Friday 11 November 2011

A Wander Off The Beaten Track.

Oh hello!
Did I fall asleep? Did I fall into some other place where the sun shines?
I may have, I am not sure.
It was, I think, a place where we spend our days a~wandering in the forest, kicking up leaves, traipsing through mud, the heady scent of loamy soil, of humus and decay filling the air around us,
seeping into our bones like some restorative tonic.

I must have closed my eyes for a moment. 


Sunlight glows behind my eyelids, a dappled green light, a quietening blush.

And there in the stillness, there, do you hear? 



The quivering trees, stirring the air as they nod and murmur,
whispering in your ear.

The muffled footfalls of small people running through the woods, voices calling to one another.

The rush of water over stone.

Which one is life's most satisfying sound?


Yes, I did, I crept away from it all, I stopped in the woods awhile and found this place that is quiet and still and does not require me to do anything, or be anything other than quiet and still. Time away from blogging and writing and being right out there in the online world. And I admit I am reluctant to leave this place, to return to all that I have created for myself in the world that exists through this magic looking glass that is my computer.


 I find I want to read books again, to walk in the woods and swim in the sea, to meet with friends and chat and ask them how they are. To watch a film and actually sit on a couch for a change! Oh! To sit by the fire and sew again, to read and hang out. Does anyone else feel like this?

It's time to pause, no, to stop.


I am not going away, not yet, no.
But there is a lot I need to think about and plan and do.

Other things.


It won't be long.

I'm just going to close my eyes for a minute, the sun is lovely......

15 comments:

Martin said...

I know exactly how you feel, Ciara. I've been wrestling with the same thoughts for a couple of months, now.

Mise said...

You're right, Ciara, those things are much more important, and blogging is only for when, in the midst of all the intricate living, you find you really want to say something. I wish you lived nearer and would do some of that hanging out with me to keep me from the pernicious to do list.

Anonymous said...

yes, i must admit i think about it more and more everyday. the time i spend plugged in is less and less. i've been knitting, reading, drawing with my littles, hiking, yoga-ing...you can't stay plugged in and live a full-filling life.
see ya around, sweet cheeks;)

ps. love the photos, Ciara. they are gorgeous

Stephanie V said...

All the time, Ciara; I think about it all the time.

I love your young people on the bridge path. They are the past, the present and the future all together in one photo. Perfect.

Kerry O'Gorman said...

I am sitting by the fire as we speak and catching up on a few of my favorite places...winter is the time for creative hands! The computer is a slight distraction at times but I so enjoy your writing whenever you manage to come out from the woods.

Cait O'Connor said...

Those pics are amazing, they have a dreamlike quality. Perhaps you could blog less often, weekly for example, and spend more time doing other things?

A mermaid in the attic said...

Yes...I've been feeling the same lately. The online life can become a bit too much sometimes, and then I feel the need to step back, and yes, read books, sew and sit and just be.

Jess said...

I go from one thing to the next, sitting with something to make on my lap while watching tv, reading inspiring books, meeting and laughing with friends and of course visiting wonderful places like your blog. Give me a balanced life and I'm happy. :) I love the purple leaf in the last picture!
Jess x x

gz said...

We'll still be here when you come back to visit, bringing beautiful images and a breath of fresh air.

We'll look forward even more, if that is possible, to your visits.

yew tree nights said...

Warmest wishes to you in all your forest walking, visiting with friends, and in all the other lovely ways that hours can be passed. I love reading your posts, but would hate to think of you writing them out of a sense of obligation, when you could be out and enjoying yourself instead. The online looking glass world will wait. That forest looks and sounds perfect!

Sara said...

Beautiful place... I would not want to leave either. That stillness is where everything makes sense... without even thinking about it. Without needing to think at all... just be. Love to you Ciara.

HKatz said...

The forest looks enchanting (and enchanted - a magical place).

Ada Beth Croft said...

What beautiful photos! I'd love to frolic in that forest!

Elizabeth said...

We have to come in and out, Out into the light and back into the shade.
Its so good to get offline a bit, and wow so good to be aware of when one needs to.

This is a beautiful post. I have meant to thank you, I came along here a year ago, and it led me to all sorts of other lovely blogs too... It was my first stop in blogging, how lucky am I?

I am so glad you write xx E

Rebecca S. said...

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I think we, in this tech age are all a bit overwhelmed by the impact of being linked in. I think it can be wonderful and a struggle at the same time. We all need to make the rules for ourselves...to figure out how much space to give it. There is so much 'real life' to live. I'm learning to know the signs in myself that indicate when it is time to close my eyes, too. All the best, Ciara. Your photos are mystical and lovely.