Oswego

August 29, 2000

Water

It was a strange, but nice sensation to be at the beach the other day late, when the skies were leaden gray, the ocean reflected the sky, and a light rain was falling. Just enough rain to feel something on my skin, to feel that wonderful, wet essence that comes out of the sky on the wind and touches you briefly and refreshingly. Such was that slight rain, a step up from mist and drizzle, but not much.

And I felt foolish with an umbrella. I was the only person on the beach for at least a mile in either direction. But I took a walk resolutely in that dreary weather, and what I should have done instead was to embrace that rain and enjoy getting wet. What difference would it have made? Remember the magical times in childhood when it was pouring down rain and you decided to go out and get soaked to the skin, jumping around and dancing and acting foolish. Doing something out of the ordinary, special. And then there are rare times when we as adults do something similarly childlike. Remember Gene Kelly “Singing in the Rain?”

But we don’t often let go of our preconceived ideas and inhibitions and cast our cares and foolish prides to the wind, rain and elements. Just for the sheer joy of it. Afterward, we can change clothes, sit out on the porch, and dry out as the clouds are chased away by the sun and that sudden thunderstorm is just a summer memory.

Or take wading in a stream. Often we are inhibited there, too. Might slip on a rock. Step on a crayfish. It might be too cold or too fast-flowing. So we deny ourselves the pleasure of water again because our shoes will get wet.

Years ago I hiked to the bottom of Canyon de Chelly in eastern Arizona, a truly extraordinary red rock and sandstone wonderland, and came to the icy-cold, snow-melt- fed stream that ran through the bottom of the canyon. It was spring, and there was cold water running fast and clear. It was a pretty stream to look at, but in order to visit the White House Anazazi Indian ruins on the other side, you had to roll up your pants legs, take off your shoes, and wade across the water. I wouldn’t do it. A couple from California I had been talking to implored me to follow them to the ruins across the stream. I stayed on the dry bank, didn’t get to see the ruin, and to this day wonder why I had been so obstinate and reluctant to do something as simple as wade across a creek. There are a lot of things in life you look back on and say, “No, I would do the same thing today,” but that lost opportunity is one thing I would indeed try to do differently if I had the chance again. It isn’t a big deal, but it is something I think about when I look back to those travels in Arizona.

It’s nice also to walk along the beach, wading out into the ocean every now and then. Being in contact with the waves and the foaming surf darting across your feet. Then you splash water with your feet. And you feel the cool sand between your toes. Water.

For each body of water we encounter, there is mystery. The source of life. The substance out of which we are mostly made. Every stream and river winds its way to the sea and curves around countless bends and turns, lost in mystery to our longing gaze. We want to follow along the banks, walking a trail beside that tantalizing water. We can glide downstream quietly in a canoe. We can lie on a sandbar in the sun and then cool off in the water of that river — clear, black and tea-colored as it riffles over logs and around sandbars.

Mysterious water. Essence of life. The source.

A Jerry Uelsmann image:

http://www.uelsmann.com/images/Figure.html

If you ever want to go wading in a stream or skipping stones, lemme know. I’ll be glad to go! I love being knee deep in water, feeling the earth under my toes.

Aw, through caution to the wind and get wet singing in the rain! Love,

Gosh, you are so right about this! I am pushy about this ( getting wet,etc.)(“Come’ON”!) I think it’s too easy to forget that these experiences ARE life – (playing!)…moments…I wonder sometimes, I do.

ahhh i love the rain, esp. the storms here, nothing quite letting go and enjoying the intensity..

Good thoughts here about grabbing the moment – Beautiful photograph, as well. Thank you!

~X-Factor (2)

August 30, 2000

Wonderful evocation of ‘those moments’ that invite delighting in the moment. I’ve been wet many a day.

You are right, we should dare to do more of what we want to do. I’m still quite child-like and am able to do “foolish” things like that ..:)

Water IS mysterious. And the photo as well. I sat down for a long while and just looked at it. I think it’s a bit scaring? That darkness behind that door?

just as long as the “undertoad’doesnt get you!

Oswego, I know what you are talking about. I remember wading in icy cold clear streams in Tennessee when I was a child. It has stayed with me forever. I have tried to capture it in poetry but never is quite good eno

“Essence of life”–well said–it is for me,too. Next chance you get you might cross a creek..I’d bet on it!..Cait..

Bramble

September 1, 2000

The sound of a fast flowing stream bubbling over rocks is one of the happiest sounds on earth.

Amanda Cayhill

So many choices and seasons in our lives, embrace each one. Follow your whims and explore. There is no regret with experiencing your own unique inner smiles and joy.

One of the advantages of not going to a job every day is that I can spend most of my day walking around barefoot. Somehow it makes me feel more connected. Take care, Dayton (not signed in obviously)

“Singing in the Rain” made a big impression on me as a small child. I love rain, as I’ve often mentioned in my entries. I love water, too…soothing, peaceful, lifegiving!

Beautiful… and wading through water, while droplets fall on your head… is a wonderful memory… Away with umbrellas… embrace the natural beauty.

Water is incredible. It is the source of all life, and yet it is ephemeral — easily melted, frozen, or transformed into wisps of smoke. This is a beautiful entry.

You make me want to walk on that beach with you…sigh

At 26 I have a few of those!! Sometime if it is raining when I ceck the mail, I will walk it.. to feel is refeashing kiss!! Blessed Be!!

I love that sound of water rushing past over rocks. I built a little fountain, even; it sits on my kitchen counter, refreshing and reminding me of nature. I love it! They’re quite popular now, do you have one?

Just went to look at the photo – marvelous! It gives such a feeling of tranquility and mystery.

“What if . . .?” is a powerful question. Take off those shoes!

Sometimes it can be hard to remember such simple joys. At first I was too afraid to let my kids get cold and wet in the snow, but then it was incredible to see the carefree smiles. Opps, let a tear slip.

I understand completely. Missed opportunities haunt us all. Sometimes I wish I could change things in my past, but then, I realize I wouldn’t be the same, and I wonder if I really would change them.

HarpHill (2)

September 23, 2000

Standing barefoot in a soft falling rain, inhaling all that ozone laden air and water dripping off my nose…part of my yesterdays. Glad you have Folly Beach.

Edelweis

April 17, 2002

I enjoyed this entry, and I also liked the last paragraph…”For each body of water we encounter, there is mystery…etc. Beautiful how you express this! And yes, it’s so nice to “feel” the water. I use an umbrella here, but when on vacation there is always at least one rainy day and then I just want to get wet. Last time in Ireland we hiked one day when it was pouring all day and returned to the

cottage completely soaked! But a shower and dry clothes later we all felt so great! Many among us are fogotten how good it can feel! Take care,

Bookmarking this entry to read again later! 🙂