The paths of Tucson are incredible. Approximately one hundred thirty miles of paved paths exclusively for the enjoyment of walkers, runners, and bicyclists. They follow the natural terrain of Tucson's "rivers" .. beautiful green belts that remain dry most of the year, but carry life giving waters of monsoon season through the city and outward to surrounding locales of the Sonora Desert. At times these paths can be just yards from busy roadways, but one would never know it because nature envelopes us as we hike, bike, or run on cloudless Arizona days. In the four short months we've lived in Tucson, we have walked, run, and bicycled on our favorite path in the northwestern part of the city. We have seen coyotes, rabbits, lizards, javelina, and more bird varieties than I will attempt to categorize ... though I will comment on the hawk we watched swooping down to capture what appeared to be a dove during a recent walk ... quite the show!
Yes, it is a magical place and I'm pleased with my decision to make the desert our new home. As I live my life, new experiences provide mini-crescendo moments if and when I display the courage to trust and follow my inner voice. Tucson represents one of those important life moments for me. The nature of this place reveals itself slowly as I learn to exercise "observational listening" tools .. slowing down, relinquishing control, and appreciating what surrounds me instead of attempting to create my own realities. The joy of communing with the nature of our planet is becoming my sole point of focus. Well, that and good Jazz .. can't forget the power of music!
Walking the path two days ago provided one of those stupendous events we all long for. As we came around a turn in the trail we saw what appeared to be a large branch in the middle of the pathway about thirty yards in front of us. The branch was about four to five feet long and straight as an arrow. I was prepared to toss that obstruction from the pathway so a bike rider wouldn't hit it, but that thought immediately left me when I saw it move.
I have seen rattlesnakes before, but never such a magnificent creature as this one. He was brutish and alpha in every sense of the word. As I approached, he slowly and deliberately pulled himself into the tight knot of a defensive striking position, leaving no doubt he was fully in charge of this moment in time. I circled him slowly as I photographed what I believe to be one of the most fascinating animals on our planet. His tracking of my every movement was so perfect, so deliberate, so mesmerizing that it put me in awe of this being which dwells in the harshest of conditions .. and thrives.
When I sat down to write about The Snake tonight, I searched my own limited mental capacity for a fitting title to this piece. As I recalled his naked power in this place of natural extremes, the most fitting word of all was raw .. raw power .. I feel so fortunate to have experienced this moment in time .. mini-crescendo indeed.
Yes, it is a magical place and I'm pleased with my decision to make the desert our new home. As I live my life, new experiences provide mini-crescendo moments if and when I display the courage to trust and follow my inner voice. Tucson represents one of those important life moments for me. The nature of this place reveals itself slowly as I learn to exercise "observational listening" tools .. slowing down, relinquishing control, and appreciating what surrounds me instead of attempting to create my own realities. The joy of communing with the nature of our planet is becoming my sole point of focus. Well, that and good Jazz .. can't forget the power of music!
Walking the path two days ago provided one of those stupendous events we all long for. As we came around a turn in the trail we saw what appeared to be a large branch in the middle of the pathway about thirty yards in front of us. The branch was about four to five feet long and straight as an arrow. I was prepared to toss that obstruction from the pathway so a bike rider wouldn't hit it, but that thought immediately left me when I saw it move.
I have seen rattlesnakes before, but never such a magnificent creature as this one. He was brutish and alpha in every sense of the word. As I approached, he slowly and deliberately pulled himself into the tight knot of a defensive striking position, leaving no doubt he was fully in charge of this moment in time. I circled him slowly as I photographed what I believe to be one of the most fascinating animals on our planet. His tracking of my every movement was so perfect, so deliberate, so mesmerizing that it put me in awe of this being which dwells in the harshest of conditions .. and thrives.
When I sat down to write about The Snake tonight, I searched my own limited mental capacity for a fitting title to this piece. As I recalled his naked power in this place of natural extremes, the most fitting word of all was raw .. raw power .. I feel so fortunate to have experienced this moment in time .. mini-crescendo indeed.
Wishing each of you a mini-crescendo nature moment .. wherever you may be
( with Jazz accompaniment, of course! )
Much Love from Tucson
Bill
( with Jazz accompaniment, of course! )
Much Love from Tucson
Bill
Facker
November 9, 2018
November 9, 2018
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