winter

Downtown, #73

jpallen City Life , , 2 Comments

I stop and take a photo of a couple sitting outside the coffee shop downtown.  It had just been snowing and I think to myself, “A snow-shower would have been a nice addition.” (It had been snowing during most of my walk).

I walk by their table and notice two Canon cameras and strike up a conversation.

The couple say they are out taking pictures for the day. We talk about the Palouse and I find out they are only here for a month, finishing some work at Washington State University, and have a desire to be back in the big city.

They notice my FUJIFILM X100S with its bent sunshade and scratches.  I instantly think of the many miles I’ve walked with it hanging from my shoulder and I wonder what bends and scratches their cameras will one day show?

As I get ready to leave there is an uncomfortable pause. I think because of the inability to shake hands, because of COVID. After it passes we share a slight head bow, smiles, and a friendly wave goodbye.

Turning in the night
my head finds the pillow–
between dreams

Late January, #70

jpallen City Life, Nature Life , , , 2 Comments

1

Walking, walking. /

When I search online for the benefits of walking, I find many good reasons to take up this healthy habit.

I have been thinking about walking since spending a week at the beach in late December. Each day I woke, ate, walked, rested, ate, walked, ate, rested, and slept.

When I returned home, I asked, “Why is walking not a thing I just do, like eating and sleeping?”

So that is what I did. I’ve been walking on my lunch hour at work three to three and half miles and longer on the weekends. I do feel I am reaping the health benefits that are listed online, both physically and mentally. I am happier when I am at work, home, or doing the shopping. I

Another benefit that has occurred to me is the experience of seeing the world around me. The one right here that I miss when I am hurrying from one thing to the next, regardless of my mode of travel. The one right here that is alive as I, right under my nose: the creeks, the trees, the grasses, and the people with whom I share a “hello.”

I wonder if this is the thing that makes me happier: not only seeing and experiencing the world around me while walking, but also knowing that I am part if it, taking care of it, no matter where I am.

On the old bridge rail
receding snow snakes across, 
droplets fall below

2

Wintertime grasses
seemingly slip by the creek
dredged in morning’s snow

3

Creek crackled sun beam
sparkles under the overpass
a break in the clouds

Mid January, #68

jpallen City Life , , , 6 Comments

1

Gazing out the window
wintering sage blossoms white…
with morning’s frozen dew

2

“Wait……wait……wait,” from the speaker box. ‘

Waiting to cross the street, I see a gentleman through the traffic walking towards me on the block up ahead. 

A “chirp……chirp……chirp” fills the air signaling it is safe to walk.  I check the traffic and go.
As the gentleman and I get closer, I notice the contrast in our clothes:  I in a down parka, gloves, wool hat and mask and he in a short sleeve button up and a disheveled paper mask.  We meet at the curb, his cheeks show a smile while he gives a muffled “Hello”.  I return the smile and a muffled, “Hi.”

From behind the mask, “Let me tap the crossing button for you.” 

“Thank you.”

“Wait……wait…..wait.”

In the water’s flow
the rising full-moon
dances

3

The old tin building
along the abandoned railroad…
mimics the winter sky

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