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 

26 comments:

  1. 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.

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

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  2. 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

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  3. 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.

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

    xo
    cortnie

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    1. 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.

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  5. "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!

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

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  6. 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.

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    1. 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.

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

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    1. 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.

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  8. "...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

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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.

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

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  11. 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!

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  13. 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.

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

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

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