#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Milkweed in the meadow

Out early with my backpacker in attendance for a long walk through Rocky Narrows. Charlie leading the way. A lovely Saturday. I find myself stopping at the brook a bit less lately, as the surface is becoming cloudy and littered by summer debris. In one of my gardens this morning, after walking, I noticed the stalk of common mullein and thought, oh dear, I didn’t plant this weed and now it’s huge in my garden. But then a bird came and perched on it, and I thought, well, that’s a good reason to leave it be. This bird kept coming back and coming back, it was so happy on this perch. I did a little bit of weeding and just did as much as I wanted to and then didn’t worry about doing any more. I got through a bit more of my to-do list on my computer, sitting by the open windows, letting the sun and breeze blow into the quiet house after it emptied out. And then I left to, an afternoon gathering with my poet friends who meet once a month. And it was lovely in my friend’s garden with the chance to relax and talk and laugh. Then, off to dinner with a different group of friends and Frank and more laughter and relaxation and fun. Ahhhhhh. Such a satisfying Saturday. There is great movement ahead, with my youngest heading home for a bit and all the sorting out of space that will happen. There are many moving parts to living in this house these days. I am trying to stay in the moment. Swimming. Always swimming helps me be mindful, in my body, and steady and calm. And just watching the bird sit so happily on the wild stock of mullein overlooking the yard, this is a great signifier of peace and calm as well.