Today, I re-mind myself that the road to happiness is paved with my own positive attitude. Happiness is a choice that I choose… I own. Even when life puts road blocks in my way, I must remember that I can find the strength to get through the detours by choosing to be happy every day. ~~ Pamela J. Leavey

(Photo: Pamela Leavey at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

Today, I re-mind myself that there are always flowers blooming in my heart and mind. If I but stop for a moment of silent contemplation I can smell their sweetness in the air. And so I start my day, by stopping to smell the flowers and I am filled with joy. ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey

(Photo: Stargazers ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

I’ve been charting rough seas for a few weeks now and I keep looking for a break from the many storms that have been thrown my way, financial, physical and given the first two, emotional as well. It’s been one of those times in life that no matter how hard you try, you just feel like it’s tough to get a break.

I’ve always believed in the power of positive thought and intent but sometimes even within a daily practice of affirmations, gratitude and prayers, you still feel as though the sea is tossing you from side to side.

Still, there are moments as each day passes by, that I see the light at the end of the tunnel. There is a reflection of light so wonderous, that it fills me with the necessary strength to push through the rough seas…

(Photo: Reflection on the Salt Marsh ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

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)

“A 21st Century worldview of unity and love is emerging, but we’re constantly being drawn back to 20th Century illusions of separation and fear. With every thought we think, we chose for all humanity whether to go forward or go back.” ~~ Marianne Williamson

(Photo: Harrier Hawk in Flight ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

On the Parker River Path, the vista is in constant flux… much like our own lives…

(Photo: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge ~~ c. Pamele J. Leavey 2011)

Trees in winter, stripped bare of their foliage often offer a view worthy of the interpretation of an artist’s eye:

While driving along the river the other day with my hiking partner, I noticed this Bird In A Tree.

As I continue to work through my photos and edit them, I plan to create an album of Mother Nature’s Art Work as exhibited in the bare trees.

(Photo: Bird In A Tree ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

A few weeks ago I joined the ranks of the unemployed and took to walking 3 – 5 days a week with a dear friend, to clear my head and get grounded. There’s nothing better for freeing your mind than a brisk walk in the cool winter air.

Most of my walks were spent exploring the many trails and pathways at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The Hellcat Swamps trails have become a favorite, from the observation tower on the Parker River side to the 50 foot dune on the ocean side.

My hikes abruptly stopped on January 8, after a fall in my driveway left me with abrasions, bruises and a badly sprained foot. The following day I ended up with a cast on my right foot which needless to say has kept me from the hikes and trails. The cast is scheduled to come off on January 23 and I am hoping to get the okay from the doctor to start hiking again.

The photo above is from the observation deck atop the 50 foot dune mentioned above. From the top of the dune on clear day, the Isles of Shoals and Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine are visible.

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a birder’s paradise and during the past weeks spent there I have come to think of myself as a birder too. My heart and soul fill with sheer delight when I spot a Red Tail, Rough Legged or Harrier Hawk. And the Mute Swans simply fill my heart with radiant love.

The day before my fall my friend and I were blessed to witness the flight of four Mute Swans from the edge of the Parker River and then up and over the observation tower at Hellcat Swamp. Flying a mere 8 – 10 feet overhead, the sound of their wings beating was like the primordial beat of the mother’s heart (the Great Mother Goddess)… Thump… Thump… Thump.

Ah… but there was more… We watched their magical, mystical dance through the air as they swooped down towards the northern end of the swamp and then they rose again. Up… up… up and swirl back towards the observation tower. We stood awash in the magic of watching the swans fly overhead, not once but twice, before landing back where they started from. And we knew that their flight was a gift from the Goddess.

I maybe grounded right now from hiking (and driving) but every time I think of those swans flying overhead, I feel their blessings and I know they will be there to greet me when I return back to the Parker River Path.

Word Press ate my thoughts… I had rambled about being in the “still” and added a photo and when I hit publish all I had was a title.

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)