Solitary songster’s
impromptu outdoor concert
rustling leaf maracas.
Over the last couple of months I’ve been taking part in a writing class in Oregon City. Since the class doesn’t start until 1 pm I’ve been leaving my house early on those days to get out and explore the surroundings and neighborhoods of this town.
This walk led me through some incredibly peaceful and enchanting woods right in town. The earth in this neighborhood has been moving and shifting with landslides according to a woman I encountered on this hike. This road/trail used to be open to vehicle traffic until the earth shifted again and the road dropped in several spots. Between some slippery moss and the very uneven trail in places I really had to watch my step.
It was remarkably silent the entire walk, even though it wasn’t that far from civilization!
The song sparrow to my delight sat in the tree and sang to his heart out.
Soon I want to return!
Do you have a tranquil oasis near you?
Sabine
in cahoots with muddy boots 
so lovely. yes, i do have more than one near me, and they are often my happy places to visit
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Thanks Beth! Quiet places are harder to find around here anymore! Im glad you have some in your neighborhood!
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Loved the pictures! The serenity really comes through. I also especially liked the maracas imagery with the song sparrow. Nice!
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Thanks Anne! I’m glad you liked this! The scenery wasn’t at all what I expected when I hit the trail, so it was a pleasant surprise to find myself “removed” from the world, yet just so close to the bustling activities of smallish city life! I’m planning on going back soon with a good friend of mine. Thanks for visiting!
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Beautiful, and I can feel the peacefulness through your photos. Yes, I have a park I walk to almost everyday. The birds put on quite a concert which is punctuated by the raptors. Have a great week, Sabine.
Side note: are you still taking Pat’s writing class? If so, please say “hello” from me.
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Hey Missy! The writing class isn’t with Pat. The instructor is a local author who teaches these courses for free. She is giving us all the insights on how to improve your writing, structure a story/novel, developed characters, etc.. I’ve enjoyed every class and learned a ton. She also alerted us to a fabulous one day conference on writing “Compose” at Clackamas Community College. Marlene and I attended. We each to several different, and some of the same workshops. All of this was put together by local authors and teachers, and of course some of the students. For 20 bucks it was a fantastic deal and opportunity! It’s an annual event and you should consider attending next year! Check it out at their website.
I haven’t been getting any post notifications from your blog. Are you taking it easy or is it on my end? I know others have had issues getting notifications! I hope all is well with you and that your garden is thriving! 🙋
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What a great opportunity for you and Marlene – and you for the weekly classes. I’d very much be interested in hearing about next year’s class. Let me know.
Hmmm on the post notifications, although it has been a couple weeks since I posted. I’ve had a lot going on, and writing seems to slip through the cracks at times. My best intentions to get things put down on paper don’t always come to fruition.
Take care!
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Yes, I feel fortunate to have opportunities like these and fabulous friends like Marlene and you! I will remember to give you a shout-out next year for the Compose Conference! It would be fun to see you there! 😊
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Agreed 😊
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👍
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Wonderful shots! Especially like the mushrooms! 🙂
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Thanks Tom! Your blog posts always inspire me to look at more details! The mushrooms were the only ones I came across that day! 😊
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Your photos are incredible! You’ve captured so much detail! I love the mud!
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Thanks Ali! It was such a magical morning walking through these woods!
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All the city hidden parks are my oasis. I haven’t gotten to all of them yet.
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It’s great that all cities big and small have spaces for us to unwind and get away from the rat race! I imagine there are some really nice parks in NYC!
I hope all is well with you Trudy! 🙋
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What a deliciously mossy place it is. I love the way trees in damp places gather microcosms on their trunks.
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Deliciously mossy! I love that! Lots of rain in the Pacific Northwest gives us all kinds of lush green places to explore. One other thing is that the air is crisp and fragrant with all things woodsy!
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Your Beautiful photos took me back to memories of home. I grew up exploring the world from southeast Portland, but have lived in southern Oregon for the past 20+ years. Thank you!
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You’re welcome Karen! Southern Oregon is beautiful as well! I’ve been down there many times and love the scenery there as much as up here. You have the better weather and less traffic congestion! Portland’s changed so much in the 13 years I’ve been here that in moments I don’t recognize it anymore. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
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Right, it is a trade off. Every time I go back to PDX for a visit it feels like home, but oh — the traffic! And so many people!
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Love your haiku. To answer your question, yes, I have two within walking distance. One is a park across the street with two adjoining lakes. We walk there almost every day. I love seeing how it changes season to season. There is also a nature center about a mile from our home. It is small, I think the longest trail is only a mile and a half, but it has a stream running through it and lots of wild life. In fact my back yard is an oasis I guess. Even though we live in a neighborhood, there are lots of old trees here and lots of wild life treks by from time to time. This morning it was a raccoon. Yesterday a doe and her little fawn. Answering your question made me smile. 🙂
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We are grateful for our backyard oasis too! And having nature close by is so important in this fast and furious world! Glad this made you smile! 🙋
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By the way, how are you enjoying your writing class?
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