Monday, July 9, 2007

Walk on the Wildside

The front lawn of the Lakeside Nature Center is a natural prairie.
It is about five minutes from my house.
I went this morning.




This is a way for me to work on landscape photos,
get morning exercise,
be inspired for my gardens and
see new to me butterflies and birds.
If every morning, after I dress and feed the birds,
I take myself out into the wild areas that are around me
I think I will come home energized and inspired.
I need to get up and get moving.

A pair of Buckeyes greeted me in the parking lot.
I watched Orange Sulphurs, Goldfinches, Dragonflies and Damselflies.
I watched a Black Swallowtail in the Purple Bergamot.



I went for a walk.
I looked about.
I was gone an hour.

As I looked at the wild gardens I was encouraged.
My gardens are a blend of wild and cultivated.
I think they are pretty.

I am doing a reality check today.
I weighed this morning.
I had not done that for six months.
I brought out my body journal.
Once again I committed to my slim and trim body.

I made a list of all the things I like about me.
I made a list of what I like to do.
I made realistic goals.
I made a plan of action.

I like to take pictures.
I like birds and bugs and blooms.
I like to walk.

I can walk in the morning with my camera.
I can take my photos and get exercise.
I can still walk in the evenings with my husband.

I can still take pictures in my own backyard.
I can do everything I like to do.
I can be slim and trim again regardless of hormones!

I will eat my banana instead of my Dove Miniature.

4 comments:

Chrissie said...

Hello, Q. I really enjoy your pics of butterflies with the shadows. They are amazing, I can barely catch a butterfly :-) And is that Rudbeckia growing wild! We had one plant once but we lost it in the winter.

Q said...

Dear Chris,
The butterflies in flight are very "lucky" shots. I never know when one will take off!
That is called Prairie Gray Headed Cone Flower. (I think)
I lost two Rudbeckias this past spring too. Another the baby bunny ate!
Walking in the mornings with the camera is turning out to be ever so healthy for me.
I look forward to my morning walk about.
My husband and I still walk in the evenings, I enjoy those walks too.
Good time for us to catch up on our day's happenings.
My body is enjoying the double exercise time.
Slim and trim in an enjoyable way is what I asked for.
I am getting it too.
Thanks for walking with me.
Sherry

Sprite said...

*****

Dearest Sherry,

You are so inspiring to me.

This walk on the wildside is so cool. I love that you took note of what you love and want to do, and are just doing it.

I appreciate your plan of action, it has already brought forth so much for you to share.

I am so happy that your camera loves you as much as you have taken to it. It seems that all of Nature has conspired to give you such beauty, and you in turn have paid homage to Her.

Your essays are a delight to take in, and if one listens to their own Spirit... they can learn, and be more fully present in their life and bodies.

You are such a wonderful teacher.

Thank you!

Much love,

*Sprite

Q said...

Dear Sprite,
I am very subtle. I try to put forth "pretty pictures" as they are fun to look at.
If someone wants to look deeper they can!
Sometimes in the shawdows or in the wing pattern one can see the magic.
There will always be beauty, it is up to each one of us to see it.
Aging gracefully is a joy.
How do we do it? Honouring ourselves and our bodies. Finding our walk and sharing it.
We teach each other how to be
healthy, wealthy and wise;
slim and trim and fit as a fiddle.
Sherry