Not Frigid
I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.
— J.B. Priestly (1894-1984) English Author
Today was a good example of a day when I should have ignored the weather peoples. I listened to their predictions and killed my plans to go riding. I shouldn’t have.
When I took Java for a walk, I discovered that it was not “frigid” out. (I bet a few of you thought this was going to be about something other than weather. Ha!)
In reality, it was warm enough out that I could keep my mittens off for extended periods of time to give Java treats for checking in (making eye contact) on our walk and to take photos of the fresh snow.
When Java and I returned home, we curled up on the couch to watch Xena reruns. I recently, started watching Xena episodes from the beginning of the first season. I’m on a personal Xena quest, somewhat of a pilgrimmage.
Yes, Maeryland could also use a courageous hero. I have more in common with Gabrielle, Xena’s sidekick. Towards the end of the last Xena episode I watched, Xena was talking to Gabrielle about how the path you take in life can change you.
Xena said, “See how calm the surface of the water is? That was me once.”
Then Xena throws a rock into the lake. “The water ripples and churns. That’s what I became.”
Gabrielle replies, “But if we sit here long enough, it goes back to being still again. You can go back to being calm.”
Xena answers, “But the stone is still under there. It’s now a part of the lake. It might look as it did before, but it’s forever changed.”
True, but I think that stone at the bottom of the lake can take on too much importance. I’m finding that defining myself from old life stories places too many limitations and outdated beliefs into my current life and what I’m capable of being or doing in the present.
Fabulous pictures today! WOW.
I have been following your blog for a while and enjoy so much seeing the environment you live and have your adventures in. Its so different from where I live which has a tropical climate – Brisbane, Australia.
The Xena conversation is so true however as you say we don’t have to define ourselves by our old stories and experiences. Thanks for being so sharing.
It’s getting so your photos are almost as enticing as your words. That is a pretty big statement for me to make as I am a word person:-) Big revelation there! 🙂 Love what you wrote about the Xena conversation! As much as those dark times are so unbearably painful, I do think they help to define us. That little stone that remains part of the lake, can serve as your touchstone of life to prove that you have moved on ‘in spite of’ its presence. It’s great to hear you shedding those limitations of outdated beliefs. You are so ready for a new mantra. Maeryland does have a courageous hero Maery…it’s you. Kathleen
It has been just silly cold here (and windy), which makes it SO MUCH worse. I think I’m not as hearty as I once was, but I’m glad you girls got out for a walk.
I also love the shadows cast this time of year. Something about how low the sun is in the sky.
I’d never thought about Xena as philosopher. I’ve never seen an episode, but I can see how that particular scene might be helpful.
P.S. We had a hedgehog named Xena once.
Wow- insightful beautiful post. I sort of forgot how cool Xena was. Glad you are such an outside girl. Yay playing outside! Lakes with rocks in them are way more interesting than ones with just sandy bottoms anyway. 😉
You have the prettiest areas to go for walks.
Yes, never believe the panic mongering weather people!!
Beautiful pictures of your walk! We are finally snow free, back to good ole rain! Gotta love it!
Katrina – Thanks for the comment. Funny you should stop by as I’ve been perusing trips to Australia and New Zealand. One of those fantasies, but who knows, it could happen.
Kathleen – Thanks for the photo compliment. I had a fun time taking them. And I knew you would say the hero thing. I love that you see me that way.
Roxanne – I know what you are saying. I feel like I am going soft. I love the snow but want the temperatures to stay at least above 20 and that’s the “real feel” not the temp reading.
Sue – I like your imagery. Gives new meaning to the rocks you use in your artwork.
Tammy – So true. Life is too short to listen to those fools.
Paint Girl – Hmmm. Here rain is nasty this time of year. Hopefully yours is not so bad, but I know the mud thing is no fun.
Thanks for lettin’ me tag along on your walk. Your pictures are just awesome sweetie. I’m so glad you didn’t listen to the forecast just look at what we would of missed!
I just returned from a week in Brownsville, TX ‘spendin’ time with my fam for my Dad’s memorial service. It is good to be home.
God bless ya and have a marvelous week sweetie!!!
Those are spectacular photos! I love the one with the tracks and the leaning trees. Java looks fabulous!
I love your opening quote. That’s actually how I feel about each day but that author said it much better than I ever had. Would you mind if I borrowed it sometime in the near future?