Body, Mind, Spirit
Surfaces week! I’m running out of things to take pictures of, but at least my enthusiasm for walking isn’t waning. I swear, sometimes I think it’s the only thing that keeps me sane. I get to go out, even if it’s only for 12 minutes, and be completely by myself. This is so key for an introvert. I need at least an hour per day where I am by myself, completely alone. Normally I do this at night by reading, but walking is even better because I get both mental and physical benefits.
I also get to listen to the music I want to listen to without interruption while I walk whatever route suits me. Most of the time, I don’t even know where I’m going. I’m convinced my iphone is a photographic divining rod leading me to something I can instagram with my feet. So far, the gut feeling technique hasn’t lead me astray too far.
I chose surfaces this week because I thought I would be staying in Laguna for the conference. Since I didn’t know where I would be walking while there, I figured a treadmill or sand would factor in somewhere. Ergo, surfaces. I stayed home so my planning ended up for naught, but the challenge of this photo assignment was good. I had no idea how many of the surfaces in my neighborhood were red. Also, photographing grass with black shoes is really hard. The colors went whacky and it was boring. The end.
The other surfaces: Arizona Flagstone, brick, river rock, Saltillo tile, pavers, and decomposed granite.
Song of the Week
Lost in My Mind – The Head and the Heart
You are doing so great with your comittment to walk! I bought a Groupon for CrossFit and have just started…I’m 63. It is a killer. My thighs were so sore I could barely lower myself onto the toilet! But I’m continuing….determined this time.
CrossFit! I’m too scared to try them.
I don’t usually comment, but just wanted to write to say congratulations on the walking! You’ve inspired me with the William Morris project (and have influenced many of my friends and my in-laws indirectly) and your walking project is also inspiring. It goes to show that we always have the time to do things that are good for us, but only if we make the time. It’s empowering to realize this and it’s great to have you remind me of this. Your photos are always interesting as well, and I’m sure as the season moves on, you will be able to revisit old photo themes and come up with different pictures. As for stuff to listen to, I would highly recommend podcasts, with This American Life and Radiolab being my top picks. Having either of those on makes almost anything a pleasure, even cleaning the house. Keep up the great work. Even if some of us are quiet, it doesn’t mean your words aren’t helping us lead more productive and mindful lives. Thank you for that.
Thank you! These posts are usually super quiet, and a part of me was thinking that’s because they are also super boring. But, honestly, what can you comment about a post recapping a week about walking? Nothing! Pretty much how I feel when I’m writing the post! Usually in my head I sit down and think, okay, what am I going to write? My first draft usually goes something like this:
So. Walked again. The end.
Then I beat my head on the desk until I think of some more words.
Anyway, thanks for the pat on the back! :)
Funny you mentioned that you struggle with what to write. Over the weekend I caught myself looking forward to your Monday post. I hadn’t realized how invested I had become in quietly cheering you on from the sidelines. Anyway, over the weekend the thought crossed my mind that in the book you were planning on making at the end of the year with all your weekly pictures it would be neat to include your blog posts. Here you have a weekly journal of all your accomplishments, the small changes you noticed, the big changes you noticed and all the little thngs in between. It would be neat to look back on and a neat tradition to carry on as you continue to progress. Who know next year you may be joining Stella at CrossFit and then you can include kettle balls in your pictures :)
and I am also one of the quiet cheerleaders, this is only my second comment, but I love all your posts
You know, I was thinking about including my blog posts because they have sort of become more journal entries than anything else.
That entire album is lovely-I play the LP all the time and sound is so rich.
Keep going Jules-your commitment is wonderful and I appreciate it.
Thanks, Rachel. I was thinking about buying the album. Pretty good, huh?
Hi Jules. I really enjoy these posts (and your Instas) related to this walking project. I think it is so great and I am so proud of you. One thing I notice is that most of your photos are of looking down. What about a series of “looking up?” I know it won’t show your feet (which I understand how that sets you in the scene), but I know I would be interested to see what else you see on your walks besides what is just at your feet. Birds? Trees? Buildings? Clouds? Just an idea. Not that you asked, just offering.
Keep up the incredible work!
Thanks, Sonchia! You actually bring something up that I’ve never mentioned. Do you follow me on instagram? If you don’t have a droid or iphone you can do it online…I don’t know how but I’m sure someone here knows how to do it. Followgram or something like that. Anyway, for many of my walks I take pictures of my surroundings, too. I just never post them here because (1) it might be picture overload and (2) I’m impatient and it takes forever for me to download, edit to size, and then upload to the blog the 7 pictures I do put in the post every week. My computer is powered by gerbils. :)
Just today I posted this picture! http://instagram.com/p/Y_G4z2EMjh/
Hi Jules. I do follow you on Insta! And, I do notice the images you post of your surroundings from time to time. I was just suggesting “up” as a series – since you seem to like having themes. I know you have many more weeks left in the year and thought maybe that could be something fun or different. Don’t change a thing on my suggestion (not that you would). And, again, keep up the great work…I wish I had your dedication to get out there every day.
Oh, duh! Sorry, I get what you were saying now. {blush} :)
These posts are absolutely NOT boring. I too look forward to them. They’re inspiring….just knowing that you reached your goal yet again for another week. This walk has become your own meditation. How wonderful.
Cute pics!!