12 Weeks of No Walks, Then Slow Walks

Earlier this year I hurt myself at the gym, and I did it in the most predictable way possible, which was by being so enthusiastic that I lifted more weight than I had any business lifting. I wasn't being careful because I was excited and I felt strong, and I set myself back, which was super disappointing.

I lost two things that I love dearly. I had to stop hiking, and I had to stop going to yoga. All of this happened right as spring was going into summer, when the forest is warming up and blooming, and my friends and I all start making plans to walk outside as much as possible. Instead, I had to skip those walks, which made me really sad and also frustrated.

I slowly worked my way back, walking more, walking longer, and I'm finally back to myself, I think. Looks like I'm going to be able to enjoy what's left of summer and then fall, and I'm super grateful.

At sixty one, I don't think the lesson is that I need to slow down. I think it's that I just need to be more mindful of my own limitations instead of pretending I don't have any. I'm grateful for the healing, and even more grateful for my friends who slowed down their pace and walked with me anyway. Their support has meant a lot to me.

I didn't fully realize how much I needed the forest until I couldn't spend time walking in it. I really missed all those hours outside taking pictures, breathing in the fresh air, and chatting with my friends. The forest is where I recharge and also get my inspiration for new paintings.

Deer at Dead Horse Ranch

In June my friends and I took a day trip to Dead Horse Ranch, about an hour south of Flagstaff, and we spent the day exploring the area. That's where I took this sweet picture of the deer standing in the ponderosas. She's on my easel right now, maybe a third of the way done, standing in those same trees. What I love about working on this piece is that it reminds me of that day.

So I'm doing what I've always done, which is painting the things I see out in the forest that I love. I'm definitely not taking the time out there on the trails for granted these days.

I hope you get to spend the rest of the summer doing what you love too.