Monday, August 6, 2012

Soul Happiness

There's a saying "busy hands, happy heart" which I totally agree with.  I enjoy crocheting and crafting each and every day, but what about soul happiness?  For that, I need quiet time -- which I am getting a lot of -- and I need to move.  It hit me this morning.  Enough is enough.  I need to walk.
So with blue skies back and despite the heat (115 degrees), I drank a big glass of water and then headed out; something I haven't done since our walks in Sri Lanka a month ago. 
Just down the street I was surprised to see a few moss roses since mine at home aren't blooming at all.
I spied this bunch of bougainvillea in three different colors blooming next to an empty lot. 
Always nice to see that homeowners have created an oasis around their property when so many would rather build a bigger house than have any green space.
After 15 minutes of walking, I was already beginning to feel thirsty, but during Ramadan, drinking and eating in public is not allowed.
I was going to head home but got to thinking about all those people in desert countries who have to walk miles and miles just to retrieve a bucket of water.  Do they have water to drink while they are making that trek every day?
So I pushed on a little further.
The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose. 
(Charles Dickens)
I hope your week is off to a great start!

29 comments:

Linda said...

I love this so much, your perspective, your photos, the fact that you walked when it was 115, you're amazing!

I know what you mean about walking - it's such a wonderful, soulful experience. You inspire me to push on through our heat and keep walking - I love that time.

I also love what you shared of course about having more green space and less of a house. That's us, lol, with our 1200 square foot ranch with a good-size yard. I enjoy the yard more than the house many times.

Well, I need to get off the computer and get ready as I hear Sarah is already in the shower preparing for a rigorous day of Marching Band Camp. Her first day of that. School in 2 weeks. Hope you are savoring your remaining summer days as well, which it looks like you always do. I appreciate that about you.

Have a wonderful week,
Linda

Elna said...

Great pictures and so nice with som flowers. Always good to take a walk. Have a fine day.

Hugs
Elna

Maya Kuzman said...

Well, here's as hot as hell too, so the heats troubles me a lot. Instead of walking I exercise for about 40-50 minutes. I do aerobics and I have amazing results!
Love your photos and admire your persistence and determination !

val said...

well said! I need to get back to walking too...but don't know when that will be......
I love your photos and insight...

Dreaming of Vintage said...

I always fo so much better after a walk, energized and refreshed. Great quote be C. Dickens.
Hugs,
Kelly

Susan said...

Good for you walking in 115 degrees, Tammy. Don't you have a YMCA of sorts that has a pool? Swimming is wonderful, too, and would be so much more refreshing in that hot clime. I just came back from my first swim of the week and feel great. Susan

Wanda said...

115 ~ you are a trooper!! You pictures are lovely. I'm sitting in a cool room with a fan, watching you in the heat...What's wrong with that picture haha.

I so enjoying your blog. So glad we made the connection.

Heather - The Good Life said...

Sounds like a lovely walk in spite of the heat. Have a great week. Heather

Lori ann said...

i feel the same as you tammy, and must get outside, on a trail, or the beach often. it balances my life the way nothing else can. i was glad to see the green there, and shade, which must have been a relief in the heat. good for you walking in such extreme temps, take good care :)

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,

Rewarding enough for the benefits of walking + viewing some nice blooms and green! It is uplifting to see people putting money and effort into creating a little 'paradise' around their home. That's food for the soul too and 0 calories!
Enjoy what you're doing and yes, you are so right. We can endure a lot more, we always want to 'still' all our food and thirst cravings but the majority of the world's people don't have that luxury!
Hugs and love to you,
Mariette

nanny said...

It's so hard to believe you found such pretty blooms in that heat.

I do love that Dicken quote!

Dagmar said...

How respectful of you Tammy, love hearing what you do in your part of the world..such a contrast...puts everything into perspective! Happy and joyful day to you across the world❤

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

I always enjoy seeing the beautiful pictures that you take along your walks. It's so interesting to me to see your town. I'd never get to see it otherwise. So thank you. :)

I think we don't always think about those who have it harder than we do. But you are right, those who walk for miles to get water probably don't have any with them on the journey there. It's kind of like you walked a mile in their shoes today! That's pretty cool.

Blessings always

koralee said...

Oh thank you for sharing these lovely photos...wow it is hard to believe that you can walk in that heat. Thank you for all your lovely comments you always leave me. xox Hope it cools down some this week for you.

Marilyn said...

you are so disciplined Tammy...put most of us to shame. it's so uplifting to come here and read your positive posts...
:)

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Excuse me Ma'am, but exactly where is the scarf you talked about in the comments on my blog? I'd love to see it. It sounds very fancy. :)

Blessings always

Pam said...

I admire you for walking in the heat. I just returned from a visit to our Intergenerational Center here in Mesa to check out their indoor track. I miss walking but I'm not comfortable in this heat (we are about the same as you- over 110 all week). I'll start walking at the center tomorrow. I also found out that it is free because I have Silver Sneakers as a part of my health insurance. A nice surprise. They have lots of other activities but I'll start with walking.

Wildflowerhouse said...

Well Tammy we hit 99 degrees here in the foothills this weekend. It really hit me and I thought of you, so here I am. Reading about your walk in 115 degrees. LOL I love all your photos and yes it is nice to see some people planting. Trees lots of trees, YES! I love your kitty Jingles. What a character. Take care and stay cool.

Cat said...

I can't believe how hot the weather is for you there I can understand why it has been hard to get outside but then it is so worth it when you do. To breath in the fresh air and to be greeted with beautiful flowers along the way is definitely good for the soul. I hope that you enjoy your day. :)

Phyllis said...

I love to walk but the only walking I do is back and forth from one end of my office building to the other.

When I was a teenager, the first thing I did after school was go for a long walk. Of course, I walked almost everywhere back then.

Where I live now, there are no sidewalks and only country roads where I'm as likely to be squashed like a bug by a passing vehicle as I am anything.

Good for you for pushing yourself. It's a good thing!

Catherine said...

What a terrific walk it looked to be Tammy! Can you imagine walking and walking and not having the luxury of water to drink.

Wishing you a beautiful week ~ hope it cools down a bit for you!
xo Catherine

Kit said...

Way to go! I really need to get myself up and going in spite of our heat. If you can do it so can I. Kit

Createology said...

You are so on target with your walking and moving about. Your observations are what I enjoy...it is the little things in life. Happy Healthy Smiles to you dear...

Unknown said...

You are reminding me of myself when it's winter here and rains for days on end. I love to get out for a walk too - but the weather can make me hide in the house! I love what you did - 115 degrees - wow! You go girl!

Tanna said...

You are i.n.s.p.i.r.a.t.i.o.n! And, your needs for your soul mirror my own. The appreciation you have for your surroundings make my heart smile. {{big hugs}} blessings ~ tanna

suziqu's thread works said...

Hi Tammy thank you for sharing these images and your wonderful walk. You are an inspiration!
Hugs to you there,
Suzy

Mrs. Micawber said...

Walking IS good for the soul - even in 115 degree weather! I'm glad you got out. Isn't it amazing that plants can survive and bloom in such heat? Thanks for the photos. :)

Yvonne said...

It's triple digits here too and I haven't been walking like I used to. Hope it cools off soon!

Sam I Am...... said...

You are a better woman than I! I can't take the heat anymore...I agree though that it is good for you in more ways than physical health....mental health also. I think nature is there for us to enjoy and to soothe us. And as soon as it gets cooler here I'll be back walking! But you're right sometimes you just have to "head out" regardless!

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