#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Tree Bark Woman Leaping for Joy

Snowshoes, the perfect choice for conditions today. Snow still crusty and deep, branches still blocking trails. There is a lovely spot on my trail in the trees by the river where I love to stop and look for flakes of bark. Today, there are many fresh flakes on the snow and I put down my poles, and Charlie chews a big branch intensely while I kneel in the snow studying my favorites. They are so intricate and delicate, they have peeled off and fallen, each in its own organic shape. Today, the one that moves me the most is above – I call her the woman dancing and leaping for joy. This is how I want to see myself. I want to be aware of my body and the exquisite bounty of my day, I want to feel this lighthearted zest, and express it. Charlie is beside me zestfully chewing his dead wood. I realize I'm feeling stiff and chilled, and so, I get up and go. 

I am fortunate to have a few aunts still alive in my life and I need and love them all. My father's two sisters and one sister-in-law, and I was worried and saddened today to hear that my father's dearest sister who is dear to me, is going to have heart surgery very soon. So, I called her right away and made a plan for lunch next week. She has been a mentor, a friend, a generous, trusted woman in my life, and I am not shy of telling her this. Again. And again. I want her always to be there so I can keep telling her how much the unique and exact shape of her life matters to me.

All photos and text copyright Kelly DuMar 2018