Drops of Beauty #154

November 28, 2023

“For fast-acting relief, try moving slowly.” - Lily Tomlin

The snow doesn’t hurry as it falls to the ground. One of the silver linings after a week of being sick is that it slowed everything down. It feels so good to move slowly, particularly for my brain to move slowly. It feels clear, spacious, and full of possibility. Today I found myself asking people to slow down. Now, at the end of my work day, I don’t feel as overwhelmed as I usually do. It will be interesting to see how I can carry this in the coming days.

I am happy to be feeling better, though I didn’t think it was wise to rush off into the sub-freezing temperatures right away so I am being patient about returning to the lake. I’ve also been enjoying my slower mornings with gentle movement and qigong. It’s nice to know I can enjoy my day even without being able to go out to the lake - and I am really ready to get back!

Here are some favorite photos for today:

Neighborhood sunrise, November 24, 2023. It was too pretty not to venture out even if very briefly!

He was so handsome. Another guy pulled in while I was trying to take these shots and scared him away, lucky to get these shots in the near darkness.

Long-necked bomber on approach (aka first year blue heron).

Me begging the blue jays to pose in the fall leaves. This one obliged so nicely, even finding a sunny spot for his face.

Love how the goldfinch is so much smaller than the leaves!

Sometimes a bird appears in my viewfinder and I have to make myself focus on taking pictures and not trying to remember which bird it is! My mind circled through several possibilities before finally landing on fox sparrow. I don’t see them often!

Sunrise November 9, 2023 - you can see the color was just about gone then.

Bluebird in the leaves.

The little wood duck who still hangs out with the mallards is looking magnificent in his full adult colors.

First goldeneye I have seen this year.

Flicker showing you he’s a little bigger than the goldfinch!

The colors all seem to pop this time of year, including this male house finch.

I love it when the sun shines through a yellow leaf.

Take good care of yourselves friends. Move slower when you can. As Lee Holden says, “go slow to enter the flow”. Thank you for being here!

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