There’s something special about a forest after the rain. The clouds even sense it and dip into the tree tops, trailing gentle white fingers through the needles.
I couldn’t resist going outside when I saw this through my window. I pulled myself away from my computer and a story that keeps wanting to be written and walked a bit. It’s always a wonderful surprise to find that I when I step out my door I’m immediately in a place that offers so much: chilled air to freshen my face, a canyon filled with redwoods to make my writer-eyes relax, a creek that plays like lovely music along my path.
I returned to my computer and a new chapter came as if I’d already written it. The truth is that the fresh air and the forest and the creek next to the path wrote that chapter. I was only the secretary.
This is my first grateful post of the year. There will be more because I have so much to be grateful for.
And you? What are you grateful for, readers? We’re a diverse lot, so it would be wonderful to know what gives you joy and what you appreciate most. If you write, where do you gather your inspiration?
Catherine A. Winn says
Beautiful photo. that would inspire the writer in me to keep working for sure!
Nikki says
What a stunning view!!
nanmarino says
What a magical place you live near, Lee. I'm grateful for so many things. At this moment, I'm especially grateful for wonderful writing friends who remind me how important it is to be grateful.
MG Higgins says
You do live in a beautiful spot, Lee. And it's obviously magical since it writes chapters for you! I'm grateful for so much in my life. When I read about people in the world living in refugee camps, in the midst of wars, in horrible poverty, I'm thankful for my roof, my toilets, my refrigerator, and the food in the refrigerator. Thanks for the reminder. (I need to venture outside more!)
Andrea Mack says
I think it's so important to take time for those peaceful breaks to appreciate nature. I'd like to take more of those in 2011. Sometimes "doing nothing" is productive.
I'm grateful that I'm still excited about learning and improving my writing, and for the connections I'm making through reading interesting blog posts!
Darby Karchut says
What a painting you've created with your words, Lee! The out-of-doors is such a blessing to creative types. I especially like the line: "I was only the secretary."
Spot on!
DazyDayWriter says
Oh, Lee, I can see how that scene pulled you outside … and for good reason. Pausing to be with nature is such good medicine. I also love the idea of a "gratitude post" … excellent way to bring the positive into focus. At this moment, I'm grateful for friends, Noah, my ability to write a sentence, and for the spiritual growth that inspires me each day. I also look to nature for inspiration; and silence; and music. Sometimes I listen to Eckhart Tolle or simply gaze at a photo that holds dear memories. Thanks for your blog, Lee; it is lovely.
Marcia says
Gorgeous photo! Imagine being able to step into all that just by leaving your computer. Walking so helps with ideas!
I'm grateful for so many things, but family is first, last and always.
Julie Musil says
That photo is beautiful! When I'm stuck, I love talking a walk through the trails that surround our house (unless it's rattlesnake season…shudder).
I'm thankful for this writing journey. Seriously.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I knew you would all have lovely things in your lives to be grateful for. You certainly do.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
You live in a lovely place for inspiration. Some of my inspiration comes from where I live as well. We have acres of mesquite trees, a pond, and deer, along with birds. When I'm having trouble with a scene, I go for a walk.
Bish Denham says
Beautiful photo Lee. I'm grateful for all the wonderful blogger friends who have encouraged me to keep going even though I've doubted whether I should or not.
Theresa Milstein says
I love when a scene unfolds, and all I can do is keep my fingers typing fast enough to keep up with the words. That is something to be grateful for.
There have been many sources of inspiration. I can't pinpoint just one. Glad you found yours.
Lisa Gail Green says
That's so beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful year ahead filled with inspiration.
Kelly says
Wow! Beautiful. Glad you took a break and enjoyed nature which turned out even better for your story!
I'm so grateful for my family. My kids give me such joy and my favorite thing to do is laugh or snuggle with them.
I'd say they are inspirations and just life experiences and books in general.