We walk together many evenings, after dinner, after dishes. What is cold and dark in winter is full of soft summer's light in June. Last night I walked alone; he had other things that needed doing. I took with me my IPhone. The light beguiled me into taking photos. Gold-flecked grasses drooped with grace.
Thoreau says, "Methinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow."
I find that setting out on a walk with the purpose of mentally solving a problem often results in a solution within 30 minutes. An essay or article to write? A relationship issue to ponder? Walking might not fix the problem, but it gives me perspective and often a way to move forward.
8:30 PM. The sun drifts down, slowly falling behind the hills. I look beyond the asphalt, beyond the houses, beyond the city, to the sloping layers of the Sooke Hills.
A sweet citrus scent floats on the air in the schoolyard. The glossy-leaved Mock Orange (Philadelphus virginalus) glows white in the fading light, covered with blossoms where each stamen is tipped with gold.
Where do you walk? Morning or evening? Every day?
Hi Lorrie...I enjoy walking very much as well! In fact, I was just about to head out the door as I am done doing some bloggin for the day. I think I enjoy mornings best and you are so right it is a time to ponder, pray and just reflect on things. You captured some wonderful pictures,,,everything is so green and lush this time of year,,I love it! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteYour evening walk photos are beautiful and I do find that if I walk alone it does give me time to take photos without feeling rushed.
ReplyDeleteThis morning my walk was on the treadmill but for the first time ever, I made the error of not turning it off when I needed to get off for a minute. It was at a slow part of the cycle and I guess I didn't notice and also didn't notice it was going quite quickly when I went to get back on. I went flying and my knee is now well exfoliated. I'm fine... still shaking my head at myself.
I love walking any time of day but more often early in the day or just after lunch. Your evening walk is making me wonder about going later though as it all looks wonderful. It is me-time and slow time when the subconscious can work without so many other things getting in the way. If everyone walked more perhaps the world would be a better place?
ReplyDeleteI like the way you describe walking as a problem-solving time. That is how I think of dreaming. Prior to hurting my toe, I was walking every morning first thing. I like early morning best...fewer cars...fewer people.
ReplyDeleteWhere do I walk? I've been so out of the habit for too long now. I hope to start walking the neighborhood to start. I do have my favorite river trail but that involves driving. I wanted to say (I think you are the one who might have mentioned Louise Penny books?) that I'm enjoying the Chief Inspector Gamache novels...
ReplyDeleteWalking is God’s gift to mankind.
ReplyDeleteIt’s good for everything, mental or physical, it will help solve problems and create calmness of mind.
It also makes you nicely tired.
Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteI can feel your calmness, introspection and wonder at the beauty that surrounds you. Walking, has been my source of serenity, inspiration and oneness with the gifts of nature.
Poppy
I sometimes miss walking in the evenings with G, but someone has to stay home even after bed time. I still get out for a walk most days. During the day. With a stroller.
ReplyDeleteI walk in the daytime and it usually is along the waterfront...it is so picturesque.
ReplyDeleteFor many years I walked early mornings and at a quick pace. Now I work out at the gym and the recumbent bike and I dearly miss the walks but my arthritic knee will not allow it now. But I do know it's such a good time to think or pray. The time walking speeds by with all that I am processing in my head.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are like taking a walk. I love the early morning walks for the peace and quiet - the freshness to the day - but then I love the evening walks too - for the quieting down, the calmness.
ReplyDeleteWe were getting out in the mornings but we may switch to evenings, too. You have a beautiful place to walk and I know you're loving the nice weather. It's almost too hot to walk here now. Enjoy your week! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou have captured the grass in the first photo well as it shines from the evening light. I walk our dog every morning at 7 am for half an hour and enjoy looking at everyone's garden.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Lorrie, walking does help a lot in clearing the mind. I think you captured many great sights along the way, especially that sunset!
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Beautiful snaps you captured while walking. Especially the first and the last picture showing the sunset glow are very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe evening light is soft and beautiful in your photos. I need to reestablish a habit of daily walks. There have been many happy hours working in the garden, of late, but to stretch my legs on a good daily walk is a good idea for so many reasons. It would be beneficial for this body and soul. There is a walking path about a 10 minute stroll from my door.
ReplyDeleteHoping you day is a lovely one,
Karen
I always love to be taken along on walks with blogging friends. It's so interesting to see the sights in other areas. Your sights are just lovely. So glad you took your iPhone along with you. I can imagine the wonderful scent from the mock orange.
ReplyDeleteMy walks have become a bit sporadic of late. I need to remedy that.
Oh, Lorrie, you have been just as busy and I yet found time to share your lovely posts that I have just enjoyed perusing. So nice popping in to visit and catching up :)
ReplyDeleteLoved, loved your walk in the dusk light.
ReplyDeleteI exercise at the gym 3 days a week, then try to walk in my neighborhood once on the weekend. I am always carrying my camera and checking out flowers, yards, and new businesses, oh and sometime graffiti. Usually in the late morning. I just love mock orange too.
It looks like you had a lovely evening walk! I usually walk in the morning...mostly alone...never with earphones. I always head south on a lonely stretch of road...and like the solitude for contemplating. I go to a fitness class twice a week and try to walk most other days.
ReplyDeleteYour walk was just lovely, so pretty in the evening light Lorrie! I agree with walking may help with perspective, some reflection and time to quietly think.
ReplyDeleteWe walk every weekday morning in the neighborhood just after breakfast except on rainy days. Fresh air cheers us up!
ReplyDeleteWhen I walk it's usually in the mornings and just generally around the neighborhood as I walk by myself. You have some lovely views on your walks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us on your evening walk, what lovely photographs and I can smell the mock orange, heaven! I walk every day, mostly in the morning with the pups but at this time of year the evening sun calls me out on many an occasion. I find that Mother Nature has a way to bring peace and order to my thoughts in a way that nothing else can.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post Lorrie. I find the morning the best time for walking and I am hoping for prospective, but so far only crickets. :)
ReplyDeleteMadonna
MakeMineLemon
btw, Your apricot tart was delicious. Did you receive the ping back? I wanted to give your credit.
What a pretty evening walk. We haven't been on any yet. Too much yard work keeping us at home it seems.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely late afternoon walk! Glad you took your iphone and shared some pics with us. The golden light really enhances your photos! I used to walk around our subdivision circle routinely, either morning or early evening. That is a past time that has gone by the wayside now.
ReplyDelete