.yellow reflections.

I went on my favorite nature walk by the river this weekend. When I got the end of the trail I realized that the water level was so low there's now a little patch of sand to stand on, almost a beach. I walked down to the river to watch the ripples distort the reflection of the vibrant yellow trees. The days are quickly fading into the dark, and yet, we still have the yellow of fall. The final burst of color. I found the yellow reflections so captivating. 

I've also been experimenting with weaving polished hemp. It's such a rigid materials. I wasn't sure it would work, so I tried it on my lap loom. It worked. I really like the structure and spacing of the material. I think I might try it on my rigid heddle next. 

.maine in march.

When you get a nice day in winter in Maine you take advantage of it. The winter has been late to arrive here in the Northeast but it’s here, with two Nor’easter storms in the past week and another one might be coming next week everyone is desperate for spring. Two days after the first Nor’easter the sun came out, blue skies with a high of 43 degrees! We took advantage of it. We went to a favorite trail that curves thru the forest and opens up to the ocean and continues along the coastline looking to where Maine waters meet New Hampshire. As the trail opened up to the ocean we saw a small girl building a sand castle and her mom was stretched out wide sunbathing in her boots and winter jacket. I smiled understanding the feeling of enjoying the sun with air that didn’t hurt. We walked out to explore the tide pools and on the beach a couple were sitting on the rocky beach soaking up the sun and as we were heading back up to the trail another woman just laid down right on the trail with her dog. I love these moments that are unique to a place. It seems that once it gets above 40 degrees in March Mainers seems to just collapse with joy! They were acting like it was a summer day and 30 degrees warmer than it was but I get it. We are ready - we are so ready for spring and sunshine and warmth and longer days!! 

Another storm came a few days ago bringing almost 24 inches of snow, 35 mph winds and white out conditions for most of the day. The next day the sun was out so I went on a hike trying to be grateful for the beauty of the snow. Trying to remember the way the snow holds a silence, the fresh smell of winter air and how it illuminates everything even on an overcast day. I try to be present because it will be gone - nothing stays and winter, as trying as it is, allows me to turn inwards and reflect. This winter has been challenging but just as the days are getting longer and warmer days *should* be coming I’m grateful for the new awareness and truths that have found me this winter. 

New adventures are here and coming soon! I’m ready. I’m so ready. 

.make time to visit.

I'm out west in the arid foothills of the cascade mountains, my hometown. I've been going on daily walks in my favorite places. I cherish so many corners of this place - the colors + textures and the knowing of a place so deeply. 

Three days ago I went on a hike and looked at a sagebrush I remembered collecting sage from years ago. Yesterday, I went on a hike and remembered my favorite patch of winter blooms from a visit last year. Today I walked next to the Columbia river and remembered hot summer days of kayaking thru inlets and that cove where the sparrows sit in the high trees and squak so loud it drowns out the sound of traffic that echoes of the empty field next to the trail. Maybe it's because I travel so much that there is such a richness to visit these dear places, again and again or maybe it's just the connection I have to here because it's the land that raised me. 

I'm so grateful for it - this land feeds me. It taught me how to have a relationship with land. I walk these special corners with such gratitude of the colors + textures + sounds. 

Do you have places you visit? Where are there? Are they places you've known forever or are they new? 

.morning walk.

I've been staying outside of the city for a few days. There was this magical nature trail just 2 minutes from the house - I woke up yesterday morning and went for a slow walk. It was so grounding to start the day out - observing - with no one around. I took the path to a big grassy field - I was engulfed in the sweet silence only broken by the birds calling across the field to each other. I haven't been wrapped up in silence in a long time, I need it. There's so much inspiration in the silence - in feeling overcome by a space. 

"All we need is the morning. As long as there is sunrise, then there is the possibility that we can face all of our misfortunes, celebrate all our blessings, and live all our endeavors as human beings."

Deng Ming-Dao