Doing vs. Being

I used to think I had to be doing something all the time.  as in every minute.  keeping busy at all costs.  i came from a heavily work-ethic laden background.  that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  it has bestowed on me the admirable traits of drive and perseverance.  

 but i have learned so much in these last few years.  (getting old does have its upside…)  i’ve learned that there is so much more to life than constant activity and checking off entries on my to-do list.

i’ve learned the richness of silence. 

the beauty of being.

the joy of solitude.

and the nurture of nature.

it’s TRULY a whole new world

i still have plenty of to-do lists.  i still stuggle with the need to “accomplish” in order to feel good about myself and my day.  it’s in my dna after all.  but there is a big change in my awareness level and that, my friends, is a very good thing.

 (all pics from earlier this month in coastal Oregon)

The Sea & Me

the great sea

frees me, moves me

as a strong river carries a weed.

earth and her strong winds

move me, take me away, 

and my soul is swept up in joy.

Uvavnuk, translated by Jane Hirshfield

Our love affair began early and was largely responsible for my 2500 mile move at the tender age of 21.  within 2 months of moving i was sharing a house with 2 roommates directly on the pacific ocean.  oh joy!

i’ve stayed within a few miles of that ocean to this day but our affair has had its ups and downs.  in recent years the persistent crowds and the realization that sunlight is not the friend of my aging skin have kept me at a distance.

 it took being in oregon – far away from the crowds and the relentless uv rays to realize how much i’ve missed my friend, the sea.  not the “beach experience” so much, with its sun and sand and barbeques, but the open ocean itself  in all its dramatic glory.  the tides, the waves, the sea life, the beach-combing finds, the constantly changing skies…. 

it’s a direct connection for me to the universe and an inviting opportunity to “justbe”.  i’m so glad we were able to spend some quality time together!

Today

in the cool of an open-windowed morning

steam curls from my tea

dancing vapor masterpiece

i sit

open to a day

pregnant with potential

 and possibility

the train on its lonely mission

the moan of a machine

in service to its master

the birds

the birds

always and forever

the relentlessly optimistic birds

today i wish

i could speak their language

i feel like i have way too many balls in the air right now - the consequence of course of being gone so long.  in this frame of mind it's especially important to take a few moments to sit.  reflect.  write.  and dream.  sending love your way!!

(iphone photos previously posted on instagram)

Benefits of Bad Weather

it rains in oregon.  a lot.  some people hate that.  others say they love it.  traveling in a small motorhome in relentless rain can be a challenge.  especially with a dog.  it can be cold.  things get wet.  and dirty.  and it's very hard to get them dry and clean.

we ended up changing our plans based on weather predictions and during the first part of the trip, it was a little frustrating.  we decided to just go with it, though, stay in the moment and make the best of it.  so now i'm looking back and thinking about the up side of all that rain.

there's the obvious one - the crisp, cool, clean air and the fabulous shades of GREEN everywhere...

 

oh - and it can get you to do things you normally wouldn't do - like playing games!

 

but, to me, the BEST benefit is the photographic yumminess of those constantly changing skies.  i never get tired of that!!

On Re-entering the Home-o-sphere

One of so many fabulous Oregon coast bridges

know how when you travel you reach a certain point and you feel done and ready to return home?  i have had that feeling many times, but this was not that trip.  this one was hard to let go of....

Moss growing everywhere!

Coquille River lighthouse

we have the motorhome thing pretty much down to a science.  and when things go well, as they did (with the exception of some relentless rain and a scary freeway blow-out), and there are brand new wonders to discover every single day….. well, it can be hard to jump out of that mode and back into the daily routine of home.

Sunrise on the dunes..... oh, what an experience!!

Rhododendrons

Florence harbor

but although i do love travel, i’m realizing that it is an interruption from my regular creative life.  that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but i’m seeing a familiar pattern.   

 before we leave i pack all kinds of books and magazines and notebooks related to projects i am involved in.  i’m excited about having time to devote to these things.  i may look at them the first day on the road…. and then everything just goes right out the window.  i get involved in the trip and i have no further interest in any of it.  

Yachats

Lake Dorena

Endless beaches!

so…. in that way, i’m pleased to be home.  i want to dig back into my projects…. carve out some alone time for reflection and reconnect with my creative goals (not to mention my creative friends – hope to catch up with you soon!!)

i'm so grateful for every little thing about this trip and for a safe return after 2,500 miles on the road!

I love seeing dogs on the beach in Oregon (not allowed in CA!)

Bandon sea stacks

Ocean sunset