I recently saw a cartoon showing a funny looking woman standing on her left foot. The caption said, "The best way to start the new year on the right foot is to be standing on your left foot at midnight." Can't argue with that! When I was growing up I think it was my grandmother who always said just before New Year's, "Whatever you are doing on New Year's Day, or even just at the beginning of the year, is what you will be doing the rest of the year." That never seemed quite right, but even now, I try to start the New Year by doing something I enjoy doing, just in case. I also remember she told my mom to not wear the new underwear and socks we got for Christmas until January 1. Something about starting fresh and with a clean slate. In any case, I do tend to feel a little superstitous the first day of every year. So I set my intentions for the new year by doing something I really would like to do regularly for during the coming year. One of them is writing this blog, which, of course, I am doing. Another is working on images, capturing them with my camera, and processing them until they are subtly enhanced (if need by). I did that to. One thing I did today was to set my intention into action by taking a hike at the Citrus Heritage Park here in Riverside. The park advertised a hike for the first day of the year. Perfect! I had been to the park for a couple events, but I had never actually walked the trails of the park. So I gathered up Miguelito and Ching Ching and off we went. I am so glad I did. It was a glorious Riverside morning, cool, crisp, fresh from the rains of the past few days. The sky was a brilliant blue, the citrus trees and palms the most verdant green. The park rangers and docents were friendly and the other hikers were enthused and polite. It was a great way to begin the year with some exercise, fresh, fresh air, and going doing something I hadn't done before. Funny thing, I almost talked myself our of going. I have been doing that a lot lately; talking myself our of doing things. It just seems easier to stay home. Afterall, there is laundry to be done, etc. And who wants to be around people any way? This time I didn't listen to that voice. I listened to the quieter one. And the dogs were glad I did. You should have seen how excited they were to go. And even I felt the stirrings of enthusiasm. It was grand. So the year begins, with intention for a happy intentional new year.
1 Comment
Beth Miller
1/2/2017 10:15:20 am
Wish we could have joine you! We love Riverside for those delicious mornings and the citrus heritage around us. Thanks for sharing!
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Rob McMurray,
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