We drove along redbud-lined roads under a brilliant blue sky to hike not to the top of a mountain, but lower down, in a valley, where we hoped it’d be green and protected from wind. In spots where the sun shone on the trail, the air smelled like warm, golden pine needles. I heard bumblebees … Continue reading Spring wildflower hike
Today’s the last day of my at-home vacation. Since it’s too cold to sit outside and watch the garden grow, I opted to use my final day off to go hiking with my husband. When he asked this morning, from under the covers, before the sun came up, “Do you still want to go?”, I … Continue reading Mountain top in cold and wind
When we first moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, nearly 10 years ago, I read (and blogged about) a local newspaper article about how to build durable happiness. The article said that to sustain happiness, we should appreciate and savor, and continue to appreciate and savor, the good things we have in our lives. I want to … Continue reading I can’t believe I get to live here
My husband and I talked this morning about how we’re numb from the routine of life, day in and day out, every day the same since the pandemic began: same meals, same surroundings, same walk around the neighborhood. Today we decided to break routine and go for a hike at the Cascades, a waterfall nearby … Continue reading Wildflower hike at Cascades waterfall
Midmorning yesterday, my husband was restless. He wanted to get out of the house. “I think I want to go for a hike. You want to come?” I had just been thinking about how lately I’ve been reading stories more than I’ve been getting out in the world and experiencing life. “Yes, I just need … Continue reading A spontaneous winter hike to a waterfall
The sun is shining and today is warm compared to the snows of last week. It’s 6pm and I’m on the couch listening to Cat Stevens’ “Peace Train” on the record player, wondering how sore my glutes and hamstrings will be tomorrow. My husband and I hiked today on trails about 20 minutes from our … Continue reading St. Patrick’s Day hike
Butterfly Mind 