Wednesday, January 21, 2009

I Hate Winter But....


Today, I went for a walk outside to this lovely little wooded park nearby where the walking path surrounds a little frozen pond. This has been a very rare occurrence this winter. First of all, I really don't like winter much. Actually, I kind of hate it ! I especially hate the extreme cold. That and the fact that I have been stuck in a sucky, yucky dark place for a while now, meant that January walks were not the norm !!!

I was planing on heading to the gym to walk on the tread mill - I am trying to move this hibernating bear butt of mine before it becomes permanently glued to my desk chair ! But I have also been neglecting my sweet yellow lab Chica since before Christmas ! So when she saw me putting on my coat and got so excited thinking she was coming with me, I had to change my plans and bite the bullet !

Plus the sun was out, and the icicles on the side of the house seemed to be melting so I figured I would bundle up, push myself and make the dog so happy !

It was pretty damn cold on one side of the lake path ! I started off walking, grumbling to myself -the temp in the car did say it was only 21 degrees - it looked warmer when I was just looking out of my window !

But when I got to the other side of the pond, it was much more wooded, less windy and the sun was shining very bright. All of sudden, the walk actually became kind of pleasant. The wind kept blowing crystal glitter off the trees, leftovers from the snowfall two days ago. It sparkled in waves in the sunshine. It sprinkled me gently in the face and made me smile. I let my dog off leash for awhile even though I can’t always trust her to come back – especially when she hasn’t been let wild for a while. I went for it anyway. She, of course, took off for a run, chasing a squirrel , but she came right back to me, grinning (yes, Labs do that !) and running like mad, when I called for her. I gave her a big rub with my mittened hands and even said "Thanks, sweet Cheeks !", very grateful that she decided to be on her best behaviour. We continued the rest of the way on the path together, Chica running ahead a bit and then doubling back as I trudged along behind on the crispy snow.

Suddenly, in that very instant, with another sprinkle of that winter icy glitter, I felt absolutely and completely happy. I looked up at the tree tops, letting the sun kiss my rosy cheeks and then I actually had the thought “If all the shit in the world hits the fan tomorrow, it is okay, I will be able to handle it. Because, I have had this moment and, in this very moment, everything is absolutely perfect.”

I think things may just be looking up around here, my friends ! When was the last time you had a moment of complete joy and gratitude like I did ? If it has been awhile, I wish it for you A.S.A.P. ! We all deserve moments like that, after all.

8 comments:

Sherry said...

Oh Kim, this was so delicious and yummy and exciting...I so love how your day turned out, that you found the joy in the walk and it made you happy. More than that, I love how you "listened" to Chica who seemed to know what you both needed and you followed that wisdom!!

Joy Logan said...

aaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww cute story dear doggie!

Karin Bartimole said...

Hey Kim,
well, I think I just had my last big ol' happy moment, picturing you out there in the glistening sunshine experiencing joy with your sweet four legged Chica. So glad you had this bit of bliss to shre with us!!
xoxo Karin

Genie Sea said...

I am convinced animals have been placed on this earth to guide us to the light. Dogs have a way of delivering reality checks and bringing us into the moment. As soon as I saw your "sweet cheek's" photo I grinned back at her. How can you not be joyous with that kind of energy around? I am glad you had your lovely moment. I will explore for mine, fortified by yours. Thank you :)

Tumble Fish Studio said...

Hi Ms. Kim! You have been so lovely hanging around my blog and writing such wonderful things to me. You write like we've known each other a long time and I love that. I really do. You make me feel comfortable like a good friend or sister would. So, I thought I'd come over and try to really read through your blog and get to know you, too!

Things I think I have figured out about you . . . you are clever. Your blog name got me right from the start! I think you are a Queen of Hearts, too, though. You are very sweet and very loving and generous. You put others first. You are a great writer. Words just flow for you. I loved what you wrote about your walk. I felt like I was there with you. I even felt your joy. You are reflective and spiritual. I loved your piece about your driver's test and know exactly what you're talking about. You are just ahead of me there. I think I live the same way, I just don't dare think I can change it yet. I think we feel like we're being chased because we are pleasers. Always have to have everything done and everyone happy with us. And we sometimes are left feeling tired and self neglecting because keeping everyone else happy is a tiresome and difficult job. But I like your "Kim time" philosophies and I think I will try to adopt them. There's more I am learning about you, but I will save them for words to share in the future. I didn't even get to the art parts!

I'm glad we met Kim and I'm happy to have you visiting me. I'm happy I have you to visit! I hope you have another joyful day!
Marsha
p.s. the word verification word is "likera" - that's cool. I "likera" you and your blog very much!

carolyn said...

hi kim~
that photo of chica is too cute for words! it's as if she knew you were photographing her for this particular blog post.
(i know what you mean about the winter...i hate it too and i feel so bad for my dogs because we can't play as much as we used to. there is just too much snow and when it freezes it causes abrasions on the pads of their feet. not fun.)
your day sounded splendid and i am so glad yo are coming out of your winter funk (so to speak).
thanks for the reminder to find gratitude in our everyday life.
i am guilty of not seeing wonderful things even when they are right in front of my eyes.
enjoy your end of the week!

Melissa said...

I'm so thrilled that you had a such a wonderful magickal fantabulous experience!!!!! YAY KIM! You're so right, those moments can protect that fan from much poopie. ;)

Love the way you described it!! I truly feel that I was walking along with you. I dislike the cold too, but there is magick and beauty and love to be found in it. We just have to wear a lot of hats, scarves, mittens, jackets, and layers layers layers to experience it! HA! It looks so much prettier from the window though. :)

~Magickal YOU~
Melissa

ch said...

I really like the playfulness and experimentation of your work. I will link you to my blog so I can becaom a regular reader.
OWOH is so wonderful! I don't know if I would have found you without it.