Monday I made a not-so-quick one day trip to the city to pick up some adventurous New York travelers bound for EO. I worried that, in the throes of our decidedly cold weather, with some rain and wind on the side, our beloved territory would not present itself well. Deciduous trees were turning yellow, but autumn’s paintbrush was still unfinished. The overcast sky presented indigo-laden views that were beautiful to a lover’s tolerant eye, but, admittedly, more rugged and moody than usual. On the way down I stopped to take some pictures and coming home, we pulled into Multnomah Falls to show off what we usually take for granted. I am beginning to make more time for doing this, for stopping to smell the roses, per se, and it is well worth the effort. I am also learning to take my camera with me even on seemingly inconsequential runs to the store. Although I hate having one more thing to carry, and grumble at the idea of slowing my progress to pull off the road or walk around the block to get a picture, the rewards are great. Besides taking a few moments for myself amidst a busy day, I am also accumulating a visual feast of reflections of the blessings in my life. It lessens my taking things for granted, softens my American “time-is-money” attitude, sensitizes me to the beauty of even the mundane, gives me a mental break, and makes me more thankful in spirit; even on a rainy, blustery October day.
Besides all that...one of my kids is home!
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