Author: Vince

Uncategorized

2023


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When life is good I find it difficult to share my thoughts on this platform. My intention is always to share something here to look back on but I’ve always associated this blog with chaos in my life so that’s what I privately write down, my problems. Those posts are always there waiting for me to read again and think about those problems. I want this blog to be something different. I’d like to visit here in a year or so and see a nice picture or quick post about something good in my life, not tragedy.

There’s a local nature preserve that I’ve been visiting regularly for the past 25 or so years. It’s a place I discovered when I was in my early 20’s while out searching for garage sales. Being newly married, my life was, in many ways, just starting on the path of adulthood. There were plenty of trails to explore and I was determined to walk all of them. It was my place to watch and listen to nature. I grew up on those trails.

My walks started out great then as life threw me curveballs, as life does, I started to visit the trails and think about my latest tragedy. The sights became a blur and the sounds muted as I was stuck in my thoughts. This carried on for years, my place to go and think about my problems. Eventually I learned to accept that life does not follow a path you’ve created in your head but happens regardless of your best laid plans, some things are just out of your control. Being in the moment as much as possible is a key to enjoying life. When I visit the trails I just look and listen. Now I see the deer and trees for what they are again.

If I can use that tactic here it might help me to create a better history of myself.

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Worry Bench


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Years have been spent coming to this spot. Sometimes I’d take one of the kids or a decent camera in an attempt to enjoy nature but for the most part I’ve come to this far away spot to worry. Sitting here I think about my problems where they would become mountains. I’ve sat here and felt hopeless, afraid, angry, sad and defeated so many times that it’s hard to walk this path without feeling at least one of those emotions or at least remembering what troubles I’ve faced and am facing.

This walk was different in that while I did use the bench to contemplate my worries I also have been aware of how I use this place that I claim to enjoy so much as a place of worry. I don’t want it to be that anymore; at least I don’t want it to be a place where I always go to worry. I want it to be a place where I feel connected with nature and not a battleground for my emotions. This time I decided not to fight my feelings or judge them. The air smelled different and I heard sounds I’d not noticed so much before.

Life, Michigan, Nature, Photography

Vacant


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I’ve walked this path several times but never saw this nest. Usually the area is dense with vegetation so it’s not surprising. The nest was empty and I guess maybe the wasps went underground for the winter knowing it was time to vacate for the season. I don’t now anything about wasp habits, if they actually do go underground for the winter. The nest was a little damaged too so maybe an animal got into it looking for a snack.

Either way the occupants knew it was time to go. I kind of feel that way too. Things are a little empty and it just does not feel like it will work out. It’s strained and distant and being honest with myself it’s just not enough. I’m going to dig my heels in a push out of this empty thing in my life. I’ve come too far to allow this now.

Vacant

Michigan, Nature, Photography

Quick Break


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In between appointments today I had a little down time so I headed over to my favorite cafe for a bite to eat and coffee. After I finished lunch I still had time to relax so I went to one of my favorite nature preserves. It was cold today but the sun was killing it making it seem a lot warmer.

Ypsilanti

Michigan, Nature, Photography

Sunny Day


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The weather this winter hasn’t been too bad but the lack of sunshine gets me down so when we have days like today I like to take advantage of it. The trails at Parker Mill park were soggy but it was worth being out.

Sunshine