Most people don’t look…
Henri Cartier-Bresson
the gaze that pierces – few have it –
what does the gaze pierce?
The question mark.
It was -8 degrees at 6:30 am. That’s too dang cold. Wearing wool socks, two pair. Made a French press but it was cold before the first sip. And, it’s snowed. It may sound like I’m whining because I am. I also have an attitude! Our countries unrest doesn’t help the attitude. The thought crosses my mind to sell my condo and move south. Whining! So, about 9:30, after it had warmed up to -4 degrees, I headed to the natural area. Needed time in the sanctuary of nature as it’s therapy for this negative thinking I find myself in. I needed to gaze at the world around me rather than the four walls of my condo or the prison of my thinking. Found the parking area empty, fresh snow and shadows as the sun began to break through. I immediately began to feel better!
A friend sent me a short reading that reminded me of the value of beginning our day with gratitude. I realized that sure wasn’t how I began today. So, I restarted my day with a gratitude list in my journal. Beginning to feel even better but still cold.
6 Comments
Earl
Not surprised you found the nature area parking empty. 😉 There’s a certain feeling of accomplishment to brave the cold and being present in the moment. Good for you! Happy Valentines Day, and what a lovely peaceful photo!
Monte Stevens
Yes, I was not surprised the parking lot was empty, either. I did see a couple of runners and cyclists out there. I think differently than they do. As I pulled into the parking lot I was met by a coyote. He glanced at me and headed off into the woods. Time for me to journal about all the gratitude I really have. Happy Valentines Day!
Tom Dills
I guess you could be grateful that it isn’t colder, but it can’t get a lot lower than that. I don’t have enough clothes for that kind of cold any more, Monte! As it is it’s a cold, wet 40 outside, and I’m wearing my own wool socks and sitting in front of the gas fireplace where it’s nice and toasty. Not snowing thankfully but it is pretty miserable out. Glad we’re doing fish in the oven instead of steak on the grill for our Valentine’s dinner. 😉
Monte Stevens
Our high today was 1 degree but tonight’s low will be in the teens, 18 degrees. Not sure I have enough clothes for that temperature. It’s about 5:00 pm and we’re at -2 degrees. Sitting in my recliner, wrapped in a blanket and laptop on my lap. Nobody’s at the pool. No cars in the parking lot at Dairy Queen. It’s that kind of day. Stay warm and dry out there.
Mark
We are going to be -8 Wednesday – oh yippee!
Sometimes I am thankful for the dynamics of seasons, other times, not so much. 🙂
Monte Stevens
I’m excited for you also, Mark! Been following your weather, the cold and snow. I can relate to the changing dynamics of our seasons. The older I’ve gotten the less thankfulness I have. I’d call it an attitude on a good day! 😂 Stay warm!