Taking Time...

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.  ~John Muir~

The words of John Muir always inspire me.  One of the many things that I admire about him was his ability to be alone and enjoy his own company!  

View from the yurt - Emigrant Lake is visible at a distance.

Learning to be in touch with who I am and recognizing my spiritual and emotional needs has been a big part of my journey of wellness and healthy living.  For me it is important to retreat from my everyday world and daily rigors to renew my spirit.  On a regular basis I spend time alone; and like John Muir, I enjoy my own company.  Most often, this takes place at home during the evening or weekend or a break during work - even if just for 15-30 minutes. But on occasion, I visit nature. Sometimes traveling a distance.  Sometimes closer to home like my backyard or a local park. It really doesn't matter.  The key is to still my mind and experience the moment.

In my last post I mentioned heading out for an extended weekend to Ashland in Southern Oregon. Ashland is known for Lithia Park with water fountains that pour forth natural lithia mineral water with an unfortunate smell of sulfur.  Ashland is also known for a reverence of the Bard - home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  There is year-round theater, amazing restaurants and shops.  But my weekend was about being quiet...so through photographs join me and my little Scottish terrier Molly while we spend some time enjoying our own company.   The one thing you won't see is the time that we sat in silence and enjoyed our surroundings (my favorite part of the trip). NOTE: I really was there...I'm just not in any photos since I was the photographer. J



Saturday, May 22, 2012

Our yurt.

Arrival at our abode in Ashland - a yurt!


Many folks are curious about a yurt - so I am including a lot of pictures.  


A yurt is basically a permanent circular tent. Most are rather primitive. This yurt definitively had many creature comforts! 

Molly making herself at home in front of the fire.

The kitchen

The table and view

The bed - talk about comfy!!!

Entrance to the Oregon Caves

Sunday, May 23, 2012

A lesson in flexibility.

Our first day-trip was a visit to the Oregon Caves. Up early and on the road by 6:30 a.m. It was a beautiful 2.5 hour drive which would allow me to take the 9:30 a.m. tour while it was still brisk outside. Unfortunately, the earliest tour available was not until 11:30 a.m. Definitely too late in the day for Molly to take a nap in the car while I did a little spelunking - even though the day was cool and we were parked in the shade - my little girl's safety is priority #1.  So instead we enjoyed a short hike and then headed down the mountain.

Molly checking out the Upper Duck Pond

Sunday afternoon found Molly and me visiting Lithia Park in Ashland. Lithia Park is beautiful and huge - 93 acres. Molly definitely had fun!

Overlooking Ashland Creek which runs through Lithia Park

Levi Strauss advertisement in Jacksonville, Oregon.

Monday, May 24, 2012
A visit to Jacksonville, Oregon.  Jacksonville is designated a historic district and has some great "Old West" buildings.  It was fun to walk down the main street with Molly.


My favorite building had an old Levi Strauss ad painted on it!

Molly running so fast she is a blur!

The early evening brought another visit to Lithia Park; but, this time a hike.  Oh my goodness - Molly was having such fun.  I only wish I could go as fast as her short little legs do!

Slowing down to enjoy the view.

Tuesday, May 25, 2012
Back to Salem.  There is nothing like being away from my daily routine to renew my spirit and make me appreciate that place that calls me...home!  


Next post?  A new recipe!