Posted on : By : Michelle Posted in : Uncategorized

Peace, Love, Mushrooms, and a Lovely Sunset

I’ve been spending a lot of time in nature since my last post. I’ve fallen in love with the hiking trails at my sunset watching park. My favorite trail is 1.6 miles, rocky, largely unpaved, and fairly challenging. Now that Pokey is six months old, he’s proving to be quite a little mountain goat and a wonderful hiking partner. I’m trying to take advantage of these last few weeks before the clocks are turned back (sob!) to get in some after-dinner hikes.

I love hunting for mushrooms this time of year. Not to pick! I would never be so adventurous (foolhardy?) as to harvest any mushrooms for eating. No, what I enjoy is seeing how many different types I can find. It also forces me to slow down on my hikes, to go off-trail and be mindful. The more time I spend in nature the more I realize that I need to spend even more time in nature. It gives back to me everything that modern life takes away.

I’ve read two books in the last two weeks – the first, Still Life by Louise Penny, is the first book in her “Chief Inspector Gamache” series of what could be described as “cozy” murder mysteries. It was recommended to me by my friend Lori. The series takes place in a small town in Canada. After finishing the first book, I joked with Lori that I’d love to move to that little, fictional town and work in the bookstore with her. Her husband Mike joined in that he’d work in the boulangerie (there are some wonderful food descriptions in the book; I’m still drooling over a warm, thickly cut ham and slightly melted brie croissant sandwich). I’m on the waiting list at the library for book number two of the series and I can’t wait to read it.

The second book I finished is by one of my favorite childhood authors, Judy Blume. This is the first of her books for adults that I have read, and I was intrigued by the real-life incidents that inspired the book. Over the course of 2 months in late 1951 – 1952 three commercial airliners crashed into the town of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Judy Blume grew up in Elizabeth and was in middle school when the crashes occurred. I enjoyed the book, but it was also a bit too much of a soap opera for me.

My big news is that I start going back into the office full-time on Thursday. I’m feeling a bit neutral about it – working from home can be a bit isolating, but I’m also an introvert and I feel like I get my best work done when I’m just left alone to do it. It is what it is, though. I’m grateful for the time I was able spend these past 18 months working from home.

I hope you’re having a restful weekend, friends.

Love,
Michelle xoxo

Posted on : By : Michelle Posted in : Uncategorized

On Tenterhooks

In the US we are approaching an Election Day unlike any I have ever known in my 57 years. Each side believes there is more at stake than in any other election – some have stated that the very soul of this country is at stake. Nearly 70 percent of Americans responding to a recent survey said that the presidential election was a significant source of stress in their lives, with 76 percent of Democrats and 67 percent of Republicans experiencing anxiety.

This election would be difficult in the best of circumstances, but of course we’re not dealing with the best of circumstances. COVID-19. Political polarization at all levels, from our national leaders to our neighbors. Isolation. The end of longer, sunnier days. If there was ever a perfect storm of anxiety triggers, this is it.

I must confess my coping mechanisms in the last two weeks have not been helpful. Hello snacking, my old friend. Yes, Michelle, peanuts and dried apricots are “healthy foods,” but not by the fistful. And I won’t even get into the “left over” Halloween candy.

But I’m trying, friends. And I’m also trying to not be too tough on myself when my choices aren’t the wisest. Each day I pick myself back up, dust myself off, and try again.

Of course, nature is still there for me. The gloomy weather we had all week finally broke yesterday and we had a glorious, albeit chilly, perfect autumn day. As I walked through “my” woods at the end of the street, I was very conscious of soaking in every golden shaft of sunlight, knowing the weather could turn at any moment (and today has been a weird mix of gloom, snippets of sunshine, and high winds – with our power even flickering once).

My favorite things to photograph in the woods these days:

  • the random collections of leaves and acorns that fall on tree stumps – to me they create such fascinating tableaux
  • the rich textures juxtaposed during this season
  • mushrooms! there are so many different varieties adorning nearly every fallen tree
  • moss! I’m a big lover of moss – especially now, with the bright greens looking so lush against the browns and yellows
  • views looking up through the dwindling canopy – especially when the background is a brilliant, blue sky

Wherever you are, whatever you are dealing with, I hope you find some gentle ways to cope. If you have a wild place to retreat to, whether it be a beach, desert trail, forest, or merely a tiny green space with a tree or two – I highly suggest some nature therapy. Bundle up if necessary. I guarantee it will do you some good.

Love,

Michelle xoxo