It was supposed to be a New Year’s Day trek.
A plan for reviving and renewing and recommitting.
But, Sunday was a sunny day; way more interesting and way more convenient.
As usual, half the battle was getting ready to go out in the cold.
How cold is cold? How warm will I get? Light gloves? Heavy gloves?
Scarf? Hat? Leggings under jeans? Sweatshirt, sweater, long-sleeved tee?
Over-thinking is my specialty. I was still tying my footwear of choice when my fellow adventurer arrived.
It’s always easier with two. Especially, when easily distracted by catch-up tales of Christmases. Hunting for fairy houses beneath the tropical foliage, discussing and longing for ways to economically and realistically grow tropicals here in Michigan.
It’s funny how quickly you can identify and obliterate your own ignorance. I’ve never wandered through a desert. The closest I’ve come might have been the short succulent aisle at a local garden shop. Or, maybe it was that time I asked someone to pull over so I could get a little closer to a real-live, dead armadillo in Plano, Texas. The green giants there were distant enough, but at least they were alive. I think.
Anyway, the point is, the cacti were stunning. In case you didn’t know, they’re not all green. They’re not all upstanding or towering, either. They’re gorgeous little symmetrical growths and odd-shaped tubular spikes. Subtly variegated, boldly striped or pin-painted with impeccably placed galaxies of dots.
Outside, crisp coldness was a welcome antidote to layered heat-retention. This had been my draw all along. A self-challenge to stop daydreaming about snow photography, and just do it. Stationary and kinetic sculptures, lightly dusted with snow, stood out and peeked out along dirt rows and paved paths. Photo-happy me, scuffled along discovering treasures. Which, is how it came about that we logged 3.5 miles. Slightly over our virtual 5K goal, but a sadly short 22 active minutes.
Lamenting that, I stalled. Standing there in my steel-toes, still caked with the mud of Katrina, this thought crossed my mind: Those were note-worthy years. Some years just aren’t. Obligations, expenses, losses get in the way. In times like these, self-focused isn’t necessarily a negative way to go.
Since its the end of the year, I’ll accept the insignificance and aspire elevation. The good news is the new one begins today. The better news is, new days are plentiful; each with new opportunities for future note-worthiness.
Quote for the Week:
Enjoy This Week’s Discovery Links:
In Any Season: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
Nothing but Good News: Good News Network . Org
Hope for the New Year: From the Bible From the Bible
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