As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
-Henry David Thoreau
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This season of not working has been quite a treat. I realize that I worked hard for this time, and I am happy that I am making the most of it, for the time is drawing very near when I must get back to the daily grind. And I welcome that time! All things in their due time....
I have explored so much of this planet and it has revealed to me that there is just so much more than one could ever see! Having been back in the Pacific Northwest I feel so lucky to spend time exploring this region, home. Of all the islands, mountains, rivers, cities, villages, and farms I think that this region still takes the cake! I said to a good friend that I see hardly any reason why I should ever leave again! With so much to explore here, I'll be set for a long time, at least.
A recent weekend involved a lot of car time, which I assure is far more pleasurable than bar time. I went down roads I'd never traversed, south of Mt Hood, around the East side and back again. It was hot, so finding swimming spots along the was was key. A spot to rest was found near White River, no more information can be given about that place. It's a secret. The moon was recently full and illuminated the evening, casting it's cool light on the arid terrain east of Mt Hood.
Soon after the sun rose the temperature began to rise with haste, cold water the only remedy. Outside the city, outside the generally common river spots where rowdy urban and suburbanites get drunk and act crazy, outside the range of cell phones, outside the range of streetlights... conjures up a special feeling in me. Remote, removed. It is quiet and still and calm and things make sense out there. All things fit and everything belongs. Leaving these distant and isolated water and camping spots can be hard! I always want to stay longer.
Oregon, my Oregon. I sure love it. And Washington, my new home: what fun it will be to explore new territory. To get away from the madness that cities often hold, the hustle and bustle of everyone going somewhere all the time. I like to just sit, let my senses awaken a little more, to practice being calm.
think i'll go sit by the river
just to get outside of my mind.
i'm wishing i could stay here forever
but the river won't stay that long,
its moving on.
just to get outside of my mind.
i'm wishing i could stay here forever
but the river won't stay that long,
its moving on.
-Chad VanGaalen
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
-Heraclitus
with love, n
