Romero Pools with Krissy January 4th, 2020

Krissy and myself, left to right 

My friend Krissy is a Minnesota mamma. But when I first met her we were both living in the Pacific North West. The first time we talked we were new students at Portland State University and together we attended the new grad school student picnic. The picnic was held at a park filled with so many shades of green and a pond. The park is called Laurelhurst Park in Portland Oregon. Oregon is not a place you need to hunt for water it often comes for you. Our first bonding moment was the shared need for book shelves. Years later we are  no longer students, we have all we need, including the book shelves and our friendship. 

  

As it was Krissy's first trip to Arizona I wanted to share something special with her. So the hike we went on was, Romero Pools in
 Catalina State Park. 

Saguaro 

At the beginning of the hike the seasonal Sutherland Wash was flowing so we took off our socks and shoes, and waded across the wash we needed to do this so we could climb the rocks and hills to visit the pools above. Before we crossed the wash it was interesting to watch friends and lovers navigate the crossing, everyone seemed to have a better idea than their companions on how to cross to the other side.
One man crossed with garbage sacks on his feet, one man ignored a stick that was offered from his companion and  promptly fell into the water.  Though I very much doubt that man enjoyed the water I sure did. The icy water on my feet was refreshing and Krissy exclaimed her feet felt "alive".  That was a good way to describe the impact of the icy water at this crossing and later at the pools. 

Catalina State Part is a place I love. For me, it is the presence of the Catalina Mountains. They are so present. Different than other mountains I have known. They are tall, rocky, sparsely covered in plants, dispersed like decorations, an ocotillo here, a yucca there, saguaros regal witnesses waving down from above. 

The trail begins sandy then becomes rocks, rocks that sparkle with quarts. As you climb in elevation the plants change. Not always a different plant but the seasonal state they are in changes. The ocotillo at the beginning were ready for winter free of leaves. Where high up the Ocotillos were green with bright leaves like spring. New plants also arrive, bursage with its bright aroma and at the pools themselves an oak stand close by. The water also changes and Krissy points out the rusty color of iron in the hue. 

Oak and friends 

Bursage 

At the Romero pools I took time to sit on a large grey rock that was smooth from a history of fluidity and as I sat in that spot water occasionally sprinkling kisses on my feet, I closed my eyes and listened to the water flow, and found my own fluidity, feeling softer, more still inside, I moved closer to my friend and everything else around me as well.  

Krissy on a rock 

After our rest at the pools we trecked back down the mountain. As we hiked, we talked about cooking and podcasts we love and we also walked in silence. We would at times say hello to other hikers. Occasionally I would just nod. I enjoy being in the communion with the natural world. One of the things I have always loved about hiking is that I become embodied. No longer a head full of ideas, thoughts and worries but a whole being, decorated with breath and sore muscles and flushed cheeks, a whole being  whose body is - Home. 

the faces return

Road blocks.

I am wondering about road blocks. I have been accepted into the MSW program a SCSU with the condition I take a research methods course. I can not find a research methods class at a public school. Private schools are crazy expensive and I found one. Do I really want this? Is it worth it? Should I think of doing something eles?

Mystic

Hydro-Tube.

Hello there. I am not sure anyone still reads this blog as the author has been missing for some time. I had this feeling before I went back to work like I would get standing at the top of Hydro Tube as a kid. Hydro Tube was this sky-rise tall, curving, tube, that ending in a pool of water. It was pretty fun aside from the fact that I was claustrophobic, afraid of water, and could not swim. I remember the feeling I would get standing at the top. The knowing that the sliding would go by really fast then... the deep water. It was this combination of fear, excitement and joy.
Ever since I have been working days are flying by. I have finished my Statistics class. I am getting ready to start school in the fall and my hubby and I are going to move. We found a great place right next door to a community garden. The landlords are a young couple expecting a baby. We will be a few blocks from a giant park and our favorite little french coffee shop. That will be nice we are currently in an area that is all bars and barber shops. It will be nice to be surrounded by gardens, art galleries, and nice coffee shops.
As the days fly by I remember my blessings and try not to be afraid to keep jumping in the tube.


Spread Love wherever you go.
Me.

begin

Easter and Krishna

This morning I awoke from a terrible nightmare and slid over to snuggle with my hubby. I was aware that I could take my mind though my body and meditate on the feeling of love. My mind wandered around comforting all my achey and fearful parts. What a gift a comforting mind can be.

As my eyes slowly opened to the morning I saw a thick mist in the sky and the Magnolia tree in the back yard. I hopped up. I tossed on my slippers grabbed my camera and took photos. I took close ups of the dew covered pink and white buds. I stood on the stairs and took full length shots of the beautiful tree, the mist adding a mysterious sensation of discovery.
I anticipate the day when all those pink blossoms unfold into explosions of scent and beauty.
Smiling I entered the house to the sound of the coffee grinder and the smell the beans.

My hubby told me Easter is close to the New Year celebrated in his home of Kerala. He told me that on New Year an alter space is set up with fruits and treats and gifts set out in front of Krishna. On this new year holiday all of the family close there eyes, and holding hands,  walking into this room of fine things. The family keeps there eyes closed until they stand in front of the alter.
This ceremony is done to begin the year by filling the eyes and mind with abundance and love at the feet of Krisna a Hindu image of God.
I think those Magnolia blossoms were my treasures at the feet of God.  My year is starting out just fine.