I am strong enough to get through whatever life throws at me. There is an inner strength that flows through me like a river that runs through the earth’s surface. ~~ Pamela J. Leavey

(Photo: Merrimack River at Point Shore, July 2011 ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

Taken earlier this month at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge… A Rough Legged Hawk in flight…

Sitting at my desk today, watching the rain pour down on the Merrimack River, I wish I could be like this lovely raptor, in flight.

(Photo: Rough Legged Hawk in Flight ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

It’s a beautiful day here on the river…

As I sit here at my desk, to my left I see the river sparkling with a fervent, intensely brilliant reflection of the sun. Not a cloud in the sky, with my desk facing south, the sun sits at 11:23 outside of my window.

To the right of my desk, outside of the bay window in which my desk sits, I watch as the ice floes float down stream, creating ever changing patterns.

Housebound as I am for a few more days, I am re-minded every day how blessed I am to live here on the river with my slivers of river views that constantly fill my heart and soul with love and gratitude.

The mighty Merrimack River is rooted in my body, mind and soul. As a small child I grew up along the river in West Newbury. At eleven, we moved to Newburyport and short walk to the Chain Bridge area.

It was one year after moving back to this area (a little over 3 years ago) when I realized that more than anything in this breathtakingly beautiful estuary, abundant in Mother Nature’s gifts, it was the river that most spoke to me.

She lifts me up, she carries me in her bouyant arms, like the mother and she lets my heart and soul float in her love.

(Photo: Winter On The Merrimack River ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

Having your right foot in a cast is truly a pain in the a**. I’m not sure what is most annoying about it all, but not being able to drive is a big one. It’s tough being stuck in house and dependent on family and friends for supplies, etc…

I also sorely miss my hiking at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Maudsley State Park and along Point Shore in Amesbury. Before I started hiking a few weeks ago, a good drive along the river to Plum Island always served to clear my head.

Thankfully, my hiking partner came by to rescue me on Monday and we took a wonderful drive along the Merrimack River, from Amesbury, through Merrimack and Rock’s Village and then over the Rock’s Village Bridge and back along River Road in West Newbury (my early childhood stomping grounds).

We were looking for Bald Eagles which have been here in smaller numbers this season. The Bald Eagle proved to be elusive on Monday, but we treated to a sighting of 4 – 6 Eastern Bluebirds… Yes, that’s right, the Blue Bird Of Happiness.

Sadly, the afternoon light was not in my favor as I tried to take some photos of these delightful creatures of the Great Mother Goddess, as the photo above attests.

As we headed back to Newburyport along Rte 113, we decided to veer off and take a drive by the Upper Artichoke River Reservoir before heading home. As we drove along the reservoir we spotted a few Mute Swans gliding along the reservoir with their wings up.

What a glorious sight. I’ve had a great deal of contact with the Mute Swans in recent weeks while on my hikes on the Parker River Path.  Their grace and beauty are simply astounding and watching them fills my soul with a powerful awe.

The nearly two decades that I lived in the Los Angeles area I longed to be closer to nature. Aspects of my life have opened up and changed to provide me the time, at least for now, to enjoy this place, this glorious span of nature’s bounty, that I call home, here on the river.

Last night I removed the bandages on my left hand and now the real healing has begun. I am able to use my hand more readily and easily and the incision will now complete it’s healing process before the stitches are removed. I am able to type, but taking it easy. I probably can drive, but opting to just stay put at home enjoying my Merrimack River view and perennial garden from my desk and my peaceful back yard.

The stitches come out a week from today. Back to work the following day. I’m going to use this time fully to heal so I have 100% use of my hand in the weeks to come. I’m so glad I had this done and look forward to another surgery in January to repair my right hand as well.

It’s been a peaceful time here at home in recovery mode and I am grateful for my daughter Juliet, and her boyfriend Ben who have been so much help.

(Photo: © Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

Newburyport’s harbor as seen from the mouth of the Merrimack River…

(Photo: c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

Abandoned 50 gallon drums at the mouth of the Merrimack River in Newburyport…

(Photo: Plum Island Drums © Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

It was a picture perfect day on the river today…

(Photo: The Merrimack River at Point Shore in Amesbury, MA ~~ © Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

A perfect evening… On The River…

(Photo: Merrimack River at Point Shore, Amesbury, MA ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

Sit down and relax a little… On The River…

It’s always so peaceful On The River…

(Photo: The Merrimack River at Point Shore, Amesbury, MA ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)