Lulu and me

Magic shoes

What would your shoes say about the things you do everyday?

~ Sherley Mondesir-Prescott, If Your Shoes Could Speak

River Road

I took Lulu* out today.  She’s been at the bottom of my purse for so long, I’d almost forgotten about her.

*Lulu is my little everything-proof point & shoot camera.

Painting pictures.  (Painting effect done in Photoshop.)

First we went for a ride in the car.  Rumor had it that the the trees on River Road, which is not too far from here, were looking exceptionally beautiful this year.  I think I missed the peak of color, but as you can see, there are still quite a few colorful leaves left on the trees.

Round the bend.

It was a lovely drive although I did find myself wishing from time to time that I’d taken my bicycle out that way.  It was a cold and breezy morning, and I haven’t been on my bike in a while so the car seemed the best option this time around.

Approaching the tunnel of trees.

When the stories of our life no longer bind us, we discover within them something greater.  We discover that within the very limitations of form, of our maleness and femaleness, of our parenthood and our childhood, of gravity on the earth and the changing of the seasons, is the freedom and harmony we have sought for so long.  Our individual life is an expression of the whole mystery, and in it we can rest in the center of the movement, the center of all worlds.

~ Jack Kornfield, A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life

Arc of trees.

After the short drive, I set out on foot to see what’s going on in the neighborhood.

Playing with the perspective on the driveway.

I normally would not take a camera with me on my daily exercise walks, the walks I think of as part of my pilgrimage, but it’s Saturday and Saturdays are made for fun and for breaking some of the rules.

The Bald Cypress

Besides, I wanted to show you the bald cypress tree that lives at the end of the road.  I mentioned it in a previous post, and thought I’d better get over there and capture it soon, before the needles fall off and it lives up to the “bald” part of its name.

Painted by the light.

One of the problems with Lulu is that she has no manual settings and she tends to overexpose everything.  Sometimes this works.  Sometimes not so much.  I could have taken the Canon or the Kodak and gotten better shots, but there is a lightness and fun to carrying the smaller camera that allows me to stop taking it all so seriously.  I mostly have to shoot blind with Lulu (I can’t see the LED screen in bright sunlight and there is no viewfinder) so when I upload the photos, there’s always a surprise or two.  Have I mentioned all of that before?  I bet I have.  I don’t know why I make excuses.  I rather like the way some of Lulu’s images come out.  Without the clarity of the big camera, they tend to look more like paintings (or take to the painting effect well if I decide to enhance it in Photoshop).

Just past the Church in the Shire.

I walked a grand total of 2.25 miles today.  That’s more than double what I’ve been doing the past few weeks.  Compared to what I used to walk, that hardly seems like much, but there is only so much I can do right now.  I was very happy with my 2+ miles.

Peering through the pillars of the woods.

Last night was our coldest night so far this season.  We woke up to temperatures in the mid 20’s and ice on the windshield of the car.  That’s a sure sign that M and I need to get one half of the garage cleaned out so it can house the car overnight.  We’ve been working on various painting projects out there.  A few months back I bought a dresser for the bedroom, something small that will sit just below one of the windows (the top will make a nice perch for the cats).  Since it only cost me $35, I figure I can afford to experiment with painting it.

The yellows.

I reckon that’s it from me on this beautiful, but chilly, Saturday.  I have a pot of chili simmering on the stove and if it tastes as good as it smells, we are in for quite a treat.  I made plenty (too much, really) so feel free to stop by and grab a bowl of it for yourself (and maybe for your friends and loved ones because I honestly did make too much and will probably have to freeze the bulk of it if someone doesn’t eat it).  M said he’s making cornbread, and you’re welcome to some of that, too.

Woodland bliss.

Be good, be kind, be loving.  Just Be.  🙂

The Church in the Shire.

Today’s joys:  The crisp, clean air of November; a wonder-filled walk; a lovely, orange sunset; anticipating a delicious dinner; the loveliness of autumn in the woods.