Things I’ve Seen Before, but Never Noticed

Since returning home from our South Carolina book tour, I’ve felt less than inspired to write. Blame it on the hectic schedule, blame it on ‘beach’ withdrawals, blame it on being tired and rundown. I’ve used countless excuses for the last 2 weeks.

I needed a jolt of energy to jump start my creative inner-self.

So rather than hop on social media, as I often do after breakfast, I slipped into my Sorrel boots, grabbed my trusty Olympic camera, a jacket, and the dogs for a pre-winter walk-about on our three acres.

Rural suburbia (an oxymoron, in itself) provides all kinds of photo ops in the Midwest and I set out to find them.

Normally, when I go for walks with our Aussie and Bernese Mountain Dog, we don’t take time to enjoy the little things — we’re just walking to walk.

Today was different. Dogs do what dogs like to do. Sniff. Scratch at the ground. Sniff. Explore.

Today was as much their day, as it was mine. They had free reign.

As I ambled, I observed.

I found…..

Knarled leafless trees, reaching skyward, like those in a Tim Burton movie

 

 

 

 

 

 

A shiny, crisp brown maple leaf reflecting the sun’s rays

 

 

 

 

Majestic pines and hickorys bathed in white light

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cottony fuzz of a wild grass, against the warm sienna hue of dog’s fur

 

 

 

 

A petrified permisson hanging on for dear life

A forest clearing. Untreaded.

 

Acorns in mulch, mud, and wood dust, scattered about by squirrels or other forragers

 

Fungus sprouting on cut worn wood, reminding me of barnacles under the sea

 

 

And as the three of us trudged through the red berry bushes hugging the property boundary, we found ourselves in a pasture of wet, tall grass.  In the distance, sat a century-old barn — white washed — the foundation of our neighbors farm.

 

 

These things I’ve seen before, but never considered, and maybe took for granted.

Sometimes all it takes is a little visual stimulation and a walk in the woods to be inspired and to clear your head.

Live your passion. Whatever it may be.

LIFE IS PASSING YOU BY!

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