slow wonder

5.29.2019




I went for an evening walk at Bennington Lake last week.  Muddy high water was still evident, but the spring green everywhere had me in a state of wonder.  I've been on this trail around the lake enough now since moving here that I recognize particular tree friends each time now and am slowly learning the names and growth phases of various plants that live along the banks.  It's a way of honoring the land and its creatures - to learn about them, to respect them.  It's also my way of socializing (as an introvert) to consider these things my friends.  I do care for them, after all.  

Early this morning I dropped Thor off at school to go on his three-day 8th grade class trip to Seattle.  I'm really excited for him because he loves big cities and it sounds like they are going to do some fun things.  I hope he sees things that resonate with him, things that spark curiosity and wonder, things that make him ask questions.  

As much as I love my walks here, biking has been a revelation.  My husband gave me a new bike for my birthday last year, and he just bought an old bike off Craigslist, so we have been taking a lot of evening rides on the country roads that are just past our neighborhood (we live on the edge of town).  The perspective is so much better than from a car, we are moving our bodies in fresh air, and the speed is perfect for noticing things we wouldn't otherwise.  I have fallen in love with many sad little houses and tried to make friends with every roadside field of cows or fenced-in dog, I can tell you that.  

I may miss places (and some old tree friends), but I don't miss any thing or schedule we left behind.  This slow life we have chosen to live is good.  

balm

5.16.2019




Hello!  More soon, but just a quick note.  These pictures are from a several weeks ago now, when spring was finally showing itself after what felt like a very long winter.  The first few signs of life are such a balm to the winter-weary.  Today is cool and misty, but last week temperatures were in the low 80s and it really felt like summer already.  I'm not ready for temperatures much warmer than that, but we are loving doing more outside these days.  School is out in less than a month and, besides tending our garden and generally just basking in the sun, we are cooking up some big plans for the summer break before Thor starts HIGH SCHOOL in the fall.  How is your spring so far?  
by mlekoshi