Coastal Sunset by Rail by Tommia Wright
One of the wonderful things about traveling by rail is the chance to take in the sights, from sunrise to sunset.
This was a wonderful shot taken on the return to Seattle.
Inspiring Aspen by Tommia Wright
Another wonderful view from the trail walked. No proper path exists there, but the hint of one brings to mind limitless opportunities.
Early Bird by Tommia Wright
They say the early bird gets the worm. Well, the early riser gets to enjoy a morning walk!
There is something to be said for the sanity of a regular routine. This past week has allowed me to (almost) daily relish the regular walks again and what a breath of fresh air that has become!
Then again, it could be something as simple as getting the same number of hours of sleep each night. Or the fact that I’ve taken the plunge in trying new challenges. Or the fact that I had fun playing in Portland with friends (still working on assembling that post).
’round the Bend by Tommia Wright
A kind friend sends me daily verses, and I’ve my daily subscriptions of short reads to ponder shortly after sunrise. I take these words and ponder them step by step. Sometimes I can get a deeper meaning from them. Sometimes I get confounded. But these words are easier to ponder than what’s on the daily radio talk shows or so-called morning news shows.
Not that I wish to remain like an ostrich with my head in the sand, but some things are not needed to start the day – or evening for that matter. One wise friend told me the news, as it is defined by today’s broadcasts, is a bitter tainting that blinds one from the beauty and good news that does exist. I agree.
Trail Green by Tommia Wright
Sights such as this could be missed if I chose to wait until the last possible moment to get up for the day. Instead, I had the fortune to wake up, walk out and take in the scents and sounds of the morning unadulterated by modern madness.
My friend’s daily send just arrived after my walk ended, yet it’s fitting, I think: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9.
Sunset by the Water by Tommia Wright
This photo was taken during the train ride back, with timing working slightly better for me this time.
The location is somewhere south of Tacoma.
Sunset by Tacoma Narrows Bridge by Tommia Wright
…’Back-to-Seattle.’
While the Friday train ride could be described as early morning fun with friends, Saturday can be called the ‘sweet return home.’
Yes, rode backwards, again. Yes, played the ‘going-going-gone’ game with more missed shots than before (blame it on the dark). On the positive side, this trip’s collection of shots had fewer trees (just more poles).
Tacoma Narrows Bridge by Tommia Wright
One of many photos for the ‘Back-to-Portland’ photo series. Otherwise known as shots taken while traveling backwards on Amtrak and playing the ‘going, going, gone’ game.
Trains are better than driving when getting to a destination – no stress, no wear-and-tear on the car (or a near-empty wallet for the gas tank).
What makes the ride more enjoyable is good company – friends who happen to be talented writers and artists as well.
Sketchbook Tour-Portland by Tommia Wright
The Sketchbook Project Tour was on and an opportunity to see other sketchbooks from around the world could not be missed this past weekend!
SnoBoot SketchCats reunite!
Thoughtful Thumper by Tommia Wright
Sometimes you just have to stop and watch something before it vanishes in a heartbeat.
Or a hop.
The usual time I see rabbits is when they’re racing across the road and I’m bracing a foot over the brake. Otherwise, it’s when I see the evidence of a rabbit’s visit (goodbye carrots, beans, almost every decent vegetable that might grow in the garden), I can only think about Mr. McGregor’s response to Peter Rabbit’s visit.
So, to see this critter not far from the driveway, it was worth the slow exit of the car, the uncovering of the camera, and aiming for this moment of stillness in life. And then the cat came.
When was the last time you stopped in your daily routine? What would you stop for?
Four? Whatever for?
Let me backtrack and explain. I was bored. Actually tired, but too tired to go to bed and I wasn’t energetic or focused enough to grab a DVD (be it the library’s or mine). So, I flipped through the channels, remembering after the second cycle why I have DVDs (and VHS tapes) in the first place.
I sat through and suffered through the following films on various occasions:
WHY were these films made? Scream worked well as a three-part story, fitting ending. The fourth film….I watched until the end with the hopes that something sensible would happen. It did – I fell asleep.
Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. Why? I don’t believe I finished this one. Finishing the series with Junior and Dad – Sean Connery, doesn’t get better than that! – riding off into the sunset was perfect.
Jaws…Well, I’m an odd one who would say that film 2 was fair, 3 was fairly awful and 4…maybe that’s where the expression ‘jump the shark’ came into play. I did remember the ‘off’ button on the television.
Aliens 4…I forgot what bet I lost but I sat through the entire thing at the theater because I didn’t drive. (One would think I’d have learned that lesson before going to see the lousy remake of “The Ladykillers” but I digress). The plot was insane, improbable and impossible to take seriously.
So what movie am I going to watch to make up for all of this? Star Wars: A New Hope – and no, I’m not counting that as Lucas’s 4th chapter!
What movies had you wondering why you watched them?
Twiddling Tuesday by Tommia Wright
All right, so in continue this month’s bit of bold madness, repeating Yoda’s wise words of ‘Do’ vs. ‘Try’ I decided it was time to take out the instruments from the corner of the loft.
Yes, I’ve mentioned that there’s a table there for crafting (among other things that have surprisingly not toppled over courtesy of the cat). There is a small collection of instruments that have been dusted off, tucked away, dismissed given the dismal playing of this ‘all thumbs’ musician.
However, ignoring the fear and reminding myself that a Kalimba is meant for thumbs, I decided to play! So, began a little tune (originally composed on a keyboard I should probably sell, but then again won’t) that I tried on the kalimba and the recorder (a great gift from a relative who was overseas at the time).
It was interesting to hear the different nuances between the three. Given frequent slips on the kalimba (I mentioned I was all thumbs, yes?), I discovered that the ‘accidental’ notes added something I wouldn’t have discovered on the keyboard. With the recorder, some notes held longer than planned added a different echo of their own.
It may help to finish the melody first, composing on keyboard where I can see and hear what is and isn’t working. Then maybe seeking out more musically inclined and talented friends to assist in the full assemble…
On that note, did you ever play in a band or sing in a choir? What kept you away? What made it fun? Do you still play?
Mini Mayhem by Tommia Wright
Well, decided to spend the first morning hours straightening things up, to clear away the obstacles and excuses I use for not playing more.
One of the minor accomplishments was finally putting together the Sketchbook Page on the blog (thanks to some fellow SnoBoot SketchCats for the reminder as we count down our days to Portland!).
The other minor setup was in reassembling the miniature ‘toy box.’ You know the fancy boxes that holiday candy seems to come in? Well, I’ll gladly dispense of the candy in other directions; let me keep the box. Tile notwithstanding, above are some of the toys that fit in one of the boxes.
Do you have a toy box? Play with it often or let it collect dust? Add to it? Share items from it? Do you remember what your childhood toy box looked like if you had one?
Found the miniature picture frame at a thrift shop that does a lot of good works for people in the community. Perhaps it’s time I tear the pages out of my mini art book (after creating/finding a new one) and add a bit o’color at my desk.
What was the last splendid find you made at a thrift shop?
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