Just at 7 a.m. is now my favorite time to walk/run the beach, and today, my body said: run. And beside me above the waves the hungry birds few over the gulf. This day brought many sweet moments: walking with a friend who is also staying nearby, who thanked me for sending her a writing prompt. In my last newsletter I invited readers to send me a picture they hoped to write from, and I would send back a prompt. So, she sent me her picture and I made the exchange. She told me she was delighted that my prompt sparked a poem she wrote from the picture - a family Christmas picture - and I suggested she write from the point of view of the black dog, seated in the center of the large extended family with the holly and the berries. My friend said now, when she is to see her brother-in-law this week, whom she has not been close to because of political differences, that she will have the happy surprise of sharing this poem with him. Because it’s his dog featured in this photo.

Siesta Key Drum Circle Video

We went to a huge community sunset drum circle that forms Sunday nights on Siesta Key Beach next door. Crowds and crowds of spectators, dancers, hula hoopers and drummers drumming down the sun over the Gulf of Mexico.

Once home, I read some posts from the participants in my How Pictures Heal course, and what I notice happening is a circle of community really forming. Heartfelt, deep, respectful sharing is happening now, with each other, with me. They are risking, being vulnerable, and listening deeply to each other.

I danced in the drum circle. Exhausted from a full day of activity, I stepped into the middle of the circle and danced, danced, danced for this day.