35. Rain and sun

Rainy morning.

And I would be the wind, whispering through the tangled woods, running airy fingers over the island’s face, tingling in the chill of concealed places, sighing secrets in the dawn. And I would be the light, flinging over the island, covering it with flash and shadow, shining on rocks and pools, softening to a touch in the glow of dusk. If I were the rain and wind and light, I would encircle the island like the sky surrounding earth, flood through it like a heart driven pulse, shine from inside it like a star in flames, burn away to blackness in the closed eyes of its night.

~ Richard Nelson, The Island Within

Cedar at the edge of the marsh, standing in the rain and wind this morning.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I often refer to the Eastern Shore (or Delmarva) as the island.  Most people call it a peninsula which is what nature intended, but with the construction of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, the peninsula became an island.  I thought of that when I read the quote I used today, of how this place is an island in many ways, not just physically.  There are touristy parts where, in season, you’ll find lots of people.  A good part of the Eastern Shore, however, is isolated.  Even finding decent stores when you need to do some shopping can be difficult.  M and I frequently do some of our shopping when we’re off the island because there are things you just can’t find here.

Waiting to return.

There is talk of inbreeding on the peninsula that is an island, even a few research papers on the subject, but most of that seems to have taken place on the islands around the peninsula back in the 1800’s when isolation was more preponderant than it is now.  Still, there are whispers and gossip among some of the locals.  I was surprised one day when someone mentioned it to me since I’m a “come here” and not a “from here.”  Secrets from the “from here’s” are not often shared with the “come here’s.”

Rain and weeds on the boardwalk.

It was raining when I woke up this morning.  We had rain and some fierce winds throughout the night.  The clouds and rain cleared out after lunch and it’s turned into a gorgeous autumn day.  It’s still breezy.  In fact, it’s so breezy that it is driving the water on the bay side to shore and the fish are once again swimming in the woods and on the woodland trail.  The blackbirds have gathered, too.  I went out to the porch a little while ago and thousands of them flew by and landed in the woodland trees.  The noise of their chattering is incredible, and I found myself wondering if they were talking with the fish.  If so, the birds are making so much noise that they will never hear the fish if they should decide to answer back.

Back on Meadow Mountain…  (from one of last week’s hikes)

This morning’s yoga and meditation were short and gentle.  I’m still nursing my right knee.  I’m not sure if it’s sore from all the hiking or from all the stairs we had to take when we were in the mountains.  Not that it matters.  It requires some support and some tender loving care right now.  The yoga is helpful, and I’ve found some exercises online that will also help without putting a lot of strain on it.  My goal is to heal and strengthen both knees so that long distance walking will be a possibility.

On the Meadow Mountain Trail, heading towards the overlook.

The rain and wind that came through last night and this morning are bringing us some more seasonable temperatures.  Tomorrow I’m going to get out for a walk or a bicycle ride, depending on what my knee says.  M and I went out for a bike ride on Sunday morning and my knee was fine with that.

In the glow of the woods.

Thank you for stopping by today and joining me on the Meadow Mountain Trail again.  I think we should go to the Point this evening and check out the sunset.  It’s been a while.  Sunset is scheduled for 6:15 PM.  You will probably need a jacket.  It’s going to cool down quickly tonight.

A tree mandala.

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

Part of the view from the overlook. There are hints of fall colors here and there.

A few of the 10,000 reasons to be happy:  386)  Fall-like weather swooping through the woods and meadows.  387)  A deep gratitude to M the Younger and his wife for the access they give us to Little Wookie and his inclusion in our lives.  It’s something I never take for granted.  388)  The Marco Polo app.  It’s one of the wonderful things about technology.  We use it to stay in touch with Little Wookie so he can see our smiling mugs every now and then.  389)  The sound of thousands of blackbirds visiting our woods.  390)  The way yoga and meditation have taught me to listen deeply to my body, and to respond in a more heart-centered way.  I could complain about my knees and ageing.  Instead, I’m grateful for both.

Little Wookie walking. He’s here to remind you about Walktober. Please join us. The deadline is October 28.