Water and Rock

The only noise

is 

water against rock

water against rock

water against rock

xx

(Acadia National Park, Mt. Desert Island, Maine)

Communing with water and light and rocks . . .

Late afternoon light

mid-coast Maine

the air so clear

Owl's Head

You want to step in that water

and

climb on those rocks

don't you?

xx

Layers and Water

I am addicted to walks

slow, meandering walks

drawn to layers

Everything relates to story

the frozen water

 cupping frozen leaves

is a mind

holding an untold story

it waits

and waits

until

the thaw

::

I am drawn to water

water

water

and what lies beneath:

layers

of stone and silt and shell

Writing a story

is uncovering

the layers

sifting the silt

hoping there is more

than sludge

down there.

Of Trees and Water, 22 May, 2009

     Trees and water (rivers, ocean, lakes) abound in my books, so it will come as no surprise that I love and need these natural gifts.  Every office space I've had has included at least one window with view of at least one tree.  For many summers when I was young, my family spent a week or two (the whole of my father's annual vacation) at a small lake in Michigan.  When, just a few years ago, my husband and I were able to choose a house to renovate on a lakeside acre, we placed my office overlooking trees and lake.  

     The view (see above) doesn't distract me; it fuels me and inspires me.  I've often quoted the founder of the TASIS international schools, who said, "Every child needs and deserves beauty," and she particularly meant beauty of the environment.  I believe that profoundly.  We older people need it, too.

     I hope you all have a window and a scenic view.