When I am in Mendocino, I start every morning with a walk down to the headlands and across to the stairs down to the beach. No matter what the weather: sun, clouds, pouring rain, or wild winds, I am destined for the beach. It is the one constant in my routine when I am here. Usually it is after my first cup of coffee and my half hour reading time.
This time of year there are many flowers in bloom. Come late August and September, all the blackberry bushes have ripening fruit, and it is always hard to resist nibbling fruit along the path.
Over the years, I have learned much about the tides and the changing appearance of the ocean. Some mornings, the ocean is almost as flat as a lake or there is little beach left for walking. This morning I could walk way out beyond where I usually do and could peer into caves and look down and see the way the ocean had sculpted the sand beneath.
Occasionally I will find a dead seal or other wildlife, a reminder that life is very dear….and short. We never know if this might be one of our last days, so although sad and sobering to witness, it also reminds me to view the day ahead of me as a gift to cherish. (Note: I talked to my youngest daughter today, and she said she enjoyed looking at the beach and remembering the times we have walked here together, but she was a little taken back by this photo of the bird. Something tells me to keep it here, but another part of me says to remove it because it is harsh. I think life is harsh sometimes, and I think that the way we treat animals and wildlife is harsh on a regular basis. I think this is a reminder to be more caring and gentle and aware.)
Then there is the sign on the restroom door to remind me that it is my job to be a steward of the park, that I need to take responsibility for its care and litter-free condition. Every state is facing these budget cuts, and now it is up to citizens to pay better attention and help care for these very special places we have taken for granted.
…….so we can all continue to enjoy these parks.
Even some of the paths are eroding. There is always maintenance it seems.
As I head down my street, planning my day, I realize I am a bit behind with comments to others, emails, and visiting other sites as well. We have had unexpected guests since Wednesday evening and tomorrow my brother arrives for a visit. I have two skirts cut out and ideas for other projects I brought, but it will all be managed in due time. I also have a post in my head that keeps urging me to focus and write about it. I will in a day or so. I have so much on my mind in terms of women, our work, our worth, and how we can exist with strength and courage to be exactly who we are and what we deem important personally and universally. It seems a huge subject, but one that is occupying my mind and my heart these days. I will be back here soon.
Looks to me like you live at Heaven’s Gate.
Thank you for the “peek” into your morning walks.
Just fabulous! I am reminded of our visit to Cape Cod.
At late afternoon tide, you could walk out for quite
a ways in the water. Also, when you mentioned seeing
deceased seals or other wildlife…I remember while in Santa Barbara seeing a beautiful furry seal on the beach who apparently had died but, with no signs or a reason…sad!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts about women.
Have fun with the company…
: )
The last time I was in Cape Cod, I was seven months pregnant with my second child, a boy. I started to have false labor and felt he would be born right then and there. False alarm.
It is hard to see deceased wildlife on the beach. It always humbles me and changes my walk to one of sadness instead of joy, but it is a fact of life. I always comfort myself by saying they died of natural causes, not by devious or cruel acts by humans.
what a peaceful place. you are right, we need to preserve such places. it is a privilege to witness. it seems you are always caught up in life’s net…it is good have such escape routes!
Escape routes are imperative. I see you use your beaches for escape sometimes too. I love the mountains too, probably a little more than the ocean.
That photo of the “mud flats” is wonderful. The pattens are so intriguing. I can see fabric inspiration or quilting. And the Iris’ are wild aren’t they? What a lovely walk. I can tell how much you appreciate your surroundings and the beauty you see. I tell myself, on my walk, that there is just as much beauty in city streets.
I am happy that your woman’s forum will continue. That was very thought provoking as well as entertaining.
I agree with you that there is great beauty in a city walk too. When I am in Portland I find beauty everywhere! We don’t have to live away from the bustle of life to engage with nature. Sometimes just a simple flower bed in someone’s tiny city garden can take your breath away. I guess we just need to be receptive to it whenever we step out the door.
Thank you for the pictures of home.
I spent many hours on Big River beach or on the bluffs fishing with my sister, cousin and friends. Another time and life.
When I go on my walks to the beach lately, you are in my thoughts. I wonder what you did, if you saw a certain cave or if you watched the tides change the way I do. Your memories would be different since you were so much younger, but I would guess you looked down for the same shells and glass that I always search for as I amble along. May I send you a tangible memory?
What, no fog?
I’ve never gotten to spend enough time on that beach…always going somewhere when I’m there.
No fog!! Not any at all since I arrived. Strange. I think you need to spend some time on this beach with your mom and create some new memories.
The photo of your street is so lovely…my first thought was, “Does anyone really live on such a perfect street anymore?” How wonderful for you.
Well, it is quite rural and very dark at night. But, if you look up, the stars feel so close and vibrant.
I love seeing these photos of Mendocino and remembering my own time spent here. I love those wooden steps going down so far, and that little village street, and knowing that I must have walked here myself, long ago. I used to go to a place called Glass Beach to look for pieces of glass that the ocean has smoothed into jewels, but I can’t remember how close, or how far, that beach is from where you are. I love thinking about you walking in this beautiful place on the edge of the world! xo Kari
Glass Beach is actually north of here in Ft Bragg. I took my three grandchildren there a few times to search for that special glass. They loved it, and now every time they come they want to go there and search for glass. I think that you have some pretty special memories of the area.
I truly enjoyed the walk, thank you!
I enjoyed your pictures. I have never seen the white calla lily in a natural setting like you pictured. Beautiful. I am about 50 miles away from the north Oregon coast. Wild and beautiful also. Not too many warm days though!
I am curious, where do you live if it is 50 miles north of the Oregon coast? Always a little chilly, but the weather is increasingly getter warmer each year. A little worrisome.
Sorry I didn’t send you a note before now.
I would love a memory from you
We are going down in Oct. for a 1960′s class
reunion we try and go down each year to see my mom and the rest of the family who live there.This year will be a extra treat to see all the people we haven’t seen in years.
Lots of memorys
Gilda
October is a perfect time to visit Mendocino. I am sure you will have a wonderful time seeing all your classmates as well as family. What a treat that will be, and definitely something you can look forward to in the months ahead.