Live Performances

Every Tuesday in June (6/2, 9, 16, 23, 30) 6-9PM solo at The Taos Inn, Taos NM

Sunday June 21 6-9 PM The Serpent Herders at The Taos Inn, Taos NM

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Musings – Walking

I can’t remember the last time I missed my morning walk. This habit began in the mid 90’s when I moved to Portland OR. I rented a 3rd floor apartment in an industrial area, and I had a dog. So walks were not an option. It was a good way to explore our new neighborhood, and I got used to going out no matter what the weather. Eventually I moved to a house with a yard, but my walking habit (practice? addiction?) stuck.

These days my walks look a lot different. Gone are the days of asphalt and concrete and city parks and breaks at an outdoor cafe. They have been replaced by forest roads and game trails, and sometimes not following any kind of path at all. My current walking buddy is Hazel, an 8-year old mastiff with the soul of a border collie.

We’re much more likely to encounter wild animals than other humans. Coyotes, deer, elk, and turkeys make frequent appearances. I’ve seen a few bobcats and bears over the years. I’ve never seen a mountain lion, but I heard one yowling not to long ago and I can tell you I’ve never walked home faster.

I’ve gone through phases of trying to multi-task while walking, doing some sort of walking meditation, listening to an audiobook, etc, but these days I just let my mind wander and listen to the forest sounds. Some of the songs I’ve written have come to me while I’m walking, ushered in by the rhythm of my footfalls.

Sometimes my walks feel like treasure hunts. I’ve found bones, antlers, arrowheads, and feathers. Also bullet casings, bottles, rusty cans, and the occasional dumped appliance or piece of furniture.

I’ve gone for walks when I probably shouldn’t have. I’ve been caught out in lightning storms and blizzards that scared me half to death. I’ve walked when I was sick or injured enough that staying home would have been the wiser thing. But, it all turned out okay.

If you’re considering adopting a morning walk habit I highly recommend it. Its a great way to start the day1

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miscellaney

~ I definitely prefer coffee over tea, but the knitting group I go to in Taos has just started meeting here and its a sweet space. Plus if you’re not local you can order their loose teas online.

~ recent reads (and listens) – Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides, Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, The Vegetarian by Han Kang, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, and The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb

~ Hot off the needles!!! Kagerou Vest by Michiyo

Thank you for reading! Until next time…