Changing everyday routines and shifting our attention. The third installment of a weekly series of essays and writing prompts for finding connection and creativity during the month of February.
I felt very inspired by this- got up, made coffee, dog and I went outside. The world was full of birds and, just like magic, a big, beautiful flicker flew down out of the tree and perched himself a few pieces away and looked at me right in the eye for a while. Of course.
This is such a beautiful essay. A few years ago (I think) one of your Advent pieces was about stepping outside during dawn and dusk and I have really taken that practice with me and it has been a gift. My kids and I did take a lot of "inside" activities outdoors during the pandemic. We built a picnic table from a kit and would read, eat lunch, draw, anything at that table and it remains this very tangible memory of the pandemic. I also do try to have my coffee outside whenever possible.
I am loving what you are doing and am slowly creeping closer to doing my own version of what you do - I think that ultimately what you are pointing to is the simple and profound idea that the really good things come from inside of us, rather than as prompts from without - what I also get from you is that this comes about through practice, the practice of using ones eyes and making things that reflect inspired ways of seeing - thanks! xhelen
I came across a hawk on the side of a road in similar fashion. It was so close and as hawks are very special to me, the idea of it being smashed over and over by more cars was too upsetting so I pulled over, put on some gloves (I always have a pair stashed in the car) and moved it to the grassy area. A feather fell off and I still have it. I like to think that was it’s spirit way of thanking me.
I also miss some aspects of the 2020/2021 year. Similar to you not the awful aspects, but the ability to have quiet, uninterrupted moments and less personal obligations. I miss how expansive my days felt (when the loneliness wasn’t intense at least).
Birds always draw my attention, be it their song or a flash of wings in the sun. If you want to learn bird calls, I highly recommend the Merlin app. You can record birdsong and Merlin identifies the bird in real time. It’s perfect for identifying all the birds you hear but can’t see.
I felt very inspired by this- got up, made coffee, dog and I went outside. The world was full of birds and, just like magic, a big, beautiful flicker flew down out of the tree and perched himself a few pieces away and looked at me right in the eye for a while. Of course.
This is such a beautiful essay. A few years ago (I think) one of your Advent pieces was about stepping outside during dawn and dusk and I have really taken that practice with me and it has been a gift. My kids and I did take a lot of "inside" activities outdoors during the pandemic. We built a picnic table from a kit and would read, eat lunch, draw, anything at that table and it remains this very tangible memory of the pandemic. I also do try to have my coffee outside whenever possible.
I am loving what you are doing and am slowly creeping closer to doing my own version of what you do - I think that ultimately what you are pointing to is the simple and profound idea that the really good things come from inside of us, rather than as prompts from without - what I also get from you is that this comes about through practice, the practice of using ones eyes and making things that reflect inspired ways of seeing - thanks! xhelen
So simple, so good! Taking my coffee outside tomorrow morning... :)
I came across a hawk on the side of a road in similar fashion. It was so close and as hawks are very special to me, the idea of it being smashed over and over by more cars was too upsetting so I pulled over, put on some gloves (I always have a pair stashed in the car) and moved it to the grassy area. A feather fell off and I still have it. I like to think that was it’s spirit way of thanking me.
I also miss some aspects of the 2020/2021 year. Similar to you not the awful aspects, but the ability to have quiet, uninterrupted moments and less personal obligations. I miss how expansive my days felt (when the loneliness wasn’t intense at least).
Birds always draw my attention, be it their song or a flash of wings in the sun. If you want to learn bird calls, I highly recommend the Merlin app. You can record birdsong and Merlin identifies the bird in real time. It’s perfect for identifying all the birds you hear but can’t see.
This is so gorgeous , my friend. Wish we could drink our coffee in the rain together!