Birthday present

A piece of nature - unique and special to me.

Seeing more

The Conscious mind is creative and expresses our wishes and desires.

I am purposefully seeking more. I want to see beyond what others see.
In living life this way, I have more energy and, paradoxically, need less from other sources.
Here, I am filled.

Strawberries, anyone?

Which way is North?

Does the shedding of the old make way for the new?

Does the stark contrast appear heavy?
Does the moss seem to ridicule the pronouncement of the grooves in the bark?

The purple has long faded, but the barbs remain, ready to snag a ride to a new terrain.

Why is this tree twisted? What was it trying to escape?

Want to slide down this one?

Another walker rushed past me this morning. I wonder what she was chasing?
Me, I'm chasing beauty, but one must walk slow to catch it!

The Return

Does the scent of petricor give you energy even though the day is dark and dismal?

Do you know the scent of long, lost love returning and how its presence grips you with uncontrollable emotion? 

Do you know the feel of the first drops of raining love that melts the icy winter heart?
Is the sting from the frigid depths of the heart being touched or from the coolness of the softening moisture?

Does the red of new bark bring hope?
Does the "primavera" show the passage of time?

Do you know the sight of forlorn hope that never lets go?

Does the sight of the decrepit fill you with compassion?
Does a woman ever stop longing for love?

Do lumps and curves make you laugh?

Do you know the sudden laugh as rain pours down your neck?

Do you know the difference between rain drops and willows bursting forth on the branch's tender end?

Do you know the wicked smile at the delightful knowledge that the shovel will be soon returned to its secluded location in the garage?

Do you know?

Do you know the crystal space below the rising mist

before the sun's touch dissolves it into a golden array?

Do you know the sense of fear flooding deer as they discover you too near?

Do you know the sound of falling leaves compared to falling rain?

Leaves falling

Rain in the Forest (last week)

Do you know of the scent of Maple, Willow and moss on a frigid morn?

Do you know the taste of the biting air on a brisk walk?

Do you know the sight of a crystal spider web melting at the hint of day?

Do you know the chill rushing through your body as the sun vanishes behind a bare tree?

Do you know the feeling of melted frost crystals on your lips

as you drink in a rose’s beauty?

Do you know how the senses stop time?

Do you know how there is no fear of the future in moments like these?

Do you know the satisfaction of experiencing this all before facing the trials of the day?

Welcome!

The question is often posed of me, "Why, as an American woman, do you live in the small country of Latvia?"

My answer is, "Because I choose to live here."

The Latvian people are connected to nature and the rhythms of life 
- two aspects that I hold in high value.

I want to see the sun rise and set every day. 

I want to experience all facets of Nature - Everything!

In Latvia, I can grow the food I want to eat. 

I can raise my children free from fear, yet full of knowledge that escapes most modern individuals.

This blog will be my attempt to share with you, dear Reader, how life is best spent using one's senses to slow down time and to enjoy life in the present!

What a Life - Abroad!