Jul01
Posted on Jul 1 by Ruth Davis
It is my last full week here in Asheville, NC. Next Wednesday I begin the journey westward. And so it is a balancing of staying present and planning forward, without getting too far ahead of myself. I am consciously choosing to get my feet in the river every day, to connect with the energy of the moving water, to do my modified sun salutations and to practice my river walking skills. Walking in the river is not like walking on pavement, or even sand. The bottom is uneven. There are hidden rocks, and they are slippery with slimy moss. And so you have to take a small, sturdy step and then pause, plant your foot and make sure you are stable. Then you can step your other foot to find another secure landing. River walking is slow. Purposeful. You have to be fully present. I wear sturdy water shoes. I even bought a new pair, since I bought my old ones when I moved to the CA beach, almost 3 years ago. My new Keen sandals, are purple....
Jun24
Posted on Jun 24 by Ruth Davis
I am still in Asheville, North Carolina, camped along the glorious French Broad River. I am so grateful that this stretch of river is wide, and that I can see so much sky. I’ve been renting a car so it’s easier to run errands, meet people, and explore some places around Asheville without having to worry about Cody and parking. It’s been great. So great that I rented the car for a second week and will probably do a third. Because it’s freedom. There have even been a few days that I didn’t even go anywhere. But knowing that I can if I want to, has been so stress relieving. One by one, I’ve been eliminating all stressors and distractions, settling into being in this beautiful place to make space for what is coming. And of course, with all of that letting go, things got uncomfortable. Last week, two of my friends were out of town and it was a quiet work week, so I had a lot of time to be with myself and my thoughts. Yes, I...
Jun17
Posted on Jun 17 by Ruth Davis
Because this coming Sunday is Father’s Day, I wanted to share a story about my dad. Growing up, he was a playmate, an advocate, and always, a big supporter of whatever I have wanted to do and be. My dad will be 85 this September. He still lives in his own home, drives, shops, cooks, and he even has a girlfriend! I’m so grateful to still have him in my life. For most of my childhood, my family lived on Long Island, the fish-shaped peninsula east of New York City. In sticky summer traffic it was an hour’s drive to Jones Beach. Weekdays, when my mother took us, we went to the bay. At low tide I could wade out for practically a mile and the water never got higher than my bikini-bare waist. Far, far out, the bottom finally dropped to where I could stretch my feet to tippy toes, tilt my chin back and still be able to breathe. Even on the brightest day, the water was a thick, murky brown. I kept my eyes...
Jun10
Posted on Jun 10 by Ruth Davis
In January, I chose Passage as my guiding word for the year. Based on the acronym that Reverend Tinker shared, it seemed the perfect choice to keep me focused and moving on this journey. P=Preparedness A=Adaptability S=Spontaneity S=Single-mindedness A=Availability G=Gratitude E=Enthusiasm But now, six months later, I am here in Asheville and I feel like I am on the other side of that passage. That I have somehow arrived in a new place with myself. I’ve been here in this campground for almost a month, and I have needed this time to collect myself, to step back and realize how I got here, literally and figuratively. And I have been loving this time of contemplation and quiet, days of sitting and watching the river. But now, I am beginning to feel antsy. Bored. And I’m feeling that handing out books to campers is no longer enough. I’m ready to be more active. Action is one step, then another. Being active is staying engaged, participating, connecting. It is being activated. After almost 30 years in my Mac business, it’s easy for...
Jun03
Posted on Jun 3 by Ruth Davis
Cody and I are still in Asheville, camped on the French Broad River. It is quiet and spacious and comfortable. We are RIGHT. ON. the river. The camp hosts are delightful. It’s close to shopping and it’s a wonderful place to invite people to come visit me. The weather is idea, there are no mosquitoes or ticks. There is free wifi. And staying in one place saves on gas. The other day I went up to the office to pay for another week here, and I said to Bill, the camp owner, I’m going to be staying in Asheville through July 7. I have reservations at another park for after the 11th (the last date open here), but I’d love to be able to come back if anything opens up. Let me look, he said. I’ll see what I can do. I was expecting a few days here and there, especially with July 4th and all. I can get you in, he said. For the whole time? Yep. You’ll have to move over a spot. Through July 4th? I...
May27
Posted on May 27 by Ruth Davis
I am staying in Asheville, NC at least through June 11. Maybe through July 4th, if I can get reservations. Because it is beautiful. Because I have friends here. Because I haven’t felt this clear and good and present in a long time. By choosing to stay, everything has shifted. I can completely relax into being here and soaking up everything without being distracted by needing to think about where and what is next. I have been practicing sitting by the river, watching the water. Not thinking or planning or taking pictures, just being fully present to the ripples and the birds and the rich smells. Some efforts are more successful than others, but I just come back to my breath and the water and try again. And I’m learning how to enjoy being more social. I’m saying yes to dinner invitations. I’m inviting friends to come sit with me by the river. I’m making one sweet connection at a time, me being able to offer a relaxing space of time to visit and get to know more...
