Trash or Treasure?

It rained through the night and I was halfway hoping that it would continue to downpour through the morning so I could skip a day of walking. Chuckle. Yet, lo and behold, the sun was beaming, beckoning me to come outdoors. And, yes, I am so glad I did. Sasha was delighted! She loves her long walks.

As we came to our favorite spot, twenty plus acres of undeveloped property that belongs to our neighbor two doors down, we spotted an area where someone left their trash. Disheartened and curious, I rummaged through it. I discovered that quite a few items could be salvaged! In fact, they were treasures in disguise. There were unopened jingle bells, shower hooks, plastic platters, and so much more.

Why anyone would toss out these items into the environment to rot is beyond me. At least find a new home for these items or donate them to a thrift shop. As it was, I adopted these treasures in disguise. I cleaned them all up with the help of my wonderful husband, as you can see. Much of it will recycled/reused into artwork and crafts; and, others will be donated. I often find it astounding at times the items people will throw away. In another country, you would not see such items abandoned.

Then I started thinking, sometimes people are mistaken as trash because of their outward appearance, what they wear, what they drive, how they walk and so on. Are they not really treasures in disguise? We have a tendency to dismiss people who do not “attract” us. I do not like to admit it, but I have been guilty of this, especially in my youth. Can I blame society, modern marketing and advertising? Perhaps, but as I have matured, I see that everyone should be valued. Each of us is a treasure! Sloppy or not, shiny or dull, spiffy or grungy, each of us is wonderful. Imagine the marvelous world we would live in if we valued everyone and gave each person who crossed our path a chance to shine as a treasure in our lives.

 

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Appreciating Outdoors

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day! I had the opportunity to spend time outdoors as I walked with my husband and my fur-baby Sasha. I really appreciate the splendor that Nature has bestowed upon us. I am thankful that I had a chance to be outdoors today. I will cherish the memory as I took over 200 photographs. Check out the sampling of the multitude of  pictures I took during my 90 minute stroll. Toward the second half of my long walk, I was rewarded with the most spectacular sight…

a praying mantis!

 

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Brisk Air…Clear Thoughts

I really enjoy walking outdoors, especially on a crisp and refreshing autumn morning, like today. The brisk air cleared my mind and allowed new and creative ideas and thoughts to percolate and form. I am excited about everything I am going to accomplish today, but mostly, I am seizing this moment and fully experiencing it.

 

My heart and spirit is filled with love, gratitude and wonder with limitless possibilities. My imagination is in full throttle and I am energized. I am certain that taking that walk this morning has everything to do with it. Almost an hour I spent (really gained) walking with my father, my husband, and my fur-baby Sasha.

We walked through the woods to a neighboring pier. The tide was high. A strong breeze was blowing the marsh grasses and creating deep ripples and a bit of breaks in the brackish waters of the cove.

I could have stayed all day on the pier as it was wonderfully tranquil. Bliss has filled my inner spirit and is carrying me through this gorgeous day. All these glorious emotions and energy came from deciding to enjoy the outdoors this morning…a deliberate choice to exercise and walk in nature and with my family. I am rejuvenated and recharged. I hope you, too, can capture a moment for yourself today to take a walk outdoors.

Outdoors

 

Whether you are in the Northern Hemisphere or Southern Hemisphere…Fall or Spring, the outdoors are so inviting. The weather has become pleasant and the splendor of color has been phenomenal. As we approach the weekend I hope you will make time to play outdoors.

Give yourself at least fifteen minutes this weekend to pretend you are a child again. Look all about you…up to the sky, in the treetops, the shrubs and flowers…and absorb Nature’s gifts. Her gifts will never disappoint you. You may even catch the sound of a birdsong or two. One of my favorite sensations is the feeling of a gentle breeze across my face.

The outdoors allow us to reconnect with our inner spirit. Mother Nature interacts with our senses, encouraging us to slow down and enjoy the moment. I urge you to take the time to really observe, become fully aware and genuinely appreciate your environment, even if the weather is uncooperative. Rain is a blessing to someone who is bed-ridden and cannot experience outdoors anymore.

I plan to be outdoors more in October and November as the weather permits. And, as I do, I will bring my camera. I will share images of the season, which is Fall for me. Below is an image from my recent walk in some nearby woods. What are your favorite sights of the season?

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Nature Notices

It was a mild April day when my husband and I decided to take our puppy-dog Sasha for a car ride to the nature trail behind the local library for an extended walk. The temperature could not have been any more ideal. It was not too hot and not too humid. There were hardly any clouds in the sky and just the right amount of breeze.

As we walked with Sasha, we noticed an empty, discarded pack of cigarettes on the side of the trail. We could have left it there and take on the attitude that it belonged to someone else; or, the recreation department will pick it up later.

No, we decided to take ownership of the garbage and be good stewards of our little part our Mother Earth. We picked up the trash. A few more yards away, we picked up a discarded soda bottle.  Funny thing is that with a little effort on the part of those who left the garbage, there was a trash can 100 or so feet away that they could have utilized.

Overall, the trail was mostly litter-free, which made our adventure quite pleasant.  And, for our effort, my husband and I were rewarded by nature. As we continued down the trail an elusive cardinal peeked through the branches teasing us with its presence. It was like it was playing hide and seek with us. It’s beautiful red plumage was quite a sight to see in contrast to the spring greens of the trees and shrubbery.

Further down the trail, 2 squirrels were chasing each other in a playful game of tag or so it seemed.  The scampering of their feet created such a hubbub in the understory of the woods the trail cut through.  It was a delight to see them acting so carefree without a worry in the world.

Then a mallard duck made a brief appearance when a cacophony of 4 young boys on their bikes came rushing past us like a scene from “Stand By Me.” I wondered where they were rushing off to see (maybe a dead body like in the movie).  The boys voices carried through the trail; so at that point we did not see as many creatures except for a variety of butterflies and other flying insects.

Today it felt like Mother Nature noticed us taking care of her and in return she gave us a gift of seeing the best of Mother Nature.