Milkweed seeds Last week found me at the lake house until Friday...which stretched into Monday, then Tuesday as an ordered car part arrived late. You know I love being at the lake. However, this trip turned into quite the challenge as there was no computer or Internet, and no television. Television isn't my usual thing, preferring instead to listen to music...but the stereo was also gone. "Thank God for iPod" was my mantra at first.
However, once the initial shock of having little to no electronic stimulation - and no car with which to drive anywhere - I found a peace descend upon me, as well as a sharp, clear focus. Sitting outside on the deck with the winds and birds and sound of the waves was my safe haven. I read nearly three novels and began writing my business plan and planned my website. It didn't take that long as I had no distractions. My mom gave me a book to read that continues to guide my head and keep me focused. "Finding Water" by Julia Cameron. It's the third book in her series, the "Artist's Way Journey. Her art is writing, but it was simple to mentally strike through the word "writing" and insert the word "photography." She and I spent a lot of time together as well. The week flew by.
In the solitude of the deck squirrels would tip-toe across my table; wrens would dance and peck along the deck railing; birds landed on the trees nearby and called to each other; damselflies lit on the pages of my book. All while I was sitting there being still. Each visit was a welcome home.
Today finds me back in the 'burbs experiencing just how intrusive and disruptive computers, Internet, television, and other electronic monsters - washing machines, vacuums, dishwashers - are to our day-to-day. I'm having trouble concentrating. I recall reading that it takes exactly three days to completely relax when one goes on vacation, but only if one doesn't take their laptops or are constantly on their cell phones.
Turn off the world and tune into yourself from time to time. Next time I plan to leave the iPod at home.
8 comments:
"There and Back Again" by Bilbo Baggins! It sounds like you lived a Hobbit kind of life for a week or so!
What a productive way to spend you time Debi. Now when you're tired of hearing that washing machine and vacuum head on over to Gunter Mountain...those sounds are never heard here!! Ha Ha Ha!! I've got a bottle of wine in the fridge.
PS not the same one as before....hic....
What I wouldn't give for a week like that! Sounds heavenly to me.
Good for you for really delving into the quiet and enjoying it.
Hubby and I did that at his family cottage a few years ago back in BB (Before Baby) and it rained the whole time we were there. I re-read Wind in the Willows for the first time since I was a child and loved every minute of it.
Hold onto the peace you found there.
Finding Water is often a Metaphor for finding the fluidity of Spirit. When the mind quiets down and isn't triggered by the perpetual loops and programs we have created in our normal living spaces we can begin to feel what is new before our very eyes. It is truly a soulful experience.
Just good old advice. I wish I still had my motor home. It offered so much in the way of peace out in the middle of the forest.
You're so right that the electronic world is invasive at times. Because I make my living with a computer, digital camera and iPod/recorder, I don't know that I could do a week away from all of them. The music is actually a buffer against the rest of the world, but often when I go out for a walk, I just take my thoughts, ears and eyes. That seems to be enough to rejuvenate.
yes you go girl!
Oh how I wish I could get my hands on some of these to photograph.
=0)
Love your banner btw. It's beautiful!!
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