It’s dusk when I walk, not morning, and I enjoy this unplanned shift and change of habit. Evening light on the leaves and the river is enchanting: closure of the day, and time for reflection in this light. I woke to a terrible headache and lingered in bed as the rain poured and poured and I couldn’t lift my body or spirit. Late morning, I roused myself for a swim, at least, while it thundered. I worked as best I could with this head aching, exhaustive bug. Would I make it to my critique tonight? Yes, I insisted, I would. But, with what? I opened the long essay and chewed off a chunk to revise and surprised myself. Tonight, the feedback was very positive, and also, not so much. Certainly, it needs work, but it has strengths. I was glad I roused myself into this achy day and I walked and I wrote and so it was worth it. Most of the leaves are on the ground, a path of bright colors, I shuffled through them into the darkening woods after writing this day.

All photos and text ©Kelly DuMar