Neglecting…

Desert outside Las Vegas

My blog, my camera, my journals (including my art journal), my family…
Which is to say, I’ve been neglecting just about everything that adds meaning to my life.
Sitting in my office the other day after a particularly contentious “discussion” with my boss, I asked myself “what am I doing here?”
My mind immediately whispered to me, “Neglecting your soul”
And there it is – in the year of listening to my soul
So yes, it’s been a bad week – and that’s okay – we all have them now and then. And while I’ve been foolishly optimistic with my “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel” mantra, I feel confident that there is, indeed, a light at the end of the tunnel – because, well, I say so.
I am listening to my soul.

Getting away – food for the soul

Life is good, though – truly. As I sit here gazing at the mist on the mountain, writing this post and sorting through photos, I am grateful for all I have. Greg and I managed to get away for a few days, meeting two of his brothers and wives in Las Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the desert? As in, zen. Hiking in Red Rock Canyon heightened my appreciation.

Death Valley salt flats

And then – Death Valley – WOW! This particular spot is called Badwater Basin, and at 282 feet below sea level, it is lowest point in North America. Cool – right? (or maybe it’s just me)
I had so much fun with this adventurous crew!

Death Valley - Dante's View

My sister-in-law and partner-in-crime when it comes to exploring all that must be explored – even when it means dragging our husbands behind us.

Dante's View

Breathe…

Hoover Dam

An afternoon boating on Lake Mead – and a pretty-darn-cool-view of Hoover Dam.

Greg on the boat at Lake Mead

Appreciating life…

And then – back to minimizing

Minimizing has been on hold for a short time, but nope – I haven’t given up. Greg has even joined in the fun; we are in full tilt minimization mode. Really – our home isn’t terribly cluttered – so where has all this stuff been hiding? And yet, I think Greg is now on a first-name-basis with the kind folks at our local Goodwill. I feel lighter with each and every box that leaves my home. We’re getting there.

Ummmm – photo challenge for the month of March?

Oh yeah – stillness… to be postponed until I am able to find a little stillness in my life. Or – maybe I should choose a different prompt – like maybe – chaos.

And with that – I’ll leave you with one of the benefits of my bad week. Feeling the need for a smile, I got the heck off the subway and walked through the Boston Public Garden on my way to work.

Make Way for Ducklings - Boston Public Garden

Make Way for Ducklings never fails to remind me of all that I love about Boston (smile).

Your turn – I’d love to hear what you are up to – are you listening to your soul?
I hope you have a great week!

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5 responses to “Neglecting…”

  1. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I am so glad your soul spoke words of truth to you. I know that you will find the way to that light at the tunnel, because you see with each passing week how much you need it.

    I keep plugging away – making art, challenging myself, making little films, capturing my life. I am glad for all of it, even if at times I find it hard to keep it all up.

  2. Barb Avatar

    Hi Karen, I’m smiling at you and sighing over your photos. I also read your movement post but couldn’t comment. I like the feeling of change happening in those photos. I also like that you and Gregg are planning for a change. I continue to simplify, but it’s never-ending. The photo of Death Valley with the snow capped mountains is gorgeous. I, too, love to visit a desert landscape. There is something prehistoric about it. Move forward, Karen, and leave this trying week behind.

  3. Debbie Avatar

    oh karen…i am so glad you were able to get away!!! like can be so difficult sometimes, we all have to make a living, but that is different than making a life. the pictures from your trip are beautiful, relaxing and peaceful!!

    i hope you get back to the things you love. i have been doing what i always do, i started the garden, i have been making christmas ornaments and taking small day trips. it was really wonderful to see you today!!!

  4. Lynne Avatar

    I think Soul Food was found in the midst of that red clay . . .
    A chance to breathe . . .
    Make Way for Ducklings is one of my favorites . . .
    Love the sculpture!
    Icing . . .

  5. beatrice Avatar

    I must admit, Karen, that those desert scenes were breathtaking, even if hiking there would not be my zen. I would much prefer a walk through a shaded area, like a forest and also not a steep climb. i was happy to see that you had a getaway after reading the first few sentences of this post about the “discussion.” Maybe retirement is looking better and better? I had to think about what I’ve been up to and right now it would have to be anticipating the results of my upcoming cataract surgery. I’ve been neglecting photography to a great deal because I don’t feel comfortable knowing I can’t see distance well enough despite two prescription eyeglasses changes within a year. I have been doing much more reading as close-up vision is not an issue. Those duckling in the Boston Public Garden gave me a smile as well when we visited last spring.

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