Noise had penetrated every nook and cranny in the house and in my head; this Mama needed a break. Grabbing my keys and my excuse to escape, the latest Netflix dvd that needed to be dropped in the mail, I headed out for just a bit.
Sliding the red envelope into the large blue box at the Post Office, I knew the five minutes that took was not nearly enough to clear my head. I steered the car in the direction of the nearest country drive, took my foot off the brake and hit the gas.
Sliding the red envelope into the large blue box at the Post Office, I knew the five minutes that took was not nearly enough to clear my head. I steered the car in the direction of the nearest country drive, took my foot off the brake and hit the gas.
Hot air whipped my wet hair (wet from my first attempt at silencing those noises that had seeped from sweet kidlets' summer fun to the inside of my brain...though a shower had not worked well enough) as I drove country roads. And then my slowly unwinding brain was jolted.
There was something on the corner that had not been there the last time I made the drive. Something that snapped me to attention. I couldn't stop looking. I pulled over and took a second to snap a pic with my old camera that I had in my purse.
Admittedly, the picture doesn't do this sculpture of Los Olmos, created by artist Edwin Hamilton justice. You can see a better photograph of his installation at the Petaluma Arts Center by Scott Hess here.
A country drive, some solo time, and the stark surprise of stone sculpture created from granite, Basalt, Limestone, and Travertine in the middle of an open, wild space was exactly the fresh air the inside of my head needed.
What snaps you to attention? What clears your head? What's your go-to method for capturing a bit of peace?
Still searching for that thing that clears my head lol but your country drive and newness inspired photo shoot sounds pretty great to me!
ReplyDeleteThe noise in my brain, oh how I can relate. Sending everyone out of the house and sitting down on the couch with a book and a cup of coffee. That usually works for me, as long as I turn off the computer too.
ReplyDeleteHi thanks for popping by, I am now google friend following you, Karima x
ReplyDeletewww.karimascrafts.com
I love drives when I need a clear head! And I love it when I find something cool on those trips!
ReplyDeleteI love nothing more than fresh air, quiet and a good book!
ReplyDeleteLong, lone drives are usually fantastic to clear my head. Very interesting looking sculptures.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from TRDC weekly linkup.
my shower is my mecca. Stopping by form TRDC.
ReplyDeleteOh the noise... I hear ya. I just finished reading "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" for bedtime stories tonight and there's a line that I always chuckle at: "Oh the noise! The noise noise NOISE NOISE!"
ReplyDeleteEven on the days I go to work (as a pediatrician), I can't escape the noise. =) For me, I think gardening has provided good momentary getaways, probably because of the dose of fresh air that comes with it. A country drive sounds better to me though.
That sculpture is just beautiful. My head clearer is a walk in the park or anywhere near nature. Problem is, my health doesn't really allow me to do this as often as I need it, so my hubby and I are working on creating some calming space in our yard!! :)
ReplyDeleteA nice long walk and getting fresh air is my go to method! Stopping by from TRDC. :-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes just going outside and breathing in the air.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I really need an escape, I just have to go to the beach. I grew up on the beach and am never quite whole unless I'm near the ocean. The "bigness" of the ocean tends to put my troubles in perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic share, Kare! I love your coping skills AND keen observation! You should do a guide book for Sonoma County Backroads - mommy therapy style! {!}
ReplyDeleteso lovely, it reminds me of dragging my husband (then fiance)around a sculpture trail in the lake district and the always fresh suprise of finding the next 1! i loved that day and loved your post as well. so glad i stopped by from the rdc linkup. am going to follow as i love the sentiment of your blog and meeting a mummy who isnt afraid to run when her head needs clearing! x
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