Walking. No, it’s not a mirage.

Posted on by Live & Learn

Wow, let’s give DK an attaboy for showing up on his own blog? An unscheduled sabbatical, like forever. MIA without notice.

Let’s give Anneli credit for my return, this being a far less ambitious adaption of her February effort, but hey, it’s Something.

The mood has been shifting anxiously between Renkl: “often it feels like the only thing left to do is rage against the dying of the light” and Murakami: “All that remained now was a sort of quiet resignation” and my recent fan boy affection for Charlotte Wood: “The beauty of being here is largely the silence, after all. Not having to explain, or endlessly converse.” 

The Cove Island morning walks continue, despite the bitter cold. If I was counting, it would be 1,746 consecutive (almost) mornings. Like in a row. But who’s counting?!

It’s early morning Feb 10th, I’m heading to the cliff at The Cove. I’m standing in the spot taking the shot above, fingers numb from the cold, winds gusting up to 30 mph.

You Blue DK?

Let me show you Blue.
Where could you possibly find this shade of Blue? 
Who could possibly manufacture this kind of Blue? 
It’s so very very very Blue.

The Cold now feels less cold, I pause taking in more of The Blue before turning back.

I walk. About 50 feet, and the body wants to turn back to look. And I look.

The Blue is gone. 

Charlotte Wood: “Rare feeling of freedom and peace settled on me about the life I am living here… I drove home in a state of gratitude and release, turning in at the gate and noticing every tree, every bend in the road, as if these things had been polished somehow in my absence, or as if a mirror, previously fogged, was now clear. Realised I had thought of this place as ‘home’.”

I drive Home.

I’m going to remember this.

More Blue photos from Feb 10, 2025 morning walk here.

47 thoughts on “Walking. No, it’s not a mirage.”

  5. For what it’s worth Dave, you are not alone in struggling recently. For me, a part of it is that we are having a really old-fashioned “hard winter” this year. Storm after storm after storm… The weather has been, and continues to be, brutal. At least up here in Vermont. There have been very few sunny days, and the wind is relentless. The cold temperatures are as well. No two or three day breaks where the snow melts (and then returns) this year. (We have had a pattern of these short brakes in recent years). This year, we have a foot of snow on the ground, “and it ain’t going anywhere”. This year winter hanging tough with no end in sight (yet).

    But the weather can’t be the whole problem… Perhaps it is a catalyst that is bringing out other challenges.

    Anyway, this comment is far longer than I expected it to be. But you are not alone in feeling challenges over the past few weeks. I’m right there with you. SO GLAD you have felt some sort of a lift! I haven’t felt that yet, and we have 5 to 10 inches of snow forecast for Saturday night into Sunday, along with some sleet and freezing rain. Oh Joy! LOL!

    I’m still searching for something to give me a lift.

    Peace Brother.
    Be Well.
    -Paul

    1. Thanks Paul. I was missing you on the blog, and had wondered if everything was ok. Glad you reached out and we connected again. And yes, totalling with you on the search for a lift, and every little bit helps. Take care. And so sorry for the spam hassle! Take care. Dave

  7. Great to hear from you, Dave!

    It has been and continues to be a brutal winter up here in The Great White North. It is definitely taking its toll on me. But I’m not a quitter 🙂 I’m clinging to the few “bright spots” that I have found in recent weeks (and there haven’t been many!)

    Is it spring yet?

    PK

  8. So glad you got your mojo back Dave ❣️
    I am still in that in between land.
    Thinking I need some Caleb energy as well as Wally and your own unique take on things!

  10. Oh David! I’m very grateful for this post. I have been trying to gather the energy and focus to write. Some days are easier than others. Most days are difficult! Your question, blue? Yes – as so many things, they are pros and cons to that feeling/color. But you know…

  13. Anneli, thank you for gently, encouraging DK to share, again!
    DK. I so enjoy your: beautiful photos, thoughts and word of authors.
    Today, your photos are so exquisite, touching my soul with calming peace & grace…
    I have etched in my mind the breath-holding, stunning photos of today… Thank you!!!

  18. I‘m a great fan of blue/s. But also, one of my life‘s mottos is: Wild women don‘t have the Blues….. might also go for men, but then I‘m not sure you‘re a wild man?!
    You know, I thought you were on a hiatus for the same reason as many, many of my oversea‘s friends are: It‘s horribly difficult even to leave the bed in the morning for no good news are to be expected…. So, although you‘ll never have to apologize for taking breaks anyway, you are still awaited patiently by a wide gaggle of online friends here on wp. Do, by all means, take time off, as long as you wish or need or don‘t feel like baring your mind and soul, but know that we all appreciate your return to this place from time to time.

  19. If the time ever comes when you decide to close shop on L&L, let me know, please! I would like to say something in a guest post. I’m not looking forward to this, but yes, just in case. Thank you

      1. I appreciate it. Not encouraging you in any way. But just in case, there needs to be a proper wrap!

        I look forward to never needing to sit and write that guest post.

  20. I’m just going to say … “attaboy” and leave it at that. When you’re not here… you’re missed. Don’t stay away too long.

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