I will be happy forever,
Nothing will hinder me;
I walk with beauty before me,
I walk with beauty behind me,
I walk with beauty below me,
I walk with beauty above me,
I walk with beauty around me,
My words will be beautiful.
Navajo “Myth of the Beauty Way” Prayer
When I was introduced to this poem I thought it would be a great way to start this month’s blog post. I was on a hike with Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, a great local organization, and the docent had our group read this poem aloud before we started on our way to explore Dripping Springs Natural Area.
So often we are busy with daily activities, like driving to work or school, running to an appointment, focusing on our cellphones, and we don’t notice what is all around us. You don’t have to be hiking in the wilderness to flowers, mountains, clouds, people or animals. My camera tends to be my constant companion so I’m always looking for things that stand out. More than once I have turned the car around to take a photo of something I thought was interesting.
My challenge to you this month is to look for the beauty around you in your day to day life. You just might find a simple little thing that makes you smile.
April was a busy month! I’m still trying to help my mom recover from her broken hip – doctor visits, physical therapy appointments and trips to the senior center kept me running during the week. But weekends were for me. There are many scenic and historic places to explore in the desert and I had a fabulous time exploring the Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico State University, Dripping Springs, Aguirre Springs, local parks, a local cemetery, an iris farm, and Palomas, Mexico.
It’s getting hot in the desert (in the 90’s this weekend!) and it’s been very windy. I hate wind! Everything on my patio is covered in a layer of sand and dirt. So the timing is perfect for me to return to Seattle for the summer. Looking forward to rediscovering the beauty of the city, mountains and water. And going back to work! More on that next month.
Enjoy a beautiful trip through the desert…
photography 