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.
