Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Four Years

Here we stand, Spencer and I, watching a classic November (but very mild) day unfold slowly around us. The sky is pale blue overhead, and the trees are bare. Geese are winging their way overhead, moving to and fro between the cornfields and the river. My sweet furry son has been with us for a little over a year now, and he is a fine companion for these late autumn rambles. He has turned out to be something of a philosopher, and he shares his thoughts on the workings of the great wide world as we potter along.

Me??? I was astonished when I realized that yesterday marked four years of blogging - four whole years of showing up here every morning and writing something, tucking in an image and then having the audacity to upload my mundane natterings to the worldwide web for fellow travelers to read. At times, my quotidian exercise strikes me as being banal, threadbare, appallingly self-indulgent and downright pathetic, but hey, these are my journal pages, my little stick men (and women), my wobbly scratchings on the rock wall of time. A lifelong devotee of the ancient, the mythic, the liminal and the mysterious, I like the cave art analogy, even it it is a tad wonky (and it certainly is).

These days, I almost always have the feeling that I am talking to myself on my wordy sunrise rambles, clucking away at this old hen, dishing out reminders, venting, admonishing, grumbling, exhorting myself to get my act together and perhaps even take it on the road. What is the point of reaching this ripe old age if I can't talk to myself?

As usually happens around now, I find myself wanting to overhaul this tatterdemalion realm, move the various elements around, jazz it up, add windbells and widgets, music and moonlight, sequins and finger cymbals, perhaps a tattoo somewhere. I suspect that changes will be small again this year - I rather like the place just as it is with its Zen-ish simplicity and understated color choices.

Health issues and other "stuff" aside, Spencer and I will simply continue to meander along at our own pace, watching mornings unfold in the village, trees swaying against the sky, and the last linden leaves raining dewdrops like honey in the park. Darling Cassie is always with us on our morning walks - sometimes we can hear her breathing and feel her rambling happily along beside us, but for the most part, her dancing feet make no sound in the fallen leaves. The words that came to mind as we three went along this morning are from Mary Oliver.

Every day I walk out into the world to be dazzled, then to be reflective.
Long Afternoon at the Edge of Little Sister Pond

Dazzled and reflective are good things to be. Thank you for being here on the journey with us this year. You are more precious and wonderful than you can ever know, and we cherish you.

23 comments:

Tabor said...

Actually, those of us that get a breath of fresh air when we visit should thank you. Four years...amazing how time moves on with or without us!

Anonymous said...

Four years of singular daily moments that have refreshed, renewed and connected. For these daily gifts, I simply say Thank You for giving us these extraordinary glimpses into our world. Blessings. Marti

BeardyMan said...

For a month or two now I've been reading your "appallingly self-indulgent and downright pathetic" posts, and I find them helpful.

I used to be able to take morning walks to take time to watch the seasons change, but lately I feel like a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest. Your posts help remind me that it's important to stop once in a while and just notice things, and your photos bring a little bit of natural beauty into a very depressing place in which (for now) I need to spend a lot of time.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I wish I'd been with you for all of the four years but I've only been here a few months but I cherish those. I read you every morning first thing & feel somehow incomplete when you haven'tyet posted when I log in. I've found so much of value in your postings. THANK YOU!

What in the World said...

Thank You Cate, for all the joy and inspiration your magnificent images, and beautiful and thoughtful words have given us!
Much love and blessings to you and all your loved ones.

Delphyne said...

Happy blogiversary and happy gotcha day to Spencer! What kind of dog is Spencer?

Like others who've posted, I'm a newcomer to your blog and have enjoyed all of your entries - I hope you stick around!

(The blog looks fine, however finger cymbals, veils and incense would be wonderful additions!)

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Cate; I too am one of those who starts her day off with your postings. And I too say thank you; may many blessings come your way.
Jane in Ottawa

Anonymous said...

Thank you for writing this blog.

Dawn said...

congratulations on your 4 year aniversary. Thank you!

Dan Hardison said...

What a wonderful gift you have given us. I cannot imagine not having your inspiring musings and ramblings to enjoy. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on 4 years of providing us with awesome images and equally wonderful musings. Always look forward to being uplifted by your posts. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your words and your photos. They mean a lot to many of us!
Marsha

Beth said...

Thank you for your wonderful blog posts! I read them on my lunch hour, stuck in a windowless office, and they give me endless joy and the hope that someday I too will spend more time wandering the wilds of the world.

Sarah said...

Hooray for Spencer!
I, too, have you saved in my favorites as I sit in my windowless office Mon-Fri.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Cate, 4 years of wonderful sharing and images. I have only been online for a little over a year.
So thankful I found you.
A blessing you are. So many thoughts of yours are similar to mine. I have no talent and wonder what I am rambling about and yours is amazing. You touch so many hearts. Blessings sent your way.

Anonymous said...

Dear Cate,

It has been a long time and I, for one, appreciate your blog. It keeps you near to me even if we've drifted apart. Friends may come and friends may go, but this is the thread I hang onto.

Thank you for sharing with us.
Louise

judy said...

Cate, I've been 'listening' to your rambles for over a year, now. Somehow you manage to lighten my heart almost every morning... what a remarkable gift!

Lee said...

Thank you for four years of wonder. I have read every entry although I did not find you right away. You are part of my daily rituals and your insight and glimpses of beauty are so welcome.

marigold said...

A quaternity of years which has accompanied so many personal journeys, mine included. And for this most heartfelt thanks...

May the years to come bring you these moments of joy and transcendence always, and may we be blessed to share them with you...

Shell said...

Happy Four years. I have loved coming here and reading your insightful and spiritual post. Thank you.

Sky said...

i have enjoyed every moment of reading here. your imagery both in language and art are life-giving. i always look forward to my visits and feel revitalized when i leave.

(post script: i do wish, however, you would respond to questions some of us readers pose from time to time.)

congratulations on your blogging anniversary and may you enjoy many more good years.

Rowan said...

Your blog is always a beautiful and peaceful place to visit - it doesn't need bells and whistles, just your beautiful words and photographs.

Mel said...

I'm late to the party, but so glad to be here. Just imagine the fun I can have in the middle of my winter hibernation catching up! It is lovely to have stumbled onto another person whose writing and photos hold such connections for me. We've had lots of imaginary conversations in my head, as I've not enough time to comment properly to all the things your posts make me think. Here's to many more years talking outloud to yourself and to us. Thanks.