#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Sunshine! Sun after rain is so wonderful. I worked for a couple of hours on a poem and then walked, a good long walk, across the trestle bridge, through the meadow, across the street, through another meadow, all the cheerful wildflowers and grass and happy clouds. Came home for a poetry exchange with a friend, and shared my new draft, a long poem that needs a lot of work, but it’s down on paper and I love revision once the thing is down. Then, Israeli group. I gave an expressive arts activity today which I often do and asked everyone to take ten minutes or so to explore “ease and flow,” make in concrete, through drawing or painting, movement or voice, or even sculpture with whatever’s at hand. This picture is what I did—a favorite activity I find for relaxation. I have a collection of beach stones and shells and artifacts that I keep on my desk. I find it very meditative to play with them, to spontaneously arrange them. It was a wonderful exercise to share with the group because everyone’s response was so creative and inspiring for all of us. One person shared haiku, one person shared a drawing and quote for an impromptu greeting card to send to a child who is away on an adventure; one person shared a gallery of personal photos, another person shared an amazing drawing of bicycle and another shared an abstract colorful drawing. Then I went off for my walk to Farm Pond and a long swim. The water was deliciously fresh and warm but I had to dodge sailboats and paddleboards! Walked back home. Frank and I went on an errand and grabbed some dinner, had plenty of time to talk and catch up after our busy time away.