WHAT'S MISSING?

The view that saves each day

Moving past the five month mark on Covid-19 now, much of life as we knew it "before" is missing.

I miss seeing the smiles I at least hope are behind those masks.

I miss hugs.

I miss seeing friends and the long, leisurely conversations.

I miss ease.

I miss planning for this year's road trip with Jenna.

I miss teaching and the camaraderie of the wonderful students laughing and sharing and creating together.

I miss all this and more, yet...
There is much to appreciate as well. 

More time for longer walks with my plus one friend, Catharine, and the joy of those deep conversations.

Ever greater appreciation of time spent with family.

Good, caring neighbors

More time to explore books and good writing.

The joy of producing dinner from my own garden.

Thinking, not on the fly, but with a greater depth, about all things in this crazy world.

And more...and always, always, always cool breezes and birdsong to enjoy.

STANDING SENTINEL?

Watchful waiting

So much of time lately seems to be done in watchful waiting. Still, it behooves us to do more...to live life even as changes roll over us.

So...haircuts on the street. Dining only outside (Question:What about when weather comes?Answer:Deal with it. We are resilient humans after all) Wear a mask. Keep social distancing. Give up a few things to gain even more. Gardening (Who knew so many had a green thumb?) Zoom webinars (There are so many interesting things out there with which to connect.) Long walks. Reading (Again, so many good books and finally the time.).......

What are you doing to live life as the changes come?

NOW POINTS

Cleaning find

As we enter what is for many the busiest, most hectic time of year, I find myself pondering this old art piece found while cleaning.

Time is not a line, but a series of now points.__Taimen Deshimaru

"Now points" brings me into the moment more with clarity. Can we try for this, rather than stringing ourselves out ahead with all there might be to do? Can we just be?

Now points...the warm sunrise in cool morning air on my face.

Now points...the lap of the sea on the shore--gentle, steady, calm.

Now points...two ducks scouting on the low water as they drift along near shore in clam beds.

Now points...focused watching as a blue booby goes through his grooming ritual

Now points...the cracked caw of a crow sounding nearby.

Now points...shadows and diamonds that glisten on a wave, shaped by the slant of the sun.

Now points...the rising sun chases the waning moon across the morning sky.

Now points...what are some of yours?