Thursday, January 21, 2016

Narrative writing practice: My little corner of the earth.


In my family there is a turn of phrase that is often used. “Every storm runs out of rain.” We use it as a form of encouragement with one another when life seems to be taking its’ toll. There is a place in the area that is very dear to me which in my opinion freezes time and helps create just such an opportunity for serenity and mindfulness. It is a little corner of the earth where the air sparkles with mischief and calm. The manifestation of dichotomy: Where the mouth of the rushing river meets the mighty power of the Salish sea. Seated in the sands of time here it is hard not to visualize all of the generations of children who have climbed this very coastline; Catching fish, crawdads, swimming and communing joyfully in a place that is free from any struggle. The crisp air is fresh in your nostrils with just a tinge of salt and kelp. When you exhale you can almost taste the dank shade of earth and moss across your palette. Breathing in your surroundings you may well become overwhelmed with the colors that the environment evokes. Sharp green leaves, with dark rich peat brown; Blues and golds as the sun hits the water; the silver lining of the clouds as they cover the trees is unmistakable. You can see and even feel the two mighty waters rushing to meet one another in an embrace as old as their friendship. If you recline with your face toward the tributary, the panoramic view is unlike any other place in the world. To the left you can see the valley unfold itself all the way to the cascade mountains. Behind you are trees, bushes and fields gently cradling you into this place of womb-like, comfortable isolation. To the right: the broad and sweeping waters of the sea; powerful grey-blue frothy waves come barreling haughtily into the lands where my bones belong. The rocks and drift wood on the bank briny, sun baked and water worn; clank against each other to tell the story of all of that has happened under their guardianship. Each gleaming ripple in the sand a silent homage to eons of experiences. The sedimentary stones show-off their layers. All of the eras of pressure and struggle joined together to form a beautiful and ageless, powerful wonder. It would be a challenge to marvel in all of the majesty here and not feel whole. The waters here are my own lifeblood and sometimes while enjoying the silt against my scalp I think that I may just feel the restorative influence of salmon returning to their home in my veins. From the berries to the sun, from the clear water to the sea, everything about this place is fecund and sacred. This little cove is in every way a place of peaceful worship.




I commented on Validia's blog and on Kim's blog

8 comments:

  1. Amazing! You're so good with words, and I absolutely love the quote. Mainly because of how tough my life has been for me ever since I got sick over two years ago so I struggle with severe general anxiety. Love this :)

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    1. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, and I'm sorry that you struggle with anxiety. I have worked in the behavioral health field for several years now and I know how hard that can be. Good on you for continuing on despite the challenges, it is a brave and wonderful path you're forging. Not everyone can do what you're doing so I hope that you are proud of your accomplishments! For what it's worth, I'm proud of you too!

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  2. You are great with your words, and I look forward to reading your work. It was very descriptive and I could picture such detail in your location.

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    1. Thank you Shelbee, I appreciate your support. I really enjoy reading your work as well, we have quite the group of writers in this class!

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  3. This is amazing! You are so descriptive and I really feel like I am there! Looking forward to reading your essay!

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    1. Thank you Validia! I loved your work as well! I can't wait to read everyone's essays it should be time enjoyably spent!

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  4. This is beautiful! I loved how you personified the ocean hitting the shore, the rocks, the beauty in your writing. This is a gorgeous scene and truly excellent use of show vs. tell details.

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    1. Thank you very much, I appreciate your words of encouragement and your feedback!

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