Monday, June 10, 2013

A walk in the woods, a nap by the river.....


Hello Monday........ finding it hard to get my compass set back to Chapel Hill reality after spending the last week in the Smoky Mountains. Trying to find the words to express all that we experienced, very hard to do. I think I'l spread the posting out over a few days so as to not bore you to tears....


This is the way our trip started out. We were screaming down the interstate and a band of bikers came up beside us. This one and another one had their dogs along for the ride. This little guy had red goggles and a helmet and was strapped in nice and snug for the road trip. He looked like he was drunk with joy!



 We went on a bunch of hikes in the woods, fished in the streams, took naps, read more than I have read all year, relaxed on the porch to the sound of a gentle falling rain, ate fresh vegetables we picked up at a local produce stand, hung out at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where I bought this Appalachian Trail mug, played music, and basically took on sloth behavior, which was much needed and enjoyed by all. By the way, for the potter readers, this mug is very nice, the lip is great, beautiful amber glaze, but the handle is overkill. I am a handle girl, and this one is not my favorite, but I liked the AT symbol and since I was reading "A Walk in the Woods" while there, it seemed appropriate. If not for the AT mark, I doubt I would have bought it though...... but it is well crafted.


 I took along my long indigo cloth from Cindy at Handstories blog, and my rock from Elizabeth Bunsen, placed them on our outdoor table and as I collected rocks and sticks I added them to the cloth. It was a nice little alter for our cabin in the clouds. Wesley found this sweet little heart rock on a hike one day. I love finding heart rocks!


I took my yoga mat and woven shawl and had mornings of yoga and quiet meditation. Sometimes there was sun, sometimes we were in the clouds, but it was always beautiful no matter what.

We all slowed our rhythm and found quiet time in the land of the Cherokee. I hope we can bring this slowness home with us, the days seem so much longer when you aren't rushing around trying to do something. All three of us are feeling the winds of change, just waiting to see where they blow us....
more later
xo

16 comments:

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

Your trip sounds magical! Love the pictures. That joyous motorcycle doggie image would make a great card or poster!

Michèle Hastings said...

That's my kind of get-a-way! I am sure your whole family came home re-charged and ready to take on whatever comes next.
I read Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" many years ago and enjoyed it so much. It was the perfect book for you to take on your trip.

Lori Buff said...

I have a friend whose dog used to love to ride on the motorcycle. She had her own jacket and goggles also. As a biker, I know how these dogs feel.

Your vacation sounds wonderful. It never seems the same to sit at home and meditate as it does to be in a peaceful place in the mountains.

Unknown said...

I'm feeling it too Tracey. glad you had a great (and slow) time.

Dennis Allen said...

Glad you all had a good time.A Walk In The Woods is a great read but I'm not sure I would want to read it while camping on the trail.

Unknown said...

It sounds like an awesome vacation! I will not be bored by your photos ~ love the mountains and have the Smoky's on my long list to visit!! Blog on Sister ;)

cookingwithgas said...

oh, what a glorious picture, big sigh....
When we lived in Tenn. we often woke up in the clouds. It was amazing. I miss that feeling and how the day would burn off the clouds to give us the days, like gifts.
The mug- there are days you need that big old honking handle!
XXOO M

littlemancat said...

The first photo is amazing! Sitting in meditation looking at that would be so wonderful, just beautiful.
Happy you had time to get away together and reflect on things,
Mary

Vicki said...

Oh, love your misty mountain images Tracey! I can imagine how incredible it must've felt being amongst such beauty.
The mist has a certain "something" to it. A kind of magic.
It can feel as though the rest of the world doesn't exist - or is so far from reach - and all that matters is the immediate space around you.
I think it helps one to "go within".

It's a curious thing, the winds of change. Daunting, yet exciting. Bend and be open to them, they'll lead you where you need to go.

Looking forward to more images of your wonderful time away :)

Susan Wells said...

Looks like a sweet quiet time! I wush I could say: so I am going!

Anonymous said...

sounds heavenly
love that biker pup!
this is a Bill Bryson household
my guys have read them all
I am reading
In a Sunburned Country
prepping for turning 60 down under...

xox

Tracey Broome said...

yikes! I'm behind on reading comments, hi there everyone, and THANKS!

Amy said...

wow-- just discovered I have 20 books on my wish list. sounds like an incredible time! speaking of Monday- have you been to Moral Monday at all? I'm planning on going every week for some time until things change. great people from everywhere. sounds like something that might be of interest to you? can't believe your husband had to cover sports instead... what is happening to NC??

Tracey Broome said...

Amy, what is happening to this COUNTRY?! Sports is almost the only thing Gerry shoots anymore, it gets priority over all news stories and it's not just in NC, it's a company wide thing! Ugh
I have not been to the Monday event, I try to stay away from events like that if Gerry is shooting there, news bias and all that stuff.....

Anonymous said...

you have no idea how happy it makes me to know that bit of cloth went on a peaceful trip to the woods! i've been day dreaming of a woodsy retreat...

Tracey Broome said...

It was so cool to have it, every day I added another rock or stick, the cloth looked so much like the clouds and the mountains, it was perfect!