Last week, I talked about my media diet. Having an active imagination helps a lot. In my mind, I can go from halfling troublemaker to starship captain in a matter of hours. I’ve been a Jedi and a Sith Lord, a fighter and a healer. My imagination is in full bloom while I sip my morning brew, read the latest gossip on social media, and peruse the writing prompts for the day.
Another piece of my diet includes giving my mind time to absorb all that news and gossip and let those writing prompts percolate through my creative mind. Sometimes, the stories write themselves; I’m just along to take dictation. Other times, I have to tease the story out.
I look forward to those times with the music, the dog, and the pace.
My husky is clamoring for her morning jaunt around the neighborhood even before I finish my cuppa. I make her wait until I’ve finished my coffee and I’m ready to face people. It takes about an hour or so. Then, we’re off to the races. This pup would be happiest if I were a runner, but I /really/ hate to run if I don’t have to. A fast walk now, that’s more my speed. Weather depending, we’ll trek anywhere between one to three miles. Slowing her down takes a bit of effort, but I’m good with getting my heart rate up into the cardio zone. As long as I’m not feeling the shin splints start, I’ll walk as fast as possible.
Spring is a fabulous time to be outside. After being dormant all winter, buds are forming on the trees and bushes.
Bushes are budding out.
Daffodils are blooming.
Daffodils in bloom.
And birds are once more migrating through the area.
Red-winged Blackbird. I know this isn’t the greatest shot, but it was the best I could get before he flew away.
Blue Heron. I have a blurry pic of him in the weeds but managed to catch this as he took off.
The weather is still volatile, so I’ll go out in shirtsleeves one morning, and the next, I’m bundled up against the cold. Every day is a new adventure.
Getting outside and watching as Mother Nature works wonders on the winter-bleak landscape has helped my physical, mental, and emotional health. I’ve lost more than twenty pounds, though I’m still struggling with that last ten. I’m ready to talk to my doc about weaning off my anti-depressants. More importantly, I’m prepared to tackle the job of clearing the burned trees from our property. But, more on that this weekend.
Make sure your diet includes time with Mother Nature. She has a way of bringing life into perspective.
J.J. Shaun 
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