“Stop! Back up!”
The car skidded to a stop in the dirt. Dennis backed up, and I jumped out, camera in hand.
He patiently (I think) followed me down the long drive, stopped and waited while I tiptoed through mud and scrambled over briars seeking beauty in the broken and the barren and the brown.
I think the lilacs are confused. It’s January, and it’s not that warm. Really.
For a few moments, I forgot about my ungloved icy fingers. I forgot that I had good shoes on over nylon knee-highs (now drooped around my ankles.) I forgot that my unzipped, simulated black leather jacket flapped in the wind. I forgot that my gray sweater had a scooped neck and only three-quarter length sleeves. It might not have been the smartest health moment, but it only took 10 minutes.
And though the wind tousled my hair, when I got back in the car, I felt like someone had run a brush through my snarled emotions.
I felt refreshed in body and spirit.
And I saw God!
******
Are you frazzled? Frayed a bit around the edges? Take just ten minutes to seek out some beauty in the midst of today’s tangles. Look at things from a different perspective. You might be surprised what you find.
Last year Saturdays were for snapshots. I’m trying something new. It just came to me today–this idea of health snippets. It turns out I have a lot of photos anyway. I might change my mind. We’ll see how it goes.
Beautiful stuff here. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve pulled over. It’s worth doing.
Love you.
Gee whiz, I love the heck out of you! This sounds like EXACTLY something I would do. “Wait. Stop. Back up.” Of course, I wouldn’t be running through snow or ice, but it does get a mite cool here at times – at least cool to this warm-blooded Californian. ‘Health Snippets’ – love that idea. And isn’t it amazing what can sometimes bring health?? Glad you’re finding beauty – but now big surprise there. :>)
Getting my hubby to stop when traveling in a vehicle is pretty much impossible, so I’m totally envious of this moment of yours… or ten moments. I make my own by wandering around our rural property and neighbourhood with camera in hand. I agree, it’s an excellent method for defrazzling. I love your idea for Saturday’s Health Snippets. Will look forward to them.
You have hit on a suggestion I have seen experts recommend – the ten minute mini-vacation. Even if your only recourse is your imagination, take ten minutes to envision yourself somewhere beautiful and tranquil.
You are blessed, Sandy, to find this beauty and tranquility through the lens of your camera. We are blessed to share them with you through your posts.
I especially enjoyed the photo of the briars and weeds with the old home in the background. It would make an amazing painting or just blow up the photo for a great conversation-maker. All the thorns and berries also are very interesting. You have an amazing talent and to top it off, it invigorates you and brings health and perspective to your outing.
Catching these snippets of beauty is exactly what Playdates is all about. I’m with Diana: I love the heck out of you. And bless that man of yours for following “patiently”. That made me smile.
What beautiful photos! It was a playdate for me to look at them. Also, I adore the image of someone running a brush through frazzled emotions. As good as your pictures are, that word picture may be the one I carry from here. Thank you:)
running a brush through snarled emotions… isn’t that just like Jesus? How precious of Dennis to stop long enough for you to play and breathe. Hugs.
Those are gorgeous photos and worth stopping for, Sandra, …love the line: “Running a brush through snarled emotions.” Thankful that you met God in the beauty and that you shared with us 🙂
P.S. I’m guessing your ankle is better? Praying it is so 🙂
I really enjoyed being “with” you on your 10-minute adventure/retreat — which is how I felt, reading this post. I love how you call yourself a “deep see diver” and that line, ” felt like someone had run a brush through my snarled emotions.”
I just did the same thing, actually. Went outside for one thing, took my camera along, and got carried away, just taking shots of moss and lichens and old wood and winter’s hidden green. And felt likewise. Thank you for this further refreshment!
Neat photos. And so much like I’d be if I was “focusing” on something that I felt needed to be done for creativity. Glad you survived — and didn’t have any serious health reactions.