Dance Expression

 

When was the last time you danced? I mean really danced. Uninhibited and care free. I danced like I've never danced before at a women's new year movement ritual, led by Stacey Butcher. I was invited by a friend and I really didn't know what to expect, although I knew I was about to embark on an interesting new experience. The timing was perfect, I'm always excited to try new things, especially with the start of a new year. We were asked to wear white clothing, which represented our clean white canvas which lies ahead of us in the new year. As we dance we step out of the old and into the new, setting intention through our movement. I arrived at the studio, the setting was beautiful, a wooden dance floor with lit candles all around the perimeter. I had the pleasure of meeting a few of the ladies while waiting to check in, they were experienced dancers or Rhythms practitioners. The women looked like angels in their white as they stretched and glided across the floor. I could sense their confidence, passion and love for dance. I felt welcomed but I anticipated the unknown of what was behind the curtain.  

We warmed up on the dance floor. Some warmed up gracefully like dancers, using the rail mounted to the wall to assist, some stretched using yoga moves, some stretched with tai chi moves, very fluid. I stretched like a runner, basic stretching without fancy frills. The music played and the dance party began. Forty or so women ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s expressing themselves through dance. The music was perfectly choreographed for the evening, it invited whole body expression. I began to move to the music, feeling a bit shy but also wanting to be authentic and in the moment. We were encouraged to move out of our one single spot and move into the open space in the room. At first I worried about getting into someone else’s space or bumping into someone. Feeling a little awkward still, I needed to find my happy place, my comfort zone. I began visualizing hiking along a trail, moving in a forward direction. Okay, this isn't so bad, I'll just do what I know, and I continued to hike incorporating my arms, feeling the music, hiking like I've never hiked before, with my whole body. The music changes and I am shedding off the old, another song and I am shedding off the anger, no wait, it’s not anger, its intent. I have intention, I have purpose. I am on the right path. Another song, I'm so happy, others are happy around me, I see it in their dance. I want to celebrate, I am celebrating. Another song, just swaying to the music, just wanting to take it all in. Others around me are dancing around the room, shedding, clearing, some just sway, some pause, some stretch. Another song, I am a princess, I am silly, I am having fun and I am surrounded by fun, but only for a moment. The music changes, I feel tribal, dancing to the rhythm of the drum. I am in a tribe, there is joy, celebration, pain and suffering, I feel it, I hear it, I see it, and it’s going to be okay. We are a village, there is support, acceptance and love.

  " Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body."   - Martha Graham

 

 

 

Decide to Ride

When I reached the top of the paved road I was greeted at the trailhead by a hiker who said to me, “That was quite a climb! You used your heart, lungs and mind.” I replied, while gasping for air, “Yes, all of the above!” Pretty ironic he said those words to me on this particular day because this was the day I had made the decision to make it up a steep section that I like to refer to as Heinous Hill. I can ride it while in my worst bike shape and I can hike-a-bike up it in my best bike shape. So what gives? Why can I ride it some days but not on other days? The answer is simple. It all comes down to making a choice.

Some days I choose to climb, some days I choose to quit. On the days when I decide to quit, as soon as it starts to get challenging I put my foot on the ground. If I think about how hard it’s going to be then I give myself permission to quit. Other days I fool myself into thinking I’m going to climb it but I neglect to set myself up for success. And knowing I am not properly prepared, somehow makes it okay to quit.

So how do I set myself up for success? First, I make the decision to DO IT, this is an important step, because once I’ve made the decision to do it, then my mind isn’t consumed with thoughts of negativity. But that’s not all it takes. I also need to prepare myself by lowering my seat, switching gears, and drinking water. I focus on my breathing pattern, which prevents any mind chatter from sneaking in. I pull strength from deep inside to power me through. My eyes are focused slightly ahead but not too far ahead toward the upcoming obstacles. I allow nothing to stand in my way, not the rocks, not the ruts, and not the narrow line. I’m committed, I’m breathing, I’m in the moment. I’m doing it!

Victory is right around the corner, never give up! 

 

Recycle Poem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You say you care about our future

But you won't recycle...

Throw back another bottle,

toss it in the trash,

Smash another can.

You say our love is worth saving

But you won't recycle...

You refuse my love,

reuse old lies,

Our love is rotting.

You say let's bring us back

But you won't recycle...

Waste another kiss,

burn love letters,

written with my tears,

on recycled paper.

Turns to ash,

then to dust,

your heart continues to rust.

Life, re-birth, fueled by mother earth, my fire burns and I no longer yearn for your careless ways.

Written By: Deann MacDonald

I wrote this originally as song lyrics, but I really don't know the first thing about composing music. When I first began to write this piece, I did not intend for it to come out angrily like it sounds. I guess I was in a mood and annoyed with a certain non-recycler and it just came through in my writing. Although these words are not intended for the non-recycler I mention. The photo is from a school field trip that I went on as a volunteer parent. The field trip inspired me to start worm composting and buy glass, reusable milk bottles. 

 

Lessons from the Mountain

What I learned from Mt. Whitney...

Never underestimate the rigidness of highly traveled "Main Trail."

You may meet a trail angel before you even reach the trailhead.

Carry more than one wag bag, you never know who might need one.

Always have your camera ready, the view, the lighting and the mood changes with each step you take.

Take most of your pictures climbing up, and turn around every once in a while to take pictures behind you. You might not have the energy or desire to take pictures upon your descent.

If eating at the Portal Store, one pancake order can feed four hungry hikers and no one should eat six pieces of bacon at one time, even if you are about to, or did hike to the top of Whitney.

Pack light, your pack gets heavier as you climb higher. On summit day, carry the necessities and nothing more.

You are going to get stinking up there, essential oils, wipes and lavender dryer sheets are light luxury items.

When at altitude pack comfort foods , like chicken and mashed potatoes instead of spicy ethnic foods. Hot oatmeal with blueberries warms you up in the morning. Bring extra tea bags.

Listen to the advice and stories of other hikers, you may learn something or be inspired.

Clouds are attracted to mountains, summit early and get back down, it's not worth the risk. And at the first sign of rain, stop and put on the rain gear.

Be flexible with your itinerary, especially when being advised by Doug at the Portal. Doug knows Whitney.

You will experience highs and lows and you will feel elation and pain.

You will feel others highs and lows and you will feel others elation and pain.

Each step calls for concentration, consciousness and care. One bad step could end badly.

Listen to your climbing partner’s words and listen to their unspoken words.

Take time to meditate on the mountain.

Feel the strength of your surroundings. The mountains are alive.

The journey doesn't end on the mountain, the journey continues after you return home and for as long as you open yourself up to feel it.  

Thank you Bethany, Jenny & Kelly for the fabulous adventure!

Mt. Whitney Climb – Main Trail, September 12–15,  2013

Deann at the summit, elevation 14,505'

Nature Speaks by: Heather Ostrowski

My friend Heather Ostrowski posted this story on her Facebook page. I asked her if I could post it to my blog as my Mother’s Day post. Thank you Heather for sharing.


Deer sighted during my Walker Creek tour Feb 2013

A few months ago, I was seeing deer everywhere I went, randomly. My wise friend said that deer represent patience, and SO TRUE, at that moment I was needing to be reminded to be patient, a lot.



Coyote sighting on 40th birthday in Yosemite 2008
 

Then, a few weeks later, in the same spot I had seen one of the deer, I saw a red fox, run across the street. NO ONE believes me, in Novato, a red fox. The meaning of a red fox is around a wise messenger, happened to be at the time my daughter has ALL SORTS of pre-teen questions! Us moms ARE wise messengers!

Bunny sighting Coast Camp Summer 2009, Camping with Kids

Then today, driving down the SAME ROAD, a wild rabbit HOPS ACROSS THE ROAD, now this is a BUSY STREET... I looked up the meaning, and the one I could associate best with was Spring Celebration of Life. We all get wrapped up in the hub bub of life, and frustrations, and forget to enjoy it!

GOOD REMINDER! So friends, please all remember to celebrate your life TODAY! And look around at what Mother Nature is trying to tell you. (Too much?)

“Look deep into NATURE…

And then YOU will understand everything better” –Albert Einstein

The Wind

Son Nolan Flying a Kite April 2013

As the soft breeze gives life to the trees.

As a forced gust gives flight to a wounded wing.

Guiding the kite while bringing joy to a child.

As Mother Nature expresses her powers, creating illusions of art forms in the sky.

Delicately placing seeds of wildflowers in a lonely meadow.

Giving Northerly attention to our Nations stars and stripes.

Composing music, freeing the windsurfer to dance across the waters.

Carrying soft whispers...

Nolan and his buddy relaxing while kite flying April 2013

I

Love

You

Clinton.

 

Written in 1997 for my then boyfriend, now husband Clinton. Clinton was an avid windsurfer when we first met. He helped me discover my true passion and love for adventure.

Walk a Mile In My Shoes

Walk a mile in my shoes.

See what I see.

Hear what I hear. Feel what I feel.

THEN, MAYBE you'll

understand why I do what I do.

Till then, don't judge me.

 

Yosemite - below Vernal Falls 2011

Pillsbury Lake 2012 - owner identified*

Pismo Beach 2010

Stinson Beach - Parking Lot 2013

 I don't know what it is about random shoe sightings that I have encountered during my adventures. I find them to be curious, mysterious and forlorn. I can't help but to wonder who the person was wearing the shoe, where the shoe had traveled, how the shoe got left behind, and what became of the other mate? The shoes above where found and photographed in there original locations. They were perhaps forgotten, swept away by the surf, washed away in the tumbling rapids, lost and abandoned and never to be worn again. I can only hope that these expired shoes that once lived an adventurous life with their mates can somehow find peace and solitude as single shoe.

*Duct tape fip-flops at Lake Pillsbury were still being worn by their owner at the time the photo was taken, current status of flip-flops is unknown.