Out and About in October
Fall Rhythms: short get-aways, short bike rides, cold plunge, resting, reading a good book, finding my daily writing rhythm, walking and talks, Camino calls.
Doug and I had four days of sunshine, fishing, swimming, and eating. For most of that time, we did not see other people. We were staying at a friend’s lake house. What a lovely time of quiet and rest.
As the weather changes, it’s fun to find different ways to be outdoors. Since last month’s longer bike ride, I have just done short rides of 1-3 miles. If I need something from the library, I plan a short ride. It might not seem like much, but it is up and down hill (pretty common in Pittsburgh) and mostly in bike lanes. Even ten minutes of elevated heart rate is good for your overall cardiovascular health.
I heard from two of my subscribers (and who happen to be friends) that they wanted to do the same bike ride that I did last month. I was so happy to hear that my post had inspired the trip. Here’s some pics of their trip. You’ll notice that those panniers I found in the closet have come in quite handy! So, send me your pics if you try some of things I suggest.
Last month, I mentioned I was starting work on a memoir in poetry. I decided to pause that project, and I am now full steam ahead on an idea I mentioned in last October’s newsletter. It is more fully formed now, and the working title is “How to Die Well: A Workbook for the Living.” I have revised the introduction and completed respectable drafts on Chapters 1 through 3. It feels good to have found my rhythm with this project. I am hoping to have a full draft done by the end of the year. Watch this space for updates and excerpts. Here’s a link to the Introduction. Please bear in mind it is still in draft form.
We happen to have friends (two couples) from two different countries who are walking the Camino de Santiago (Northern Spain) right now. Here’s Lil and Darrell from Australia. We are following their journey with particular interest. This same time next year, we hope to be doing the same thing. The weather is much milder and the Way not as crowded. I find it motivating to have a trip planned so I can be working toward specific health goals. For example, I will be doing more walking and foot care in the coming months in preparation. Think about what you can/would like to plan for that will motivate you to get outside and move your body. Having a specific trip or goal is very helpful.
A book I’m reading and loving:
FROM THE FIRST PAGE:
IN APRIL OF 2020, I was asked to appear as a guest on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. With lockdown in full swing, people were home, and many had time on their hands. The host wanted to tap into the positive message of “Now might be the time to write that novel!” She invited me as one of two novelists to give advice.
The other writer, a fellow crime novelist, had a message that emphasized planning and discipline. It clearly works well for her, and I hope that those who needed that nudge heard it joyfully. It’s certainly an appealing message that’s exciting to project into the future: if I write 500 words each day, I can finish my novel in six months! If I write 1000 words a day, I could be done in three months!
I had a very different suggestion: Rest. Daydream.
Shout out to one of my cohort friends in the Doctor of Ministry and Public Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary – Garrett Mostowski. His first collection of poetry is out. Go buy it here. This is a truly memorable collection - one that stays in your heart.
FROM THE FOREWORD by Diane Glancy
Lunations is about shape. The shape of language. The shape of the past. The shape of memory. The shape of the white object that appears most nights in the sky with the thrust of its rise and fall.
Lastly, my favorite new Fall activity so far has been initiating a twice-monthly family dinner. We have been able to eat outside and enjoy the firepit after dinner. We hope to have Jacob and Merryn join us by next month. It’s been quite a few years since all the Spence family have lived in the same state/country, let alone the same city. This mama bear is overjoyed at the prospect.
So that’s all for this month – lots of writing interspersed with resting, family time, walking, and biking. Oh, did I mention, I sleep better in the Fall. Hope that’s true for you too! Maybe it’s the temperature change – how nice it is to snuggle up under a big, heavy comforter. Or maybe the reduced noise pollution from the trains that pass 200 feet from our house – the windows are now closed. Or maybe it is our innate sense to slow and move towards hibernation as the season gets colder. Whatever it is, I am loving it.
Ways to Engage
I am seeing clients one-on-one for yoga therapy or spiritual direction. You can contact me at joyogi5@gmail.com to make an appointment. I have spaces available Monday through Thursday from 1.00-4.30 pm.
If you have enjoyed either of my books, please consider leaving a short review (1-3 sentences) here or here. It really helps.
Do let me know what you are doing to stay well. As always, thank you for reading this far.
With love,
Joanne