Friday, January 25, 2013

Crossing the Bridge

Golden Gate, 2012

What are you up to this weekend?

I don't have specific plans, but I know I'll be crossing the bridge.  I know I'll be looking out over the ocean toward the horizon.  I'll be smelling sea air.

First, the simple perception of natural forms is a delight. The influence of the forms and actions in nature, is so needful to man, that, in its lowest functions, it seems to lie on the confines of commodity and beauty. To the body and mind which have been cramped by noxious work or company, nature is medicinal and restores their tone. The tradesman, the attorney comes out of the din and craft of the street, and sees the sky and the woods, and is a man again. In their eternal calm, he finds himself. The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough. 
-Ralph Waldo Emerson from Nature, published as part of Nature; Addresses and Lectures 
Posted by Denise | Chez Danisse at 8:49 AM
Labels:

26 comments:

  1. amelia from z tasty lifeJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    so jealous of you "smelling the sea air"...how i wished i lived closer to a large body of water. The closer I have is a river, and will probably head there for a walk or bike ride. I will also be playing with my camera outside, for a photo project I am working on. Emerson is so good at reminding us of the treasure that is nature. Are you also familiar with Rachel Carson? I love her writings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:32 AM

      Rivers can be quite nice. Enjoy yours, Amelia. I know of Silent Spring, but should look into more. Any recommendations?

      Delete
  2. amelia from z tasty lifeJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    The sense of wonder is one of my all time favorites. It inspired me when my boys where toddlers to take them on weekly field trips in the woods and other nature places

    ReplyDelete
  3. alexandriaJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    Wonderful ideas for your weekend! I am looking forward to snuggling down for some reading. Not sure which book yet, but that's part of the fun.

    ReplyDelete
  4. tinyparticlesoflightJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    I could really go for sea air right about now! Have a great weekend!

    xo
    cortnie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 26, 2013 at 7:09 AM

      I'm sure you have your own special version of sea air--climbing up a hill for a good view, a favorite park or meadow, even a warm coffee at the kitchen window. Enjoy your weekend, Cortnie.

      Delete
  5. AnnJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    "The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough..." Yes, so true!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 26, 2013 at 7:10 AM

      I know, Ann. Looking out at that horizon has always worked for me. Instant calm.

      Delete
  6. Michele | Cooking At HomeJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    Water is so calming, isn't it? It is snowing here. Hopefully a quiet day tomorrow catching up on work and meeting friends for dinner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 26, 2013 at 7:02 AM

      I hope your snow is pretty, Michele, and does not leave you with too much of a chill. Enjoy the warmth of dinner with friends.

      Delete
  7. kate on the islandJanuary 25, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    That, that sentiment, that statement, that is exactly why I live where I do. That is my reality, every day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 26, 2013 at 7:03 AM

      It's a good life, Kate. And I know you enjoy it. Simple, but what so many people wish for and still haven't found.

      Delete
  8. JanisJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    "...and sees the sky and the woods, and is a man again". Thank you for sharing this passage. Wishing you (what looks to be) a full moon over the horizon this weekend. X

    ReplyDelete
  9. Stacy G.January 25, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    Thanks, Ralph, for describing every day of my life when I leave the office building and set aside the legal field and can be a human again the moment that I see the sky.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnjaJanuary 26, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    We're on our second weekend of the flu. Yikes. The kid and I went on a croissant run to combat the cabin fever, and I think it worked, but all of us are missing being outside. We should get down to the water more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 26, 2013 at 7:06 AM

      Oh no, the flu... At least you were all able to enjoy the beauty of a few croissants. I hope you feel well soon.

      Delete
  11. nancy at good food mattersJanuary 26, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    it's cold and snowy in washington dc
    we returned for a quick weekend visit, so that bill could meet his grandson. great good cheer all around!

    ReplyDelete
  12. PiaJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. PiaJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Such words! And a perfect contradiction too in the last lines - "The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough." The mind seems to need a horizon, even when it wants to see as far as it can see. An end even in endlessness - beautiful limitations.
    Happy crossing, Denise.

    ReplyDelete
  14. lucent imageryJanuary 29, 2013 at 10:34 PM

    Ah I hope it was lovely. I can't live without water nearby, whether it's a beach, river or lake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Denise | Chez DanisseJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:00 AM

      Yes. I do have a preference for large bodies of water. There's just something about them that comforts me.

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)