window

I like to look out the window. I have spent freely so much of my time doing this, and sometimes it strikes me how little I know of the various things other people can do. I can’t play bridge. I don’t play tennis. All those things that people learn, and I admire, there hasn’t seemed time for. But what there is time for is looking out the window.
— Alice Munro

Still recovering from ankle tendon surgery, which means I'm spending a good deal of time sprawled on the sofa like an overturned beetle, boot-clad, bandaged leg above my heart. #Metamorphosis, anyone? It's a lengthy recovery process, and I won't bore you with the details. But I'm grateful for the lessons available to me in this period of enforced stillness.

Mindfulness. A deeper appreciation for my physical body, inclusive of all its abilities and limitations. Peace in the moment, and joy in every hobbling step.

It'll be a while before I'm able to return to some of my favorite activities: gardening, hiking, dipping my toes in the ocean and  (vroom vroom) taking my Nancy Drew roadster for a spin. But hey, I have a wicked-fast knee scooter, so go me!! And my camera's got a fantastic zoom lens, which helps bring my garden indoors.

I captured these photos through a window screen, balancing teetering on my scooter all the while.

Mule deer! In the wilds of Orange County, who knew?!?

Grace. Beauty. The element of surprise.

These, the gifts that come of shifting my gaze. Going inward. Looking out my window.