my spirits and to get me on the path to happiness for a change.
Time for a hot cup of coffee and to cuddle under the blanket and to be thankful for all that I have.
Monotony is up in the air today and perhaps out the door. I’ve decided to shake things up! I’m going from the normal routine of taking a walk in the fields and keeping company with just the wildlife and nature to moving it to the city for a change.
Chachi, the cat, knows something is up and keeps looking at me suspiciously. He knows that his mom is up to something but he doesn’t know what it is yet. Does he care? Not one little bit. He is back to his normal routine of taking his place by the window seat and watching his kind of TV from the kitchen window. He is relishing life as it was meant to be in his world, relishing it from a cat’s point of view that is.
I usually meet a girlfriend for breakfast at our favorite cafe but she is away visiting family and instead of staying home, I decided to go it alone. I am not someone who loves hanging out at cafes or bars so this was going to be a very different experience.
The small but tastefully furnished cafe is all lit up with Christmas lights and there is a cozy atmosphere about it which is right up my alley. It’s a small Italian-style place which serves Italian ice specialties in summer but when the weather turns and gets colder, they revert to an indoor place serving the best coffee in town and breakfast to boot. It is the perfect place to meet up with friends but for today it is serving as my place to break new ground.
The young Italian men running the place are more than welcoming. They’ve seen me here many times before but never alone. I’ve always had someone by my side. Today, it was different. It was cozy as usual, only today it had a warmth that was hard to describe. Just a lovely feeling of being at home. I spotted the cakes lined up in the glass case, Tiramisu and Black Forest cake but no cheesecake! Never mind because that was waiting for me at the bakery across the walkway.
I took my seat at the window which was perfect for people watching as well. I ordered my usual cup of coffee, two scrambled eggs, bacon, some salad and a bread roll. Looking out the window I could see that it was cold and add the wind to it and it was not a comforting day at all. The people were bundled up and battling the wind and the cold, their faces red as their breath streamed out like dragon’s fire! I was glad I was indoors.
The promenade was lit up with lights galore and a Christmas tree all decked out took its place of honor. Suddenly, more people started coming in and it started getting noisy. I couldn’t let my thoughts run rampant anymore and to take me to where I wanted to go, just nowhere special. Looking across the room, I spotted a guy looking my way. I had seen him there last week. This time he smiled and I smiled back, just being friendly. Then he gave a slight wave and I waved back. An invitation of sorts? I wasn’t staying to find out. Men are out of the picture for now as far as I am concerned!
I left the cafe feeling full of energy and something else. Not sure what it was but it felt good for a change. A slight drizzle was starting but it was not going to dampen my spirit. I headed to the bakery to pick up my daily dose of cheesecake. The lady had a big grin on her face as she said, “One whole cheesecake?”
Me sheepishly: “Yes, please.”
It is a foregone conclusion that I have no willpower when it comes to cheesecake! Heading home, I decided, it was time for a walk as well. Why not go all the way, right?
The fields were covered in fog and there was nothing moving out there. Even the crows had taken refuge and nothing, absolutely NOTHING was at play today. Suddenly, I spotted the lone heron standing dead-center on the path I was on. Its underbelly gleamed white as it stood there motionless, again statue-like as I kept approaching. My heart caught in my throat. Perhaps I will get to touch it today but just as that thought crossed my mind, it took off into the air and to a place unknown.
Making my way back, the wind was relentless as it whipped my long hair around. It was showing no mercy today. Wishing I had piled it on my head and fastened it with a clip as I usually do but there was no chance of that now. So I let the wind have its way and walked home thinking it is going to take extra brushing to get the tangles out. Then I saw the big puddle of muddy water and my eyes lit up and skipped a beat. Seeing no one around, I jumped in gleefully and it joined in deliriously. That, folks, was a perfect ending to just half a day of shaking things up. My idea of it anyway. I came home looking like a wet rat with my boots and jeans splashed with mud BUT with a huge grin on my face! The rest of the day will be tame if not downright boring! Who knows and I’m in a rebellious mood so will see what comes up next. I might just decide to go jump in the duck puddles as I used to as a young girl!!
It was a gorgeous day yesterday. I usually don’t walk on Saturdays and Sundays but the sun was shining and I just couldn’t resist it. Blue skies with white puffy clouds greeted me as I stepped onto the fields.
“Another glorious day, the air as delicious to the lungs as nectar to the tongue.” John Muir
Surprisingly, I was all alone. Weekends you see more traffic here but today either the people were still sleeping or they decided that it was just too cold to venture outside. They didn’t know what they were missing!
The fields were frosted in places. It was as if someone had taken a paintbrush and splashed it haphazardly with crushed ice. It was beautiful but it was more than that. Serene, is the word that comes to mind. Taking in a deep breath as I usually do, I kept on walking my gloved hands shoved into my thick coat pockets. It was cold but the sun was deceptively warm as it graced my face and welcomed my presence.
I headed to where the herons gather. Just a spot out in the fields, nothing special but it was for some reason their sacred gathering place. Today, I wanted to be in their presence or as close as I could to them. It was as if I needed to see them to feel complete. Maybe, I just needed their calmness and their stoic stillness to seep into me. They are masters of calm after all. Standing still like sculptures made out of stone, they let nothing bother them. Unlike yours truly who lets everything grasp at her insides and take her for a ride. Today, I needed that calm to bring me back into balance. Unfortunately, they were nowhere to be seen. Too cold? Had they flown to sunnier pastures? Nature has a way and a time and place for everything. Mine was not to stomp my feet and question why or to demand that it be otherwise.
I made my way back gazing at the sky above me. It was gorgeous. It was blue, an almost azure blue with streaks of white criss-crossing them for as far as the eyes could see. Just a slight droning told me that there were planes up there making their way to somewhere. I welcomed the slight noise as nothing else was moving here below and if not for that slight droning noise from above, there would be an eerie silence surrounding me.
I was still filled with unrest but the walk had taken it down a notch or two. As usual, these walks help me to go within and to ponder about life, nature, the universe and about people as well, The fields also help to let my imagination run wild not that my imagination needs any help in that respect! It was a beautiful morning and a glorious day. Looking forward to more of the same in the days to come.
I took a walk on Saturday but this time I wasn’t alone. Most days, I like to walk alone but this time around it was a different story. A friend decided to go along but not before we had this conversation.
ME: “You should bring your old, time-worn boots because it will be muddy in places.”
HIM: “I’m not walking in mud!”
ME: “Why not? I walked in mud yesterday and it was wonderful.”
HIM: “Well then, I’ll watch you.”
Complicated? He is, but he doesn’t think so. Or maybe I am.
The walk was great. We walked further than I would do when I’m by myself. The sun was trying to make a showing from behind dark grey clouds but it was a difficult task and a losing battle against the looming clouds. The ground had thawed out from the light snowfall of two days ago and there were some wet patches along the path and I think he did step into one or two mud puddles and if he noticed, he kept it quiet.
Nothing much was moving out there or so it seemed because we were deep in conversation and noise often blocks out what the mind sees when you are alone and your senses are on high alert. We talked about nothing in particular, just life in general. I kept looking for the herons, my new-found passion, but they were nowhere to be seen. We went up and down the hill and then to my surprise a few minutes later there they were, standing silently and pretending not to notice our intrusion into their sacred space. We watched them for a few minutes but they refused to move so we walked on and left them alone. It was a beautiful walk and sometimes having a friend there makes all the difference.
Later that evening, I received a text message from the same friend with this quote attached to it. It was by Jane Austen and it went like this:
“The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!”
He captioned it: “This fits you well. Somewhat of a compliment.”
Did he just call me complicated? If he did, he is not far from the truth. I’ve heard that label being placed on me many times before but it doesn’t faze me. I’ll wear it gladly. It’s nice to know that women back then had the same problem of trying NOT to fall for the wrong guy although the main theme in Sense and Sensibility is “the danger of excessive sensibility.” It could be the case with me but I am not settling, not just yet. Most of us want to find ‘love’ but falling in love takes more than just a chance meeting. However, I do agree that a man needs to be given a chance before I shut the door on him.
“I am made of little rooms full of thoughts, emotions and memories. You cannot define me by listening to me once. I’m too complex.” Unknown
Why wouldn’t I be complicated? I love spending time out in nature, traipsing around in mud, talking to wild life versus preferring human company and if that is not enough, Chachi, the cat, comes in picking up the slack when it is needed! I go by the motto, why give the milk for free or get the cow for free, something like that but you get the drift. Anyway more specifically, why invest in a cow when you can get the milk for free, dumb maybe BUT it holds some truth to it. If that makes me complicated, I AM.
“Sometimes I think maybe I’m just too complicated for anyone to love.” Unknown
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