Retreat Into the Woods

 
Over stones and ferns…

Over stones and ferns…

 


RETREAT

Sitting by a creek inside a forest

Your notebooks spread out

Over stones and ferns

Sounds of tiny waterfalls accompany your thoughts

The dimension of your existence opens before you

Oneness of spirit, wholeness one song.

On the porch, one day

Someone leaves a small heart-shape wood carving,

Another day, a sketch of fiddleheads

Or a haiku

Kindness from unknown neighbors

Who will later introduce themselves

Retreat in the woods

Finding new friends threaded with similar

Attitude of solitariness

Learning how to be present

In the moment, to attend

Slowing of time

A time to feel and touch the earth again

With its ecstasy and pain

By Edgar Calvelo


Hello, my friends,

It’s been too long since we last met here. When June turned the corner Mr. H and I stepped into the month with a gardening fever, followed by guests, family, and friends. My washing machine has never seen so much action! It feels good and I admit a little exhausting at times. I took a deep relaxing breath when this poem by blogging friend, Edgar Calvelo, appeared in my inbox one day. I have been wanting to share ever since. A reminder to retreat to the woods, breathe in the attitude of solitariness, the slowing of time, to feel and touch the earth again. Thank you Edgar for reminding me to do so. I hope this lightens your day a bit too!

I have so much to share with you. My notebook is busting. Books, books and more books and some shopping tips too. Have I told you how so so touched I am by the kind words about my recent blog posts, recounting years of expat memories? More to come, they just need a bit of tweaking. :))

A while back I announced a postcard mailing and diligently sent them off. I am now realizing that I missed a few people. If I missed you, please let me know, I am happy to carry on. If you didn’t sign up, but would like one, just leave a comment or write to me here.

With that my friends, I wish you well, hope that you are in good health and enjoying kindness in your life.

Until next time,

Jeanne xx

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