I gave a ride to friends to catch an early morning train. It was still dark when I got home, plus it was cold. After a few warm days, the temps have taken another dive...and I'm not mad about it. The quiet of this time of day is a pleasure, especially with a fire in the wood stove and a mug of tea. It's a good time for writing as well. So I sat with my feet tucked under me and did my morning practice. A nap some time later might be in order.
The pajak design I've chosen to make for this holiday season, is a lot more detailed than I first realized. There are many, many small steps on the way to a finished mobile.
So, I pull in my vision to each step as it arises. Holding that attention there, or rather, relaxing into the "moments" is a challenge. But it's not impossible and I tell myself there are other benefits to the exercise (surely?). It's like many of the creative projects I pursue...best to keep the big picture at bay (most of the time) to avoid overwhelm.
Today I cut, scored, and folded 45 pieces of tissue paper to make four pom poms. Then I cut to varying sizes, close to 100 pieces of rye straw (more of that task to do). Tomorrow I should be able to start making the arms of the piece, stringing straw sections and paper stars. I'll consider it a Christmas miracle if I get it all done by the 25th. And yet...I know it's possible. The miracle may come in being able to keep myself on task!
Another chilly day, but not as cold. A warm up is on the way into the next week. Big sigh for no snow (now that would be a Christmas miracle).
As fate would have it, I actually got a little Christmas shopping done today...all local! I actually hadn't intended for my adventure to cover as much territory as it did. But maybe it was the spirit of St. Nicholas guiding me along.
Below: weekly self-portrait and the Japanese maple a few days ago, before the sub-freezing night temps.
I lived about a mile from the San Francisco bay for almost 20 years. While I didn't go down by the water every day, I did make it a habit to visit regularly. Plus, we used to go walk Caspar at Pt. Isabel or shop at next door Coscto (seriously, that has got to be one of the most picturesque Costco locations ever). And even if I wasn't actually touching distance of the bay, it was just a short walk up the hill where there was a good view of it (oh, those sunsets!).
For the past 10 years now, I've lived walking distance from the James river. No, it's not the San Francisco Bay or the Pacific ocean, but it's wonderful nonetheless. To walk along and listen to the water, to see the rise and fall of the volume, to enjoy all the wildlife (especially the birds) is really rather special. I consider myself fortunate. And I'm grateful the first house I had an offer on fell through, because I wouldn't have the same proximity to this lovely body of water. Someone, or some energy, was looking out for the needs of my spirit.
Is it just me, or does the shadow next to mine look like the river is waving back?
It was cold.
There was a boy finding sheets of ice by the bank, which he was picking up and shattering on the rocks.
There was a man having his lunch break, emptying a thermos into a cup.
There was the leftover remnants of a camp fire, a chunk of wood still smoldering on a boulder.
There was a dog off leash, sniffing and romping in a field.
As I walked the path out of the park I heard a "coming through" and there was the dog and his person.
There are many reasons why I love my neighborhood and am grateful I've landed here. The trees, the odd 8 acre lot that keeps being mysteriously "worked" on (there is an old house there, but I don't think it's resided in), the trees (Oh! These Trees! Did I mention the Trees?), and of course the river, just a 10 minute walk from the house. My neighbors are pretty darn special as well...creative, kind human beings.
Today I took a chilly, solo walk down to the James. Avery already had her walkies. I wanted to take some pictures. Today I used the Lomo for some instant shots. More to come, but here are a few.
The Japanese maple is still resplendent. However, the edges of the leaves are starting to get frost burn. It was in the 20s this morning and will continue to be so for a few more days.
Avery and I had a little walk around noon. I think the temperature was almost 40F at that time. No wind, so it was rather pleasant. If any storms systems were coming through, maybe we'd even have snow. But...nope.
I'm restarting a Wild Writing practice a la 27powers. I needed another grounding activity, since doom scrolling is becoming a habit again. Yes, yes, I know I said I was working on that...and I am. Hence, finding another practice to channel my thoughts. Reading Heather Cox Richardson once a day and giving a glance at The News Hour or some such (BBC maybe?) is enough to keep track of things.
What a curious time of year. I mean, curiouser than normal (what is normal anyway?), but I'm not referring to that aspect. No, just this time of year when nature says to go in, be mindful, slow down...and yet? Thankfully I don't have to be too caught up in the holiday hubbub if I choose not to be. But, I'll be traveling Christmas week and I like getting little somethings for my dear ones...so I'm not totally immune to the activity. On these cold days, though, it does feel good to be doing inside work by a fire in the wood stove.
Still celebrating this tree for a little longer. I came downstairs the other day and the living room was glowing orange.
They say it's "Black Friday" but I did no shopping today. I walked the dog. I brought in firewood. I put out another submission (it was free so for sure!). I visited with friends. I took down the autumn decorations.
Now...I might watch a Christmas movie.
It was not a bad day.
No, I wasn't actually in Manhattan for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
Yes, I did actually use a bunch of Instax film to take pictures of the parade from my TV.
You have to admit, some of them might fool you into thinking I was actually there!