Life in the Woods ~ Life in the City

August 10, 2009

Two weekends ago, our family was camping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This past weekend Damien took the kids on the longest hike they've ever been on, almost 8 miles, up the highest mountain they've ever climbed (the 4th highest in Maine in fact).


They were gone for 12 hours, 3 or so driving, and the kids had a blast. They came back happy, proud and excited for the next adventure. Who is this wonderful man I married and how does he manage to (happily) engage our children this way?


I can't say enough how much I appreciate the values Damien is teaching our children (and helping me learn) with these adventures. And I'm not just talking about outdoors awareness and seeing beautiful scenery. But about self awareness and developing character traits that will really sustain our children in the long haul. And I quote from my husband's recent post, "time spent out in the natural world (both good, and bad) awakened her senses and immersed her in the present, removing all concerns of our modern lifestyle..." (I'm the her). Wow, this guy has insight.


Fast forward the story to our everyday, backyard, city dwelling life. To be fair Maine is largely a rural state but we live in the second largest city, in a definite urban neighborhood.

When we're home we relish everything there is to be gained by living in close proximity to libraries, farms, colleges, lakes, museums, coffee houses, festivals and down town parks. Last weeks activities highlight the best of that world.


Monday ~ private swim lessons at a local lake


Tuesday ~ Local Food Week festival and playing at the splash park. Evening modern dance performance at the Bates College Dance Festival.

Wednesday ~ time at home but as Brienne said "I want to do something fuh-n. There's nothing fun to do in our backyard! " Looks like I might need to rename the blog.


Thursday ~ a Lots to Gardens community lunch, farm pick up and night time folk music gig at our family's favorite bar.

Friday ~ a much needed day of rest.

I'm not sure as we go forward and reach further for our dreams and goals how we will continue to flourish in these two very distinct spaces of our lives. Adventure in the outdoors and a vibrant city (and country) life. But most of the time I don't think about it too much, I just live it. And appreciate it all very, very much.

PS. Happy Anniversary Babe! And if you happen to read this before you come home from work today I decided to cook a special meal to mark the occasion - adult beverages included! Yipee! Here's toasting one to 13 years of marriage and many, many more.

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  • Jody

    Jody on Aug. 11, 2009, 1:52 p.m.

    Happy Anniversary to you both!
    You are both very near & dear to my heart.
    Though I may not see you often, you are always on my mind and in my heart. May the Lord Bless you more richly than ever in the years to come.....This is JUST the beginning of the happiness HE has for you!
    May love & joy be abundant and may you, like the flowers of the field, dance in the SON-light. I love you guys! Hugs & Blessings, Jody

    reply
  • Kika

    Kika on Aug. 11, 2009, 7:22 p.m.

    I read Damien's post and found it thought-provoking. In no way do I desire to be a hiker/camper... and yet, I understand the things he talks about like learning that we're not in control and how to let go of past/future and "be" in the present, how we spend so much time sheltering ourselves from anything remotely uncomfortable. In the past I've used drugs, alcohol, food and even exercise to numb myself from feeling...it has been along time since I've left these particular crutches behind but still recognize my need to learn to just "be". To be ok with things I'm not in control of, to smile and laugh through even uncomfortable cirucmstances... Honestly, I think this nails on the head the source of my unrest over the past year or so. I know I need to get through this/overcome in this area... I feel almost desperate to do so! I am so used to being able to organize and set goals for myself (perform!) but this is not a process I can control for myself (which is the point)... Forgive my ramblings; there is so much going on in my heart and head at the moment and I'm experiencing difficulty in articulating it well.

    reply
    • renee

      renee on Aug. 11, 2009, 10:13 p.m.

      Kika, what? you live close to the Rocky Mtns and you don't camp or hike? I guess you can be forgiven...

      I am learning and re-learning how to just be. It's a long process and letting go of control, wow another tough one for me.

      Be gentle on yourself my friend.

      reply

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