Andrea here, inspired by Anne’s recent post on “Simple Pleasures” I, too, have been thinking more about the small things in my everyday life that make me stop and smile, and appreciate my blessings.
I have a daily ritual of taking a long walk, usually in the late afternoon. I call it my plotting walk, as I use it to think about the pages I’ve written that day . . . and how to untangle any kinks that crept into the story or character development. It’s something I really look forward to, not only for story aspects, but because it’s also—quite literally—a breath of fresh air. After sitting in my writing room for hours, it resets my perspective. I’m a very visual person, and there is so much outdoors that catches my eye and reminds me of all the little unexpected beauties in the “ordinary.”
For me that’s become more important than ever. When I sit down first thing in the morning with my cup of coffee to look at the newspaper, it’s a bit overwhelming and discouraging to see how fraught things are. I’ve decided that to counter the gloom and doom, it’s important to stay positive and remind myself that there is Light all around us as well as Darkness. We just have to make the effort to see it.
I have two regulars routes for my walk. One loops around from my house down a quiet, wooded country lane to a village enclave of old houses—some from the 1700s— that cluster around harbor on Long Island Sound. It winds back past my local landmark library, a distinctive stone building with turrets and a red-tile roof. The second, which I use throughout the summer, meanders through a 100-year-old golf course with tidal marshes that juts out into Long Island Sound.
They have both become very familiar to me, and I’ve come to know all the little changes that happen throughout the seasons. So I thought I would share—both in words and in photos—some of the many joys I get as I take my daily walk. It can be sunny and warm, or cloudy and cold, but I always come home feeling that my spirits have been lifted. There is always some little thing that catches my eye (I always have my i-phone camera ready, and amuse myself by stopping to capture it in digital pixels.)
When the leaves unfurl in spring, I’m always amazed at all the different shapes and hues and sizes. (I particularly like the heart-shaped one I found.) Flowers are also a joy to see burst into bloom. There are a number of picket fences around the harbor that are clearly tended by avid gardeners. One of them has the most gorgeous array of roses, twined in with a cheerful array of other vine-like blooms. (They look even more lovely after a passing summer shower.)
It’s fun to watch the cycle of their growth—the buds, the richness of full bloom and then the quiet fading of the petals. The changes make each moment special. Autumn brings its own unique beauty with the colors and patterns of falling fall. And in winter, there is a wonderful abstract artistry to the bare trees, and the chill air gives the sunsets sharper, richer color.
The walk on the golf course is all about light and the wildlife. There are a wonderful assortment of birds, and I’ve come to know a number of them. A pair of swans lives in one lagoon, and watching their hatchlings grow from ugly ducklings into graceful snowy white adults is very special. Loons gravitats to one of the larger ponds. I love watching them dive and then pop up in another section of the water.
Great grey herons and egrets hunt in the reeds and grasses growing at the water’s edge. Osprey and seagulls fly overhead. Last year was a thrill because a pair of bald eagles nested nearby. Seeing those magnificent raptors soaring overhead always takes my breath away.
Deer wander the course. A highlight of last summer was rounding a stand of tall reeds and coming upon two fawns that couldn’t have been more than a day or two old. A while back there was a family of foxes by the first hole. The kits came out at twilight and played in the sand traps! It was hilarious to watch them slide around.
And then there is the sunlight, and how it plays on the water and through the clouds. The infinite range of colors in the sky as day gives way to night is truly amazing. I never cease to be awed by the beauty of nature.
I feel very fortunate that these simple joys lift my spirits. For me, a daily walk really does help dispel the stresses and worries that can ties us into knots. What about you? Do you have a daily ritual, or some regular activity that helps you stay positive and upbeat?
What a lovely post, Andrea; thank you for sharing your experiences and the pictures. The settings of your walks sound wonderful. My husband and I often walk around our neighborhood on the days he teaches online from home; it’s a chance for him to stretch his legs after long hours trapped in a small space. There is usually something to notice on our suburban walk and the company is good!
What a lovely post, Andrea; thank you for sharing your experiences and the pictures. The settings of your walks sound wonderful. My husband and I often walk around our neighborhood on the days he teaches online from home; it’s a chance for him to stretch his legs after long hours trapped in a small space. There is usually something to notice on our suburban walk and the company is good!
What a lovely post, Andrea; thank you for sharing your experiences and the pictures. The settings of your walks sound wonderful. My husband and I often walk around our neighborhood on the days he teaches online from home; it’s a chance for him to stretch his legs after long hours trapped in a small space. There is usually something to notice on our suburban walk and the company is good!
What a lovely post, Andrea; thank you for sharing your experiences and the pictures. The settings of your walks sound wonderful. My husband and I often walk around our neighborhood on the days he teaches online from home; it’s a chance for him to stretch his legs after long hours trapped in a small space. There is usually something to notice on our suburban walk and the company is good!
What a lovely post, Andrea; thank you for sharing your experiences and the pictures. The settings of your walks sound wonderful. My husband and I often walk around our neighborhood on the days he teaches online from home; it’s a chance for him to stretch his legs after long hours trapped in a small space. There is usually something to notice on our suburban walk and the company is good!
Living in beautiful countryside near the Malvern hills I frequently take my wife for scenic drives and have a favourite picnic spot up in the hills. The views to the Welsh mountains are spectacular with silver birch in the foreground making beautiful fractal patterns against the skyline. Recently though we have been enthralled by the changing cloud patterns and have started spotting the different cloud types …. with the help of a spotters guide! cumulo nimbus; strato cumulus; cumulus fractus … the list is long and the dynamic patterns change as we eat our sandwiches. I don’t think that man made sculpture can hold a candle to such natural beauty! The one thing I miss is coastal scenery. We have to travel some distance (about an hours drive on a motorway) for that and I envy you Andrea for having it on your doorstep.
Living in beautiful countryside near the Malvern hills I frequently take my wife for scenic drives and have a favourite picnic spot up in the hills. The views to the Welsh mountains are spectacular with silver birch in the foreground making beautiful fractal patterns against the skyline. Recently though we have been enthralled by the changing cloud patterns and have started spotting the different cloud types …. with the help of a spotters guide! cumulo nimbus; strato cumulus; cumulus fractus … the list is long and the dynamic patterns change as we eat our sandwiches. I don’t think that man made sculpture can hold a candle to such natural beauty! The one thing I miss is coastal scenery. We have to travel some distance (about an hours drive on a motorway) for that and I envy you Andrea for having it on your doorstep.
Living in beautiful countryside near the Malvern hills I frequently take my wife for scenic drives and have a favourite picnic spot up in the hills. The views to the Welsh mountains are spectacular with silver birch in the foreground making beautiful fractal patterns against the skyline. Recently though we have been enthralled by the changing cloud patterns and have started spotting the different cloud types …. with the help of a spotters guide! cumulo nimbus; strato cumulus; cumulus fractus … the list is long and the dynamic patterns change as we eat our sandwiches. I don’t think that man made sculpture can hold a candle to such natural beauty! The one thing I miss is coastal scenery. We have to travel some distance (about an hours drive on a motorway) for that and I envy you Andrea for having it on your doorstep.
Living in beautiful countryside near the Malvern hills I frequently take my wife for scenic drives and have a favourite picnic spot up in the hills. The views to the Welsh mountains are spectacular with silver birch in the foreground making beautiful fractal patterns against the skyline. Recently though we have been enthralled by the changing cloud patterns and have started spotting the different cloud types …. with the help of a spotters guide! cumulo nimbus; strato cumulus; cumulus fractus … the list is long and the dynamic patterns change as we eat our sandwiches. I don’t think that man made sculpture can hold a candle to such natural beauty! The one thing I miss is coastal scenery. We have to travel some distance (about an hours drive on a motorway) for that and I envy you Andrea for having it on your doorstep.
Living in beautiful countryside near the Malvern hills I frequently take my wife for scenic drives and have a favourite picnic spot up in the hills. The views to the Welsh mountains are spectacular with silver birch in the foreground making beautiful fractal patterns against the skyline. Recently though we have been enthralled by the changing cloud patterns and have started spotting the different cloud types …. with the help of a spotters guide! cumulo nimbus; strato cumulus; cumulus fractus … the list is long and the dynamic patterns change as we eat our sandwiches. I don’t think that man made sculpture can hold a candle to such natural beauty! The one thing I miss is coastal scenery. We have to travel some distance (about an hours drive on a motorway) for that and I envy you Andrea for having it on your doorstep.
Oh, Andrea, I so envy you your walks! (Not to mention envying you Long Island Sound. ) You have an artist’s eye as well a swift hand with a camera, and the results are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing.
Oh, Andrea, I so envy you your walks! (Not to mention envying you Long Island Sound. ) You have an artist’s eye as well a swift hand with a camera, and the results are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing.
Oh, Andrea, I so envy you your walks! (Not to mention envying you Long Island Sound. ) You have an artist’s eye as well a swift hand with a camera, and the results are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing.
Oh, Andrea, I so envy you your walks! (Not to mention envying you Long Island Sound. ) You have an artist’s eye as well a swift hand with a camera, and the results are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing.
Oh, Andrea, I so envy you your walks! (Not to mention envying you Long Island Sound. ) You have an artist’s eye as well a swift hand with a camera, and the results are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks, Kareni. I feel very fortunate to live in such a lovely spot.
I know just how your husband feels. Getting outdoors stretches the legs, but also is truly a breath of fresh air and clears the head. So lovely that you enjoys the walks together.
Thanks, Kareni. I feel very fortunate to live in such a lovely spot.
I know just how your husband feels. Getting outdoors stretches the legs, but also is truly a breath of fresh air and clears the head. So lovely that you enjoys the walks together.
Thanks, Kareni. I feel very fortunate to live in such a lovely spot.
I know just how your husband feels. Getting outdoors stretches the legs, but also is truly a breath of fresh air and clears the head. So lovely that you enjoys the walks together.
Thanks, Kareni. I feel very fortunate to live in such a lovely spot.
I know just how your husband feels. Getting outdoors stretches the legs, but also is truly a breath of fresh air and clears the head. So lovely that you enjoys the walks together.
Thanks, Kareni. I feel very fortunate to live in such a lovely spot.
I know just how your husband feels. Getting outdoors stretches the legs, but also is truly a breath of fresh air and clears the head. So lovely that you enjoys the walks together.
Qunatum, your picnics overlooking the mountains sound spectacular. I know just what you mean about the clouds. They are mesmerizing, aren’t they? Every one of them has its own unique beauty.
How fun that you are learning their scientific names!
Coastal view really are special. Watching the light on the water and waves is like watching the clouds. it’s endlessly interesting and beautiful. Nature really is breathtaking.
Qunatum, your picnics overlooking the mountains sound spectacular. I know just what you mean about the clouds. They are mesmerizing, aren’t they? Every one of them has its own unique beauty.
How fun that you are learning their scientific names!
Coastal view really are special. Watching the light on the water and waves is like watching the clouds. it’s endlessly interesting and beautiful. Nature really is breathtaking.
Qunatum, your picnics overlooking the mountains sound spectacular. I know just what you mean about the clouds. They are mesmerizing, aren’t they? Every one of them has its own unique beauty.
How fun that you are learning their scientific names!
Coastal view really are special. Watching the light on the water and waves is like watching the clouds. it’s endlessly interesting and beautiful. Nature really is breathtaking.
Qunatum, your picnics overlooking the mountains sound spectacular. I know just what you mean about the clouds. They are mesmerizing, aren’t they? Every one of them has its own unique beauty.
How fun that you are learning their scientific names!
Coastal view really are special. Watching the light on the water and waves is like watching the clouds. it’s endlessly interesting and beautiful. Nature really is breathtaking.
Qunatum, your picnics overlooking the mountains sound spectacular. I know just what you mean about the clouds. They are mesmerizing, aren’t they? Every one of them has its own unique beauty.
How fun that you are learning their scientific names!
Coastal view really are special. Watching the light on the water and waves is like watching the clouds. it’s endlessly interesting and beautiful. Nature really is breathtaking.
Thanks, so much Mary Jo!
I really enjoy l fooling with my camera during my walks. it’s fun to see tiny snippets that grab the eye, and then try to capture them in pixels.
Thanks, so much Mary Jo!
I really enjoy l fooling with my camera during my walks. it’s fun to see tiny snippets that grab the eye, and then try to capture them in pixels.
Thanks, so much Mary Jo!
I really enjoy l fooling with my camera during my walks. it’s fun to see tiny snippets that grab the eye, and then try to capture them in pixels.
Thanks, so much Mary Jo!
I really enjoy l fooling with my camera during my walks. it’s fun to see tiny snippets that grab the eye, and then try to capture them in pixels.
Thanks, so much Mary Jo!
I really enjoy l fooling with my camera during my walks. it’s fun to see tiny snippets that grab the eye, and then try to capture them in pixels.
The closest thing I have to a routine, is when I walk with my husband on the boardwalk early in the morning. For those not familiar with New Jersey, a lot of our beach towns have wide wooden walkways. We vary our walks, rotating among several nearby towns, and try to get there in time to see the sunrise over the ocean, or at least shortly afterwards. But our walks are curtailed during the coldest part of the year. I hope to resume them next month.
The closest thing I have to a routine, is when I walk with my husband on the boardwalk early in the morning. For those not familiar with New Jersey, a lot of our beach towns have wide wooden walkways. We vary our walks, rotating among several nearby towns, and try to get there in time to see the sunrise over the ocean, or at least shortly afterwards. But our walks are curtailed during the coldest part of the year. I hope to resume them next month.
The closest thing I have to a routine, is when I walk with my husband on the boardwalk early in the morning. For those not familiar with New Jersey, a lot of our beach towns have wide wooden walkways. We vary our walks, rotating among several nearby towns, and try to get there in time to see the sunrise over the ocean, or at least shortly afterwards. But our walks are curtailed during the coldest part of the year. I hope to resume them next month.
The closest thing I have to a routine, is when I walk with my husband on the boardwalk early in the morning. For those not familiar with New Jersey, a lot of our beach towns have wide wooden walkways. We vary our walks, rotating among several nearby towns, and try to get there in time to see the sunrise over the ocean, or at least shortly afterwards. But our walks are curtailed during the coldest part of the year. I hope to resume them next month.
The closest thing I have to a routine, is when I walk with my husband on the boardwalk early in the morning. For those not familiar with New Jersey, a lot of our beach towns have wide wooden walkways. We vary our walks, rotating among several nearby towns, and try to get there in time to see the sunrise over the ocean, or at least shortly afterwards. But our walks are curtailed during the coldest part of the year. I hope to resume them next month.
In another life, I took daily walks too. And I enjoyed seeing the changes and the wonderful variety of beauty that is all around. It was one of the best part of every day.
I thank you so much for your post and pictures. You have an eye for beauty and detail. Lovely.
Hope everyone is smiling.
In another life, I took daily walks too. And I enjoyed seeing the changes and the wonderful variety of beauty that is all around. It was one of the best part of every day.
I thank you so much for your post and pictures. You have an eye for beauty and detail. Lovely.
Hope everyone is smiling.
In another life, I took daily walks too. And I enjoyed seeing the changes and the wonderful variety of beauty that is all around. It was one of the best part of every day.
I thank you so much for your post and pictures. You have an eye for beauty and detail. Lovely.
Hope everyone is smiling.
In another life, I took daily walks too. And I enjoyed seeing the changes and the wonderful variety of beauty that is all around. It was one of the best part of every day.
I thank you so much for your post and pictures. You have an eye for beauty and detail. Lovely.
Hope everyone is smiling.
In another life, I took daily walks too. And I enjoyed seeing the changes and the wonderful variety of beauty that is all around. It was one of the best part of every day.
I thank you so much for your post and pictures. You have an eye for beauty and detail. Lovely.
Hope everyone is smiling.
I love walking and try to get out every day. I live in the countryside here in Ireland so have a wide choice of walks but I usually stick to the same one. Yesterday I spent ages looking in over a ditch at a field of sheep with their new lambs. They are such a sight to behold. Most of them are still very young and some are downright gangly.
They are so adorable. I have to separate the image of them from the image of lamb chops though which I love :0
Lovely relaxing post Andrea.
I love walking and try to get out every day. I live in the countryside here in Ireland so have a wide choice of walks but I usually stick to the same one. Yesterday I spent ages looking in over a ditch at a field of sheep with their new lambs. They are such a sight to behold. Most of them are still very young and some are downright gangly.
They are so adorable. I have to separate the image of them from the image of lamb chops though which I love :0
Lovely relaxing post Andrea.
I love walking and try to get out every day. I live in the countryside here in Ireland so have a wide choice of walks but I usually stick to the same one. Yesterday I spent ages looking in over a ditch at a field of sheep with their new lambs. They are such a sight to behold. Most of them are still very young and some are downright gangly.
They are so adorable. I have to separate the image of them from the image of lamb chops though which I love :0
Lovely relaxing post Andrea.
I love walking and try to get out every day. I live in the countryside here in Ireland so have a wide choice of walks but I usually stick to the same one. Yesterday I spent ages looking in over a ditch at a field of sheep with their new lambs. They are such a sight to behold. Most of them are still very young and some are downright gangly.
They are so adorable. I have to separate the image of them from the image of lamb chops though which I love :0
Lovely relaxing post Andrea.
I love walking and try to get out every day. I live in the countryside here in Ireland so have a wide choice of walks but I usually stick to the same one. Yesterday I spent ages looking in over a ditch at a field of sheep with their new lambs. They are such a sight to behold. Most of them are still very young and some are downright gangly.
They are so adorable. I have to separate the image of them from the image of lamb chops though which I love :0
Lovely relaxing post Andrea.
Lovely post, Andrea. Having a dog also encourages people to take (at least) a daily walk. Mine nudges me when it’s time, and she doesn’t give up easily. I love it. Even when I’m absolutely not in the mood, walking along beside the creek, listening to the birds and enjoying the green surrounds and seeing the seasonal and daily changes is so refreshing.
Lovely post, Andrea. Having a dog also encourages people to take (at least) a daily walk. Mine nudges me when it’s time, and she doesn’t give up easily. I love it. Even when I’m absolutely not in the mood, walking along beside the creek, listening to the birds and enjoying the green surrounds and seeing the seasonal and daily changes is so refreshing.
Lovely post, Andrea. Having a dog also encourages people to take (at least) a daily walk. Mine nudges me when it’s time, and she doesn’t give up easily. I love it. Even when I’m absolutely not in the mood, walking along beside the creek, listening to the birds and enjoying the green surrounds and seeing the seasonal and daily changes is so refreshing.
Lovely post, Andrea. Having a dog also encourages people to take (at least) a daily walk. Mine nudges me when it’s time, and she doesn’t give up easily. I love it. Even when I’m absolutely not in the mood, walking along beside the creek, listening to the birds and enjoying the green surrounds and seeing the seasonal and daily changes is so refreshing.
Lovely post, Andrea. Having a dog also encourages people to take (at least) a daily walk. Mine nudges me when it’s time, and she doesn’t give up easily. I love it. Even when I’m absolutely not in the mood, walking along beside the creek, listening to the birds and enjoying the green surrounds and seeing the seasonal and daily changes is so refreshing.
Karin, those early morning walks sound marvelous. Boardwalks are nice to walk on, and the views of the sea are always lovely. But I hear you on the cold weather. It’s been really chilly up here in New England—I’m still wearing winter parka and ski hat. I am VERY much looking forward to real spring!
Karin, those early morning walks sound marvelous. Boardwalks are nice to walk on, and the views of the sea are always lovely. But I hear you on the cold weather. It’s been really chilly up here in New England—I’m still wearing winter parka and ski hat. I am VERY much looking forward to real spring!
Karin, those early morning walks sound marvelous. Boardwalks are nice to walk on, and the views of the sea are always lovely. But I hear you on the cold weather. It’s been really chilly up here in New England—I’m still wearing winter parka and ski hat. I am VERY much looking forward to real spring!
Karin, those early morning walks sound marvelous. Boardwalks are nice to walk on, and the views of the sea are always lovely. But I hear you on the cold weather. It’s been really chilly up here in New England—I’m still wearing winter parka and ski hat. I am VERY much looking forward to real spring!
Karin, those early morning walks sound marvelous. Boardwalks are nice to walk on, and the views of the sea are always lovely. But I hear you on the cold weather. It’s been really chilly up here in New England—I’m still wearing winter parka and ski hat. I am VERY much looking forward to real spring!
Thank you so much, Annette. I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos.
Thank you so much, Annette. I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos.
Thank you so much, Annette. I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos.
Thank you so much, Annette. I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos.
Thank you so much, Annette. I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos.
Oh, lucky you, Teresa. Ireland is SICH a wonderful place for walking. And recent sighting of the sheep and lambs sounds so delightful. (Yes, one has separate certain connections . . .)
A daily walk really is a tonic for the spirits!
Oh, lucky you, Teresa. Ireland is SICH a wonderful place for walking. And recent sighting of the sheep and lambs sounds so delightful. (Yes, one has separate certain connections . . .)
A daily walk really is a tonic for the spirits!
Oh, lucky you, Teresa. Ireland is SICH a wonderful place for walking. And recent sighting of the sheep and lambs sounds so delightful. (Yes, one has separate certain connections . . .)
A daily walk really is a tonic for the spirits!
Oh, lucky you, Teresa. Ireland is SICH a wonderful place for walking. And recent sighting of the sheep and lambs sounds so delightful. (Yes, one has separate certain connections . . .)
A daily walk really is a tonic for the spirits!
Oh, lucky you, Teresa. Ireland is SICH a wonderful place for walking. And recent sighting of the sheep and lambs sounds so delightful. (Yes, one has separate certain connections . . .)
A daily walk really is a tonic for the spirits!
Thanks, Anne. Yes, i recognize and wave to a lot of the regular dog walkers in my town. The harbor road is a popular place.
I make myself go out, even when I’m not in the mood, because it’s important, and always find myself glad I made the effort because, as you point out, just watching nature around you does lift one’s spirits.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, i recognize and wave to a lot of the regular dog walkers in my town. The harbor road is a popular place.
I make myself go out, even when I’m not in the mood, because it’s important, and always find myself glad I made the effort because, as you point out, just watching nature around you does lift one’s spirits.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, i recognize and wave to a lot of the regular dog walkers in my town. The harbor road is a popular place.
I make myself go out, even when I’m not in the mood, because it’s important, and always find myself glad I made the effort because, as you point out, just watching nature around you does lift one’s spirits.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, i recognize and wave to a lot of the regular dog walkers in my town. The harbor road is a popular place.
I make myself go out, even when I’m not in the mood, because it’s important, and always find myself glad I made the effort because, as you point out, just watching nature around you does lift one’s spirits.
Thanks, Anne. Yes, i recognize and wave to a lot of the regular dog walkers in my town. The harbor road is a popular place.
I make myself go out, even when I’m not in the mood, because it’s important, and always find myself glad I made the effort because, as you point out, just watching nature around you does lift one’s spirits.