Posts Tagged ‘outside’

Bella Brings Joy

My sweet dog, Bella, was one happy dog today.  My son and I needed drinking water.  He drove us to Weaver Street market in Carrboro to fill our containers. 

Weaver Street is a wonderful place. You can buy fresh local produce, bulk items, such as coffee, organic peanut butter, nuts and seeds, beans, and herbs. I sampled fresh blueberry bread. Yum! I don’t eat much bread these days, but that one bite was bursting with flavor from the fresh berries.

The clouds protected me from the usual harshness of sunlight and heat in North Carolina.  Thou it’s not yet summer, our springtime is hot these days. I sat outside on the lawn with Bella, while my son filled the water containers.

Bella waiting on my son to return.

I’ve been very fatigued for the best of two years. Living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is not new to me. I was diagnosed in 2005 after having Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and earlier, Lyme’s disease. I also live with chronic widespread pain and various other conditions that developed over the past two decades.

Talking about my life, without mentioning or thinking about fatigue and pain is a challenge. Today I got a short break. Bella and her joy had a lot to do with the freedom I experienced. I’m not even sure I recognized that I was free at the time. That realization came after we returned to my son’s apartment.

My favorite part of the outing was while Bella and I were on the lawn. Her tail wagged and for the first few minutes, she swirled a few times, getting a look at everyone around her. A young boy was playing with a toy sailboat. Bella loves children. She lied down when he got close. She does that around babies and young ones. Letting them know that she isn’t a threat. I mean, she is just so cool!

Bella is watching the bustling market.
On the Lawn

The feelings I had while waiting outside for my son, watching Bella be so happy, were healing. Sometimes, maybe all the time, healing comes in spurts. Unexpectedly.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Michelle.

DOGKISSES.

Open for Grace

Ruthie Mae inspired what turned into a beautiful walk and an emotionally moving time for me.  We ventured out just before dusk, which is often the time of day I’m drawn to go outside, particularly when I’m in a melancholic mood.  I can’t think of anything that could have helped me more than our time together did.  It was perfect!

Ruthie saw a daring squirrel perched on a big tree.  She looked surprised when it didn’t immediately flee upon her arrival.  First, she appeared perplexed.  After a short moment, she had a hunter’s gaze that is so much a part of who she is, and which I do love.

There were several interesting sculptures in the park where we walked.  My favorite one is of three metal figures in the shape of women, holding their arms toward the sky.  They remind me of my two sisters, so I call them, The Three Sisters, but I don’t know the true title.

We came upon a bench formed into the shape of open hands.  I was especially inspired by the quote. 

park bench of open hands

The message touched my low spirit, lifting me from melancholia, to an inner place of hope.

“And Never Cease to Keep Your Wait

for Grace Lamp Ready.”

Hands Open.  Lighting Brown.

 

Thanks for visiting my blog, dogkisses, and I hope you have a blessed new year!