My physio said that I must walk more. So this afternoon I did just that! Two miles out on the main road and then into the country lanes. The difference in the levels of noise is enormous! Cars going at speeds they shouldn’t, creating regular whooshing sounds as they pass by me, and then as I turn into the lane, peace and quiet, as if I’ve just closed a door.
I am in low spirits just now as I read the other day that one of my favourite poets had died; Mary Oliver (1935-2109). “Make of yourself a light” that’s what she wrote once!
The sky is wrapped around the landscape like a great grey blanket, ensuring the moisture cannot escape. The only sounds are the blackbirds, sparrows, starlings, hooded crows, a robin, a pair of magpies and the quiet shush of the wind.
A Different View 
You are a light. Lovely images; photo and text. But what is this, physical activity “at gun point”? 😉
The Danish philosopher Kirkegaard said something roughly like this:
“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. But by sitting still, and the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Thus if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right.”
All low spirits be gone!
Thank you, Marina, I can rely on you to pick up my spirits! And Kirkegaard! Love the rough quote. He, and you shall be my guides. And my physio!
Hey Ashley, Hope you’re in better spirits, by now. I turn to nature when my spirits are down. I have noticed a song sparrow singing in my front yard for over a week, now, lifting my spirits every time I hear the songs. Today, I noticed for the first time the crocus flowers hiding under the ferns. You should have seen my face! This morning, before sunrise, I saw the crescent moon approaching Venus and Jupiter, which made me smile. (Jan.11, 1852 Let your life be a leisurely progress through the realms of nature. from H.D.Thoreau’s Journal) Ed
Thanks, Ed, that’s Kirkegaard and Thoreau I will have to look up! I’m much better after physio and I’ve been walking more since then! The weather’s been WET and COLD and miserable in January but every now and again the sun pops out and reminds me that spring is just a few days away. Hooray!
Hi, Ashley, it’s so nice that you can close the noise door and walk the quiet country lanes. And I didn’t realize Mary Oliver had died. (I’m not big on listening to or reading news.) Your final paragraph here is poetic. Thanks for sharing! 🌞
Dear Lisa, I’m only seeing your comment now! Sorry! I am a huge fan of Mary Oliver’s work, I must have nearly every book she wrote! 💖💐🙋♂️