Another walk in wet woods, rain sprinkling the river, and the dogs swim. This rain is so good for the earth and all growing things, including me; I like the messiness of all this slick moisture, keeping the woods fresh. I find some gorgeous tiny things, drenched. After my walk, I get clean and warm and start to work, when my daughter comes in, asking if I'll walk with her! She understands when I decline. And I go back to work. But I can't concentrate, because I sense she needs a few minutes of my focus. The rain has stopped, and I find her feeding her pigs. She's surprised to see that I have followed her out into the pines. And she's pleased. We walk and talk back to the house, I listen, because she needs to vent about school, the pressure of final papers and too many things due all at once. This is all she needs, to tell me, and so I know. And it's a very busy weekend for me as well, as I have company coming in and a conference to host. But I reassure her, I'm here, and invite her to sit near me as we work. Very simple, this ritual we have, knowing what each other needs, and how to give, and receive it. She works peacefully the rest of the day.
