Walking. Heart & Out of My Mind

~ Live & Learn

It’s been almost a full month since I’ve had anything to say on this blog. A full month. It’s as if I’ve lost my voice. Posting puppy pictures. Sylvia Plath quotes. Camels. What’s next? Memes?

This dry spell coincides with my sipping of the ~900 page tome by Heather Clark: “Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath.” And here’s Sylvia: “I will seek to progress, to whip myself on, to more and more—to learning. Always.” Live & Learn? We see where that got her, right?

257 consecutive days. My morning walks around Cove Island Park. Without a single missed day. That’s today’s climax, up top. What can one possibly say, or write about, that’s more important than THIS? That’s bigger than THIS? 

It used to matter, blogging, that is. It used to mean something. Posting every day. Sometimes twice day. Driving stats. Checking stats.  Boosting views. Gaining followers.  Counting Likes.

Today, not so much.

Sawsan poked the Bear about a week ago when she noticed posts have moved from daily to something else. I’m reconsidering this blogging thing. Running out of steam.

Mimi checks in this morning. She’s been trudging along with me on this blog from the beginning. God Bless Her. “It’s quiet out there, DK, you ok?”

Ray drops me a note this morning to ask me “if blogging / photo journaling is still fun.”  I don’t know how to respond.

Jean celebrates her 10th year blogging on WordPress. Not sure if I’ll get there Jean.

Yesterday, I watched the movie Coda, loved it. It stars Patrick Stewart, who plays Henry Cole, a famous pianist who is struggling with stage fright late in his career.

“You know one of the few good things about getting old? You become a pragmatist. You’re not searching for meaning anymore. You’re just searching for words or sleep or the reason you’re staring into an open drawer. And you’re not worried about the future… you just want the present to last. The heart and the mind finally get along.”

I feel THIS on my morning walks. I want THIS present to last, and last and last.

The birds. The waves lapping the shoreline. The stillness just before the sun rises, as if all of God’s creatures are told ‘keep quiet‘ as a sign of respect.

“Do you like flowers, Mr. Cole?”

“I like all quiet forms of life.”

I get it Mr. Cole, I do.

Photos: DK: Daybreak. Jan 17, 2021. 6:42 a.m. to 7:24 am. 34° F, feels like 24° F. Wind gusts up to 29 mph. Cove Island Park, Stamford CT

132 thoughts on “Walking. Heart & Out of My Mind”

  2. Beautiful photos DK. Sounds like a worthwhile movie. This is a time for introspection and reflection as the world around us seems to keep spinning out of control. It feels safer not to be exposed and open ourselves to vulnerability. There’s a profound change taking place within each of us, although some may not recognize it. The one thing we have in common is that what was so important before, is less so now. We wait for that sense of purpose and meaning to fill the space…. until we see that its all about coming home and continuing to get to know and love our imperfect selves. This isn’t a Grand theme, but a quiet transformation. We learn to be content with stillness and quiet…. and get to know what patience feels like.
    And then our vaccine comes along and we will be thrown for a loop!

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    1. Wisdom, you share wisdom again Val. “There’s a profound change taking place within each of us.” I so believe this. I can feel it turning, and grinding. And like that tagging of “quiet transformation.” That’s it. That’s what I need. Right there. Thank you!

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  3. when your heart and mind are finally getting along, exactly where we all hope to be. play it as it falls, dk. go with the feeling and let it flow or go, transform along with it as it all moves, nothing is static

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    1. I really identify with beth’s words to you here, Dave, and I think her thoughts on “play it as it falls, go with the feeling and let it flow or go” are very wise indeed … Keith

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      1. Thanks Keith. Beth has been my “Shinto” (spirits and a belief in sacred power in both animate and inanimate things) for years now. I value her and the way she sees Peace in all things.

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  4. I always wonder about you daily and (multi-daily – no… really?) posters. How do you do it? How do you not get bored with yourselves? How do you find something to share every single day? Then I think…maybe I’m just not one of them. I was becoming disenfranchised with blogging because somehow the only thing I was writing was challenge-based which meant reading all the other participants’ which meant spending way too much time on that and less on the bloggers I enjoy. So I’ve cut back. Or I wait and then do not link my story to the challenge so I don’t feel obliged to participate so much – is that wrong? No. I think we need to find what makes us tick.
    If your focus has turned more to your morning photography, then that is where you need to be. When the urge strikes, like today, even if it’s to wonder and share why you’re not feeling the urge to write, that’s okay too. That quote from the movie spoke to you because that is what you need and want. I say there is nothing wrong with that.
    Oh, and where did you see that movie? Where is it playing, I mean? It looks fabulous. Plus… my dad actually looked like Patrick Stewart (when he didn’t look like P.E. Trudeau) 🙂

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    1. Thank you Dale. I so loved this: “If your focus has turned more to your morning photography, then that is where you need to be. When the urge strikes, like today, even if it’s to wonder and share why you’re not feeling the urge to write, that’s okay too. ” YES!

      As to the movie, I loved it. I signed up for a free 7 day Trial for “StarZ” on Amazon Prime and voila! (Please don’t tell me that it is blocked in Canada!)

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      1. I’m rather pleased you loved my “two cents’ worth” 🙂 Because YES!

        Guess what? I gots me some options! I bought myself a VPN so I can now have any friggen version I want. I will be signing up for a free 7-day trial on StarZ on Prime for myself, then… I did so with Sundance to watch the fantastic 10-minute each miniseries “State of the Union” which was really enjoyable.

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    2. Dale, I often wondered about that too. And it’s one of the main reasons I never started a blog – I simply cannot sacrify the necessary time to answer/reply/correspond with each opinion or even with each posting on a certain subject as you do so often. BUT I very much appreciate and wait for ‘my special people’ I follow here. Dave is one my beacons!

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      1. It is a question of choice, Kiki. You come to realise after a while that you have a core of followers who take the time to comment and respond, so you focus on them. Those who manage to do so every day, je lève mon chapeau. I know they don’t expect every post to be commented on (and neither do I) and that’s okay. You have to do what works for you and when you no longer enjoy it, then you move on to something else.
        Dave is a beacon for many of us. Sometimes I wonder if he even realises how much so…

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        1. He does. I know it….. but the thing of beauty here is that we all found so many like-minded friends – most of them I found here, right on Dave’s blog. And we HAVE something in common. Something that works!

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  5. Sent my email note before seeing this. I too have cut back on “ thoughtful posts” and while not thinking about stopping, my frequency has become less important. 11th blogging anniversary coming up in 3 weeks . I can’t give up now

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  6. yes I know but don’t know…but I’ve also read Sylvia Plath years back…it connects for me…I like these words by poet laureate Robert Pinsky wrote, “Thrashing, hyperactive, perpetually accelerated, the poems of Sylvia Plath catch the feeling of a profligate, hurt imagination, throwing off images and phrases with the energy of a runaway horse or a machine with its throttle stuck wide open. All the violence in her work returns to that violence of imagination, a frenzied brilliance and conviction.” … and I also appreciate the back and forthing WP allows…I’m also a visual learner…also thought about Sean tucker and his piece on creativity anyway sending joy Dwight. Smiles hedy ☺️💫

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    1. Gees Hedy. I LOVED THIS. Wow! Thank you. That’s EXACTLY what it is.

      “Thrashing, hyperactive, perpetually accelerated, the poems of Sylvia Plath catch the feeling of a profligate, hurt imagination, throwing off images and phrases with the energy of a runaway horse or a machine with its throttle stuck wide open. All the violence in her work returns to that violence of imagination, a frenzied brilliance and conviction.”

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  7. I think you underestimate how much of an impact your sharing of puppy pictures, Sylvia Plath quotes and hump day reminders has on your followers. Because in between those footnoted entries, weather updates and stats, your true self reveals itself, in all its vulnerability. That’s what makes your entries meaningful. That’s what makes us stick and that’s why we care when you are absent. David, your blog changed my life in a small but significant way. I mean that. That being said, I don’t take your daily entries for granted. Cut yourself some well-deserved slack and take the time you need to figure it out. Self care is so important during these pandemic times. After such a long confinement, there is nowhere to hide. 🙂

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    1. You are so Good Sharon. Smiling as I read your comment (in gratitude). As the one who put me on track to take PT seriously – – I now do my PT exercises 3x/week and I’m back on the healthy track. I am grateful for you (who has helped me more than a small way), your kind thoughts and words and your encouragement. And love your punch line, “there is nowhere to hide.” Wow. So true.

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      1. Yay, I’m so happy to hear you are feeling healthier and that PT is a part of it. I always tell my clients that healing isn’t a passive process, that it’s maybe 10% what I say and 90% what they implement. Good for you for taking charge. If it feels good, you are on the right path. If it doesn’t, you may need to sit for a while and re-evaluate. Oh, and the gratitude is indeed mutual. Thanks to you, my followers have at least doubled from 9 to double digits. 🙏🙃

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          2. What the heck is that PT you and Sharon are quoting with such glee???? Surely the ‘pysical’ (Excercise) must be part of it….. Oh, just go away! Bragging is so ‘petit’ !
            (And there’s another comment to count….)

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          4. Well, of course I ‘know’ – also meant to write physical…. but the keyboard of the iPad is mostly burnt as the hot plate switched itself on one day I placed the thingie on the stove while preparing something and watching an English BBC series….. so half of the left keys are off…. melted by the hot plate.
            Btw, I have no problem with my age – I even make myself look older than I am if needs must…. but my brain is still working alright.
            And I still don’t know WHAT your precious PT consists of – must everything be THERAPEUTIC over there?

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  8. It’s been a long, difficult month in America. I find myself getting up early (as one does when four dogs insist!), sitting by the fire, and failing to make myself get busy. And I am not reading about Silvia Plath—a worthwhile activity, but maybe not in winter. I admire your ability to go out every morning to find that peace of the cove and the sunrise and the birds. Your photos are beautiful, and I always enjoy your thought provoking blog posts.

    That said, one cannot and should not be thought provoking all the time. I like puppy photos, too!

    I also very much enjoy Patrick Stewart and the joy he gets out of life (he also posts puppy pictures).

    I feel like I am really stumbling around with my words this morning—I am just going to press “send,” now, anyway.

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  9. I don’t know if it’s wrong to feel this way in my late twenties, when I haven’t even started my life entirely yet. But I guess it’s ok to stay still for a while and not think what the future holds.

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  10. Hey Dave … as fate would have it I was doing a blog post for our pickleball club this morning, and this morning’s post of yours was right at the top of my WP Reader and just beneath my pickleball entry. I haven’t been around much at all this year on my 3bones blog, so when I read your post I was somewhat concerned. But really, I was more concerned for you than anything because I do care, as do all your followers. I know you’ll work it out, and what will be will be as long as you do what’s best for you …take care of yourself … Keith

    “In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.”― Leonardo da Vinci

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    2. I should probably leave this note at the bottom (the ‘proper’ place) but the da Vinci code called for me to stop. For those of us who seek meaning in moments ticking between each dusk and dawn, we have had quite a year. A year filled with more of moments than we ever thought possible. And so sitting with this ‘present time’ has begun to reshape vision and purpose.
      The phoenix is rising. As you sense ‘re-creation’, know that you are not alone — ever.

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  11. Dave,
    I’m joining so many others (whether they write or think this) in stating that your blogs are important! Whether it’s a picture or quote or your own musings. Hell, I’ve gotten some great reading ideas from you (am seriously looking at checking out the Sylvia Plath tome from the library). I think you say somewhere that you learned to blog for yourself and not for others. Well here’s “others” telling you to KEEP BLOGGING if/when you can. Daily is great; but if you need a break, go for it. Just come back! 🙂

    Daniel

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  12. The change to more pics is a good interlude. May be the environment around us is calling for this “pause”, the reflection, the introspection. May be these are new avenues of expressions, reflections. Go with the flow (me saying that is huge). Most of all, if you are even thinking of a hiatus, I’d miss the daily check in with an (old) pal.

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    1. Smiling. So good. “Go with the flow (me saying that is huge” – – me listening and letting the tide take me out – that’s HUGE too. Thank you Michael. Appreciate you.

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  14. Have noticed the ebb and flow of your posts of late, pal, and while I wondered what was afoot, I accepted it as part of the cycle of these ‘pandemic times.’

    Others have spoken more eloquently than I as to what is transpiring and how to respond. All I can say is that whatever you are moved to post and however often you are moved to do it, I will welcome the gift. Because your blog *is* a gift in my life…it has brought many new works of art, film and literature to my attention; it has made me think; it has made me laugh; it has made me cry; it has brought me friendships that are exquisitely dear; quite simply it has become part of the precious ebb and flow of my days, and I would miss it if it were to disappear.

    But I also know that we change, and that our needs and modes of expression shift to match the moment. Your photos are beautiful ruminations on the times, speaking volumes without a single quote or erudite observation required. Guess what I’m trying to say, pal, is you do you—however that works out. Happy to have you in my world any way, at any time.

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    2. Yep Lori, you did it again, as you did already so often – you put my thoughts and feelings in such great and heartfelt words. Completely agree. Also I’d NEVER ever ask or demand a daily (or several even per day) post from anybody, because that’s putting the writer under a huge pressure and that’s completely against the principle of having a blog. thank you.

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  15. I look forward to your posts, even if I don’t always comment. These are tough, depressing times, but I’m convinced we all have the strength to come through stronger. Don’t despair. We’re in this together with you.

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  16. A teacher once advised me to “move at the pace of your own inner guidance.” That has served me well—reminding me to pay attention and to be open to what’s next, and at times to pause and listen before I get off or back on a path. I enjoy your posts, your photos, and your quotes from others. There are no shoulds, just “ah-has” and “oh, yeses.” I hope you will continue to be what you need to be.

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    1. Beautiful Donna. Thank you. A lot of wisdom in your thoughts. Appreciate your sharing them with me. I need to adopt this approach (no shoulds, just ah-has, oh-yeses”) in more than just blogging, but all facets of my life. Thank you!

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  18. Your photos say a million words but I also understand what your saying. I’m going thru something I can’t put my finger on? Does it matter, this blogging thing. Not really in the big picture but it does for me personally. For my brain needs the challenge and growth. Still something is missing. It could also be I haven’t been well lately so my sleep is way off and pain it there the roof. That is probably the culprit. Take acre.

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  19. I don’t know where to start, David!

    1. Honestly, when I checked in a week ago my concern was your health, or that of someone you love. I’m on my toes now when someone goes quiet. It’s been a rough year.

    2. You don’t owe anyone anything. But it so happens that many are Live & Learn addicts. Raising both arms up in the air here. But can one possibly get too much of the good stuff? No! Can you blame us? No, you can’t.

    3. Live & Learn is different. And even if the time comes when your precious heart decides it is time to stop, it will still be different. It will always be at the very top. It is fertile land for inspiration. Thank you for the time and effort it took over the years to share all the light that has been reflecting off of you. You didn’t have to, but you did. There was fulfillment in it for yourself, I’m sure. But there was way more in here for all of us than there ever was for you.

    4. When I say Live & Learn is at the very top, I mean it. Even the top bloggers that inspire you have not succeeded at putting something together the way you have. You set the standard so high, more than a couple notches, that you make one think twice before approaching Blog Land. Or anything in life really. Go high, or go home.

    5. I’m grateful most of all, for your friendship, and that of many others I met here at Live & Learn Café, Or street tea-stand, or bar! I felt at home here. Got too comfortable at times, I know!

    6. Where I come from, in our faith, some offerings we call “On-going deed.” A piece of bread is not an ongoing deed. Digging a water well for others to drink from is an on-going deed! Live & Learn is an on-going deed. Watered souls, and minds and will continue to do so even if it stops now.

    7. No one is perfect.
    But in the world of sharp, you are the whetstone. You’re a scented-candle when one needs one.

    8. You have annoyed the living ^%#:&_% out of me at times, but I got you back! We’re even.

    🙏
    Endlessly grateful for you.

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    2. Sawsan, well – that was quite a bag full of praise, beauty, annoyance and again, high, very high praise. I agree mostly with you too – but I never get annoyed or angry at any blogger. In the worst case I’d probably just cancel my sub…. but like you I DO wonder when we don’t hear from each other, we old friends in this artificial and yet so uplifting world. That’s why I also asked you last week – but it’s good as it is – we all need our ‘breaks’.

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      1. DK never gave me a reason to be annoyed or angry. I said that jokingly, we’re always picking on each other. That too I’m grateful for!

        And I so appreciate you checking in on me last week ❤
        Grateful for you, Kiki.

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        1. I’m not always so sure about your reactions, that’s why I did believe what you said…. I think it’s the kind of friendship where you both will say: Let’s agree to disagree – in a few more words than that – right?! 🙂

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          1. Dave, don’t hurt her, please…..
            I think our Sawsan had to learn to tough ‘it’ out in life – she’s more than alright.
            Oh, you DO get comments on this post! You should be so lucky.

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  21. You do you, my friend…especially these days where we seek solace and sense as if playing a lousy game of hide and seek. Your photos offer glimpses of beauty and a glorious reminder to hold onto such moments. True, Sylvia Plath may not be the most uplifting choice, but the movie suggests a powerful balance. You are not here to buoy the rest of us, though you do, far more than you realize. For now – a little self-care seems absolutely justified – a recommendation for us all. Enjoy the moments – we’ll all still be here.

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  23. We’re in a very similar place. I’m approaching my ten year blogging anniversary. I’m not sure I want to keep it up. I love the connection with readers but may be interested in changing my method of doing so. I’m still looking toward the future but appreciate the present more and more.
    Thanks for sharing David.

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  24. There are no words to adequately describe the divine moments in ‘nature’ although Mary Oliver seemed to find them! It’s such a gift when we understand in the quiet, still points in life, there is nothing else to do but receive.🙏🏻

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  26. I look forward to your posts. Everything you share connects to the heart. Words are not always enough to express what the heart feels. Thank you! You do you.
    Be happy and healthy

    “Where can I find a man who has forgotten words so I can have a word with him?”

    Zhuangzi

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  27. I think we’ve all been watching the evolution of DK. With as difficult as this past year has been, I believe there are still blessings to be found. The world was moving so fast before we were all forced to withdraw from that frantic pace. We’ve discovered things that we might not have if we had continued as before. You know what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words? I’ve actually been really happy to see your transformation and to read your life in your photos. I think you have gained such a precious gift, perhaps by accident…or maybe it was just waiting to be found by you in the first place. No matter what you write or don’t write, it’s still all there my friend, for all of us to see and appreciate.

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  28. I haven’t missed you, because I have likewise been questioning the blogging thing and been on WordPress less and less.

    I hope you discover satisfaction in whatever you are doing. Don’t let Sylvia Plath draw you into the dark waters too much. I know how that can happen.

    On another note, amazing motion in that first photograph. Nicely done. ❤️

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  29. I enjoy your sunrise photos because they have water in them! I can almost hear the lapping sound of water on the shore.

    “What’s next? Memes?” Well, yeah. I share quotes and jokes and puns and memes and all sorts of things like that if it breaks the emotional slump so many of us have fallen into. The three C’s – Canadian winter, cabin fever, covid lockdown – finding the humour and posting it on my blog is, in some part, what has got me through the past ten months!

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  30. Ya, I miss your more personal stories, especially the “Driving…” series.
    Me? i’m happy to go thru phases. I was on track to double my usual number of posts, then around August I got fed up with too much politics and ran out of anything I wanted to talk about.
    I’ll pick it back up.

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  32. Dave, in some ways I don’t think there is anything left to say – it has been said in such beautiful form by so many dear people.
    My ‘bone’ to pick is S. Plath. I try and tried my damnest – I just don’t like her. She’s so bl…y depressing. I’ve seen films with her as THE subject. I’ve ‘put her away’ forever. Give me Mary Oliver or nearly everybody else instead….. Rant over.
    I speak of you often. Since Hero Husband mostly works from home too, he had to be ensured that this is a platonic friendship between you and your faithful readers…. he’s ok with it! But there is so much to say about what you do, say, write, mean – and you love dogs too – and human beings… and you don’t write about politics. Love today’s (well whenever!) foto romanza with your early morning nature encounter. It IS always romantic, and ever changing. We now have the incredible chance to live nearby a (normally) lively, well to do little village and yet being 2’ on foot from nature and an easy 15’ footwalk to the lake – a gift in itself. Took a (all too) rare walk with HH over lunchtime, instead of eating, into and along the woods, snow high piled and quite treacherous to my old and weak bones but of such a beauty and such fresh air – it was like a heavenly gift.
    Also, I think this ‘out time’, this imposed slower life, is doing you and all of us a mountain of good. We can think of going one or two gears slower, of giving ourselves more time, we need less money as we can’t spend it anyway. I cook all meals myself, there’s no talk of going to restaurants – they are closed anyway. We bring isolated family members to our place and give them some much needed warmth, attention and energy.
    so – not to worry – go at your own speed, as it feels right for you. I also don’t want to apologize for not commenting all the time – and so shouldn’t you…. it’s a gift, not an obligation. I gladly take what is on offer chez DK and when it’s on offer – but i’m deeply thankful for the tremendous joy you deliver always. A friendly hug over to you. K

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      1. So, why are you continuing? I did that for far too long and at one point I had to say that my time is too valuable. There are enough ppl around who write ‘deep stuff’ and it’s not leading the reader wanting to commit suicide….

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          1. There’s a name for it: Masochism….

            I’m guilty too: I used to love reading Elizabeth Gilbert. I went as far as buying her books after having gobbled up her Eat, pray, love and the follow up love story with her 2nd husband (hours and hours and hours on audio books when travelling between France and Switzerland, England and elsewhere)
            Then, with her novel in my reading pile, I was disgusted by her abrupt change of mind when she engaged in a lesbian relationship. I’m not against any of these things but I truly believed that she had found her soul mate with Jose Nunes and I had hardly finished ‘that’ story she was all over the place with her new love….
            So, if you fancy a change in reading, you can get her other publications 😉
            Yep, I know this is far far far below your intellectual radar but more ordinary people like me also read ‘littérature de gare’ from time to time and both those publications ran under the title ‘memoir’ or such…

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  33. As a side-line-idea: Let’s make this the most commented post – we did that before and this one really has-it-all to become the new contender. There is so much to be liked and agreed to…. This is comment no 93 – we’ll easily crack the 100 mark 😉

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  34. David I’ve always enjoyed your posts and find inspiration in so many of them. But I totally get this. Sometimes we just need to sit with ourselves more than usual, and blogging is a social activity. I hope we will still see you here, and I will continue to drop in when I’m in my reader, which, like my own posting, is less frequent than it once was. Maybe we will both find more inspiration to write in this New Year, maybe not. Either is okay. Be well. Regards, Ilona

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  35. You and I have been blogging a long, long time; I started in July 2009.

    What people who don’t blog know is how much time, energy and thought that (when well done) goes into every post and what we delete, How many revisions we make before we post (mine can be 15+.) What we think we want to say — but don’t. What we need to tailor and polish before attaching our names and reputations to each word.

    Oh, and while working hard in demanding jobs.

    The past year has been utterly brutal for anyone paying attention. You pay close attention so it only makes sense to take a break and wonder what (if anything) there’s left to say.

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  36. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts ever since Rachel told me about your blog way back when. I’ve viewed you as my blogging mentor, and I am grateful for all of the advice and kindness you have given me over the years.

    While I have not given up my daily blogging (I’ve got to beat Ripken’s record 🙂 ), I have noticed that I am not reading as many books as I used to. I think the past year has had a profound effect on many of us, and in ways we don’t understand.

    I certainly hope you continue blogging, since I always look forward to seeing what your latest post is. Plus, you can’t stop until you at least sit on that bench at Cove Island.

    But if and when you do, I’ll gladly take all of your followers… 🙂

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  38. Dear Dave,
    I am reading this post (and comments) almost a year after you published it. I’m not sure how long I have been away from WordPress… of course there are one hundred and one reasons why I have been away, and no fathomable reason at the same time. Your blog is what has called me back. I love reading your personal opinion or the writing of others that you choose to share. I love seeing the photos you post. I am grateful for your tenacity and dedication to continue to share. Even though, as I have said, I personally have been away, I want to thank you for continuing to persevere with your own wordpress site. With much appreciation and acknowledgement of what it takes to do what you do!! Sending heartfelt thanks, Mary

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    1. Mary, you made my day. I’ve been struggling and trying to rebuild some momentum as it pertains to my blog. Good people. Kind people like you keep me going. Thank you. You can’t imagine what a lift your comment has given me. Happy Holidays to you and your family Mary.

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