Saturday, March 14, 2015

Take 'er Slow


"I want my life to be a celebration of slowness.

Walking through the sage from our front door, I am gradually drawn into the well-worn paths of deer. They lead me to Round Mountain and the bloodred side canyons below Castle Rock. Sometimes I see them, but often I don't. Deer are quiet creatures, who, when left to their own nature, move slowly. Their large black eyes absorb all shadows, especially the flash of predators. And their ears catch each word spoken. But today they walk ahead with their halting prance, one leg raised, then another, and allow me to follow them. I am learning how to not provoke fear and flight among deer. We move into a pink, sandy wash, their black-tipped tails like eagle feathers. I lose sight of them as they disappear around the bend.

On the top of the ridge I can see for miles.... Inside this erosional landscape where all colors eventually bleed into the river, it is hard to desire anything but time and space.

Time and space. In the desert there is space. Space is the twin sister of time. If we have open space then we have open time to breath, to dream, to dare, to play, to pray to move freely, so freely, in a world our minds have forgotten but our bodies remember. Time and space. This partnership is holy. In these redrock canyons, time creates space--an arch, an eye, this blue eye of sky. We remember why we love the desert; it is our tactile response to light, to silence, and to stillness.

Hand on stone -- patience.

Hand on water -- music."
Terry Tempest Williams, Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert














18 comments:

  1. It's that space that fills the soul, that makes time stand still.

    We thrive on the open spaces, you and I.

    xx

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    1. The openess. The light. The silence and stillness. That's exactly why I love the desert. What about the warmth? The warmth! ;)
      xo

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  2. What a lovely piece of writing. I may have to check out that book. And you're so darn cute in those braids. Raining here; been out for a walk in it with the dog, photographing lichens and mosses. And now I'm going to copy that first line into my journal!

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    1. I will celebrate slowness with you. I want more of that in my life.
      When I read TTW books, her writings, I immediately feel calmer, like I've slowed down a bit. I ponder the things that are important and am happier for it. Her writing does that to me, and Jillian's writing does that too.
      Your walk with Gyp in the rain sounds so romantic. Your woods must be covered in moss and ferns. Do those hard mushrooms grow on the trunks of trees there? I don't know what they're called. I really like them. :)
      xo

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    1. Yes! Read her book if you haven't. The loveliest! :)
      xo

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  4. We learn from nature, who takes things slow.... :)
    Love, hugs and a blessed new week to you, Lynn.

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    1. I am learning so much from nature. I'm allowing it to take me. Further & further. Quietly, slowly, surely. This summer, I'm going to pay attention to it more than ever. Thank you. You are such a good friend, my prairie sis of the Okie plains.
      xo

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  5. gosh these photos are pretty, Lynn! such peace exudes from each one, peace of the twin sisters of time and space. and is that the blue eye of Skye I spy? I hope that you are enjoying the same gloriously sunny and warm weather we've got here-- I broke out the shedding blade for the horses who were standing in the shade in a full sweat and the hair came off in thick ribbons! 82 here yesterday and today. I'm so excited to embrace a change of season and the lifestyle it brings. I look forward to seeing it's new life through your lens! xoxo

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    1. No!! We haven't been in the 80's like you. It's been weird. Overcast, humid and 60 degrees with 60 mph winds. Ugh. Not my cup of tea.
      Peace. That's what I'm longing for these days. I'm working so much I need some rest.
      Skye's eyes are actually bright green! I think they look so blue because of that blue shirt she's laying on. She's very very pretty, that one.
      Ribbons of horsehair! I can only imagine.
      Enjoy the warm days and the every last one of those critters.
      xo

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  6. Beautiful scenery and matching words...I thought those were your words xx

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    1. Shucks, I wish I could say I crafted that lovely piece of writing. I felt it, though. I want to walk out my door into sage and see deer. Wouldn't that be an unbelievable feeling?
      Most of those pictures were taken right outside my front door. It's enough. ;)
      Thank you, Mona.
      xo

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  7. So true about time and space. Space to breathe time to appreciate our surroundings x

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    1. I need space, Audrey! And time to breathe and think and listen and just be.
      I'm going to try not to take anything for granted anymore. The truth is, life is just too short. Ya know?
      xo

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  8. lovely images, red dirt. purely lovely.

    x

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    1. Thank you, friend. I'm feeling a gentleness coming on. A slowing down, on purpose. Peace, tip toeing, stopping like a deer.
      I've been thinking of you.
      xO

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  9. so much love and light friend

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  10. And that much more right back to YOU!
    I've been meaning to write you. I will.
    x

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