Oasis Weekend and it's Raining
The sun is teasing through the clouds but light showers are predicted. What do you do when your house-bound? I thought of making
croissants today. (I read that Mrs.
French Fancy is touring Paris-that must have started the fantasy.) I've never attempted it because it's too great a challenge. I think the deft skill required to make a light texture for that crunchy buttery bite is beyond me-at least for now. Still, I think many of you have had success with this tempting French delight and I'd love to read your success stories. (I think I will just go and make some crunchy wheat toast!)
Yesterday, in spite of the rain, I went for a walk along the river in Bayamon.
(
Paseo Rio Bayamon) It's not that I'm so determined, I had the time to spare while my daughter was touring the estuaries and learning about water in Puerto Rico. (What happened to my umbrella?) I casually walked a 5k course, took photographs, sneezed and reassured myself that it was okay to get just a little wet. Honestly, I love walking in nature. When they opened this walking path a few years ago, I was determined to share it with my family. I'm sorry to report that to this day, my children consider these family walks a lesson in "Why I hate exercise". I remember their pleas, "It's too hot!" "Can we stop?" I would determinedly push,"Just a while longer. You will feel better soon." To this day, they think that I was too much of a boot camp mom. Sigh.
Why do I like this physical struggle and success? Maybe hiking/walking is easier for me because I'm inspired by nature. It gives me a kind of excited energy that pushes me forward. Perhaps when they get older they will appreciate the effort? For now, they only remember sweating in the bright sun and too many blood-sucking bugs. I've learned to back down and let them move at their own pace but to this day neither one of them will walk with me! On the positive side, I have enjoyed many thrilling walks with my nieces, nephews and husband. The most exciting walk was to the top of Half Dome in
Yosemite (California). It took all day to arrive and return just before dark. Again, my pushing ways were not appreciated. I distinctly remember being serenaded by bitter words and complaints about lack of drinking water. (Again- sigh...)
In my youth, I was influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau- you remember transcendent nature and
Walden Pond? I believe nature has the power to transform- it certainly revitalizes me. Still, I think I should follow the words of Emerson when it comes to pushing others to connect with nature:
Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.
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