a walk in the park

A Walk in the Park

They say a change is as good as a rest. I believe it is true. Nothing is more tiring than the drone of the same day in and day out. There is security but no rest in monotony. Though I hate the thought of venturing out of my cocoon, I do. It’s good to change my posture and get some fresh air.

Since I’ve had Sheba, I’ve been walking daily, and twice daily when I was single with her. I haven’t missed more than a handful of days in 14 years. I thought that I would/could keep up my daily walks even without her. But I haven’t. Now it is 5 1/2 months that she’s gone. In the warmth of summer I had my bike rides to the community garden. It’s been a month or more since I’ve started going back to the gym. It’s still not enough. I miss my walks.

The thought of solo walks was not inviting but I bit the bullet. I started yesterday when the weather was not so nice. Once out, there’s nothing else to do. You walk, taking one step after another until you are home again. It’s that simple. Today was much nicer. 2 degrees Celsius and the sun was bright and shining. It made for lighter steps. I had a moment or two of sadness, missing Sheba. Where there used to be 2 shadows, there’s now one. I walked through our neighbourhood park. Kids on the tire swings, squealing with delight and two little dogs running like mad, chasing each other.

It’s wonderful to be out in nature even though it’s just a city park. There’s the sky, sun and the trees. Not exactly a forest but it will do. And if I close my eyes, I’m out there amid the trees and grass with Sheba.

Monday evening. It is 9 pm. I can still see blue in the sky. The garden looks so green beneath. The flower boxes on the deck took a beating from the hard driving rains from a few days ago, especially the nasturtiums. I did some rescue work. Hope they will revive.

I’ve had a most exquisite day. I decided to get off my usual treadmill just for today. A rest is as good as a change. I am tired from the last few days. My mind was going like a ticker tape parade, random thoughts spewing in the air. Do this. Do that. Then do this and that some more. My mind was in a frenzy. I recognized that I had to stop thinking and not do any of that. I’ve learned this much in being mindful this month of the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

Nine days left in July. I will be glad to be finished with the challenge. I value the discipline it has given me. Each day I try to focus and refocus on what my goals are. I try to stay on track and on the subject. It’s so easy to get distracted, stray and given up. Stepping off my usual Monday routine and not going to my exercise class is a good and right thing for me today. I spent quality time with Sheba today. The guy is away this week. Sheba and I are on our own. She is missing him. I loathe to leave her alone. Yes, I think I am the one with separation anxiety.

We got our exercise, fresh air and vitamin D on our morning walk. The sun was bright and warm by 9 am. The park was busy with other dogs, people and kids on swings and bikes. We tried to smell the roses as best we can. Sheba got excited a few times. I had to discipline her a few times. She is more receptive now that she is older. She will be 13 in a few weeks.