Tag: nature

Blog

Serene Spot

ellenparkerwrites

Hurry, hurry, hurry. Do the errands. Fix a meal. Clean the house. Prepare for work tomorrow. Deal with the mini-crisis NOW!

Modern life has a way of getting a person worn and frazzled at the edges.

A decade ago, on a fine October afternoon, I found an excellent place to sit down and let the cares of the world evaporate. The location is not silent — the tumbling water makes a constant background sound. Birds and other humans visiting this large, public garden add to the soundtrack.

Fresh air, sunshine, and water are good for the soul — and the body. Immerse your mind in the sights and sounds. The weight of that unfinished report, or project washes away. The worry over medical or financial news disappears — at least temporary.

Not able to escape into nature? Open the pages of a book and take a mini-vacation. Romance novels promise a happy ending — a condition uncertain in real life. Check out the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, for a quick trip through time. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

Blog

Wonder in the West

ellenparkerwrites

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase — the American West?

Cowboys? Mountains? Buffalo?

Are you drawn to the scenery in classic western movies? Or do you think of switchback roads climbing a mountain?

Do you ever think of canyons?

No photograph, or puzzle based on a photograph, will be able to capture the majesty and grander of this canyon. The size-measured in miles. The colors of the different strata. The shapes of individual rocks and formations. A person needs to look with care and intent to see the river winding along the bottom.

Have you visited? Do you have it on you “to do” list?

On a smaller scale, Morning Tryst introduces the reader to several Missouri State Parks. https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Blog

Pause and Re-charge

ellenparkerwrites

November — often in the United States we put a little more emphasis on pausing, giving thanks, and taking stock of our personal situation.

Where and when? Oh, that answer has as many questions as people. Perhaps more than one per person.

Do you have a prayer time? Do you review the day as you fall asleep? Does your mind turn to planning in the twilight as you drift from sleep to awake? Or do you find a calm, quiet place and organize your thoughts. Or work on solving a problem.

Recently, I drove to a nearby state park and found a place good for me.

Seating is important when I’m thinking — unless I’m taking a walk.

So pull up a chair, settle in, and let your mind drift as your eyes absorb the view.

The view:

On a clear, November day a person can see for miles from the viewpoint. What are you going to think about?