Saturday, September 01, 2012

Heart and Soul

Saturday: Princess flowers, half way through a morning walk with Geoff and Maria.

Accountability: this word popped up every day, all week, and kept me moving, even when I was very little inclined to do more than close my eyes, leave my shoes by the door... but after last week's post, so many of you shared your thoughts and hopes with me, and I was so inspired, that I really did feel like I had companions and coaches. One friend wants to share walks, another is on her rebounder, and from Spain, a nudge and reminder to keep my legs moving! Every comment and story is wonderful, and I am letting all of the encouragement and good examples sink in, so thank you!

So... I said Heart and Soul would be about moving, being accountable, keeping it simple and letting it be happy. Hmmm... that gives me MASH! Heart & Soul MASH.

Plumeria. We are not as far west as Hawaii, but still we get an amazing variety of tropical flowers.

(Alright, I don't want to linger on the subject, but I did get sick this week. It's painful, and demoralizing, and even though I don't want to talk about it, I am going to pat myself on the shoulder and say: I moved, it was simple, and slow, but I moved. Maybe a super awesome start to my plan would have been more encouraging and more fun to document, but if I have to start with a rough speed bump, then at least I can be happy that I am resisting all urges to succumb to a funk. The end.)

I have no intention of making this a habit, but my Thursday walk was around a medical building. You might be hard pressed to find happy scenes in shrubs and walled garden corridors, but this fountain was a welcome sight, and cooling just to hear the water falling down the tiers.

Wednesday: around the track with Maria and Geoff.

In the middle of the week, Geoff and I joined Maria at school, where we made some laps around the playing field before classes began. Without us there, she would have run, but Maria was too thrilled to have her daddy with her, to race ahead.

Saturday

William read the Heart and Soul post, and took it to heart... he coaxed me, and prodded, and got me out for a night walk. Actually we all, six of us, went out into the dark. It was wonderful. Max wore a headlamp, which is smart. With the sun down, we felt relieved and perkier. Our eighty degree days, humid and sticky, have been draining.

I had spent at least two hours reconfiguring the goat's estate, moving fences and pavers, raking hay, wrestling two goats who were eager to participate in the chores. It was serious farm work, and in that heat I mentioned, so I really felt entitled to my quiet evening... but I am so glad William persisted, and persuaded. It was nice being together, talking, noticing the neighborhood after dark, making our plans. So nice, we went for a second loop.

Last night, I went to bed with some bit of dread about today's post, because I felt like I let myself down. I hit that speed bump, felt derailed, and worried I wouldn't have much to share today... then something dear happened: I woke up, and found Heart and Soul, in Spain. Annie and her Darwin are taking their walks, and taking pictures!

The fourth picture down, Darwin is looking back, and I feel like he's cheering me on, too! "Come on, Slowcoach!"

And not only am I encouraged by Annie's participation, but go see her post and take in those sights! ¡Viva España! I know, I am not there, but in spirit I feel like my walk, my heart and soul, are taking in much broader views and vistas!

Bolstered and inspired, I asked Geoff and Maria to join me on a walk this morning. A fog was lifting, and I looked out for something to share with Darwin... balls!

Look, Darwin!

Apparently, our little four legged friend makes playful use of pine cones, as balls! Clever boy.

Did you move this week? Share your comments, or link to your blog post. We want to see where you've been, too.

12 comments:

ArtyZen said...

I am grinning all over my face with delight - that you have done it, that you have shared, that we are sharing. Don't beat yourself up for what you haven't done (heavens, there is no need EVER for you to do that!) - celebrate what you have. Darwin is staring at the screen longingly and is most appreciative of the mention. He's a great motivator. Big hugs,
Axxxxxxx

Dianna said...

Great job getting moving. Yesterday, Alex and I attempted to go for a run around the block. Today, we decided to walk around the zoo instead. Keep up the good work!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Yes, I agree with Annie - do NOT beat yourself up...you are doing wonderfully and helping the rest of us keep on going too. We can all encourage each other. I'll take that as a lesson for me too, to celebrate what I have. I have been moving this week as well, though not so interestingly as you and I must now get busy and post about it and link to your blog. I shall return!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hello again, Natalie, here is the link to my first "Heart and Soul" post.

http://saraandherblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/heart-and-soul.html

diane b said...

I have just come over from Sara. It sounds like a good idea to help each other keep moving. Can I join in?

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Yes... it feels like a great start, now!
(((hugs)))

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Zoo walks are the best... so much to motivate you, distract you, and marvel at! Cheers to you and Alex, and thank you for the encouragement, and playing along.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Yes, you and Annie are right, and I feel pleased that I am seeing all of this opportunity to stay in the game and feel really good about doing any little bit, and not being undone by those speed bumps.
Everyone's words are wonderful motivation.
Thank you!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Please join in... you honor us!
I meant to make a quick peek of your blog, but was
so enchanted, I was very soon enjoying wonderful stories.
I am looking forward to reading more.
It's nice to meet you, Diane B, and thank you for visiting
Chickenblog!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Wonderful.

Kim said...

Oh gosh, it's not your fault you got sick! Who can help that, right? I love this post; it's something I need to do more of too.
Those plumerias are beautiful and I also love taking night walks too. The neighborhood feels so different at night doesn't it? Also, then you can see into people's houses better :) Not necessarily to spy on your neighbors...just to get a glimpse of their living room decor. wink, wink.

Mike said...

I'm a big fan of night walks. If your sick your sick. Don't be so hard on yourself. Just give your body a break. When your sick it means you need to let your body heal. Your body is talking to you and saying slow down. I need you to take a break. Listen to your body.