I’m writing this post to you, but probably mainly as a reminder to myself…
Be in the present moment, because really, that’s all we have.
(Some of the pictures I’m using today are from past ‘moments’.) This was a cup of coffee at Deetjens Big Sur Inn.
I’m having a hard time just resting. My mind gets into ‘race’ mode, as I think of all the things I ‘need’ to be doing.
With this ‘back’ thing going on, it seems like right now doing a very little bit is ok, but it’s hard to stop with a little bit and it’s hard to even know how much is enough, and how much is too much. I’ve blown it a couple of times already and set back healing by days, which is frustrating.
So I need to be here now in this moment and not thinking about all the next things I want to do and the next places I want to be.
Stop, and smell the roses, literally.
This used to be in my garden, once upon a time…
Or Stop, and smell whatever flowers you fancy. These are wildflowers near Marsha’s house in Spangle, WA.
Gaze at the purple mountains majesty:
These mountains are part of the Mission Range, which is part of the Rocky Mountains. They are right here next to me.
Watch the robins hopping through the grass….the hawk circling in the sky…the clouds floating by…
When will I learn that this lifestyle rarely requires rushing?
In a nursing career, rushing is the name of the game, unfortunately, and of course trying to look like you have all the time in the world. Your mind is often way ahead, planning how to accomplish everything you have to do in the allotted time frame. That thought pattern carries over into the rest of life, even to a walk in the park, or a vacation. Even into retirement. With career almost 2 years behind me now, this back injury has caused me to see that I still haven’t left the old thought patterns behind.
I’m so conditioned. But I have teachers….I have so much to learn from…
Yes! From Shiloh and Joy!
They are the epitome of living in the moment, and being here now. They are my little Golden Guru’s….the wise masters in a disguise of silky golden fur, four legs, and a tail, living life as it comes, joyfully, with acceptance, and overflowing with love.
Infinitely patient, and so filled with wonder at every leaf that tumbles in the breeze…or the majesty of the Grand Canyon.
Ever exploring with their keen senses, and thrilled with every new find, if it be a bug in the grass:
Or the amazing ocean:
Another conditioning that we have is our tendency to look at animals as ‘lesser’ than ourselves.
I think we couldn’t be farther from the truth. We don’t understand them so we dismiss their intelligence and understanding and their message and the preciousness of their lives. (Talking about cows, pigs, chickens, etc here, not just dogs.)
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So these were some of my thoughts this morning, as I sat outside sipping coffee, trying to be a good student and learn about ‘living in the moment’, and acceptance, from my wise and furry masters.
Joy under a Live Oak
Shiloh on the sand dunes gazing at the ocean
Joy, enjoying.
My Golden Guru’s
Wandering Spirit 
Just lovely – thank you for the wonderful post. Heading outside now to gaze at my tomatoes, ripening in the sun 🙂
Oh and that is a beautiful sight Laura! Have a sniff as well. Yum.
Thanks, Micky. You are *my* guru! 😊🖖🏻
😂. I will try and pass along what I learn from the Golden Ones, Maureen. 🐶🐶
You know what, Spirit Sister…those things you want to do, and places you want to go, will still be there when you are healed. There IS a reason you are where you are…and I know full well that you know those things, but sometimes we need a reminder. I am frustrated being (still) stuck here, but am trying very hard to heed my own words. Maybe we can just learn a lesson in patience together. Listen carefully to the messages you receive from Joy and Shiloh, for many times they have the answers to our questioning minds. Be kind to yourself, and know that you have many friends out here praying for your quick recovery.
The pictures are great..I especially like the rose and the one of Shiloh on the sand dunes.
Thank you Pat (Freespirit). Yes, I DO need reminders.
My tendency is heavy self-criticism, worry, overdo, overthink, and generally try too hard.
So I’m in constant need of learning, and Joy and Shiloh are the most gentle of teachers.
Im blessed.
That picture of Shiloh that you mentioned is one of my very favorites of him.
Well said. Thank you so much for this wonderful post. Hope you start feeling better. Take care.
Hi Abel. I’m glad you are here, and also glad this post spoke to you.
Thank you for the good wishes. Seems like 2 steps forward, one step back so far. But I guess healing is like that…
Hi LJ,
Such a fitting post for me to read. I found out yesterday I have Sciatica and it sucks. I was feeling sorry for myself. Without your words today, I would have continued to feel that way. Thank You. “glitter”
Hope you feel well soon and TAKE CARE of yourself.
Hug, Ego….
Sent from my iPad
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Hi Ego, oh man, I’m sorry to hear about the sciatica situation. I’m thinking you must be ‘resting’ too? Is there anything they can do for it?
It used to be more fun than that when we glittered. ✨🌟✨
You take care too!
I was looking at RV parks near Vegas. Found something about 20 miles out of town I liked….haven’t made a decision yet though…you?
This was an amazing post!
Wow, thank you Reader! Good to have you here.
Your best post ever! You are a poet and an artist, with your words and images.You have two
great gurus….Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Sharon! What kind words! I love to share it, thank you for reading.
See, you added to that G thing with the ‘great’. Great Golden Guru’s. 😊
Love those beautiful white faces and calm spirits.
Hi Pat, yes those white faces show their age, and honestly, their wisdom too. They have become wiser with age as we humans are supposed to do…but it only takes them a fraction of the time that it takes humans, to gain that wisdom. Such remarkable little beings…
Hope things get better for you very soon. Is seeing a Dr. an option? I have had had back issues over the years, so know it is not a pleasant thing to be going through. Hang in there. I read your blogs, and very much enjoy them. I now have a Casita exactly like yours. Just got back from a three week trip to Oregon, northern Idaho, Montana. Such beautiful country. Take care. Lynda Jerome. Prescott, Arizona
Lynda hi! So good to hear from you! Wow you got a Casita, how cool! That must have been a beautiful trip that you took. I’d love to know where you stayed.
I’m glad you are Still enjoying the blog!
Well, a doctor…yes I could do that. I have in the past, and she had X-rays done and sent me to physical therapy. So I basically know the drill….the exercises and such. i realize someday I may need more than physical therapy. Or not. Time will tell I guess.
I have a question and a comment. My friend Tim and were both sick when we completed our three week travels. This was our first time out in the Casita. He had stomach issues, and I had sore throat, runny nose etc. Can the air conditioner contribute to the problem? Not being super careful with dumping? Also, the camper sits so close to the ground, a drain pipe coming from the shower was broken off. Not sure when it happened, or how it happened. We could tell it had been repaired before. Has this been an issue for you?
Lynda, I haven’t heard of people getting sick from the air conditioner in a Casita, or from dumping, but in the case of air conditioning, if it bothers you generally, then it would be a possibility.
I always wear disposable gloves when I dump, and wash my hands after or use some kind of wipes. You always want to be careful with that end of things.
That pipe from the shower has been an issue for people and so Larry Gamble of Little House Customs has a mod for that to make it go away. You can order it on line and do it yourself or you can have it done by Larry in Texas or Konrad in Mesa Verde AZ, not too far from you. Check out Little House Customs Arizona. Konrad and Larry do all kinds of mods on Casitas, and there is an on line store…not sure if it’s on thenAZ site, but for sure on the Texas site. They have both worked on my Casita and I vouch for both guys. Konrad is newer, Larry has been doing it for years and years. Getting rid of that shower pipe is one of the things Larry did for me.
Hope this helps!
You are awesome!! Thank you so much for the advice. I think we were careless with black water dump. Learned a lesson there. Also, I will get on line for info on drain. Tim is a “handy dandy.” Can fix anything so I have the repair covered. Get better. Lynda
Great post! Reminds me that most everything we need to learn about life, we can learn from our dogs. Such sweet spirits…always living in the moment.
Welcome Mariah, so glad you enjoyed this post! I believe what you said is true, “most everything we need to learn about life, we can learn from our dogs.” Thankfully they are patient teachers!
Hi Mickey, thanks for keeping me grounded. Really enjoyed your good words and beautiful photos. Since going through a serious health issue a couple of years ago I told myself that living in the present is the only way to live a good life…of course my pups are the best medicine I have ..they bring such joy and laughter. Aren’t we lucky! Take care.
Yes Andrea we are so lucky and blessed to have our pupsters!
I’m glad to hear that living in the present moment is working for you. It gives me hope that I can do it….but I know it’s something that needs to be worked on continually.
I’m hoping your serious health issue is in the past. Hugs…
Your “ramblings” are right on! I hope you feel better each day.
Thank you Krystina. I hope you are doing well up there in Vermont!
Love your posts, Micky! Yes, you definitely have to take it easier! Please let me know how you are!!!! Hugs and love!!
Hi Carmen, thanks for checking on me. I can’t take it too much easier than I am right now. My back just won’t let me. Even so, recovery is slow. Guess I’m not 25 any more! Such a rude awakening!🙃😉
However I’m in a safe and easy place until the 13th, then I move on to another safe and easy place.
Hugs and love back atcha!