With the world closed for business and its occupants under self-enforced house arrest, we are all looking for a safe escape wherever we can find it. That makes getting out into Nature (when it's safe, of course) more important than ever.
It's redbud time here in NorCal, and jasmine time, and wisteria time, and a few fortunate people even have lilacs. (When did lilacs fall out of fashion?) Here, as in the rest of the state and much of the world, we are grounded, told by our governor to stay inside and away from others. Yet a quiet drive does not violate the standard and does allow us to break up the monotony of house arrest.
Observing the beauty in our natural surroundings still nurtures me, helping me to feel at peace with the world even in uncertain times. On this particular drive, I looked for signs of spring. They are everywhere. We live in one of five places on earth that enjoy a Mediterranean climate: the Med basin, California, central Chile, southern and southeastern Australia, and the cape of South Africa. That brings us early and lovely spring seasons, and a welcome escape from the indoors.
Another way to get out without danger is a nice walk in our park. Our city boasts one of the largest municipal parks in the nation. It's huge. Part looks like forest, but sits in the middle of town. Part is wildland where bears, bobcats, and mountain lions reign. It's also spectacular, built around a lovely creek with swimming holes eroded into the black basalt of the canyon the water has forged.
On a recent afternoon, my husband and I took a long walk in the park, waving at walkers on the other side of the roadway, some ten or twelve feet away. Even when we greeted people we knew well, we maintained social distancing as we chatted.
Of course, fiction is always a great escape. This week, March 23-30, the first book in the Seasons of Destiny series is on sale for just 99 cents. You can take a vacation in Destiny, California inexpensively. Tell your friends!
Compared with much of America, we have it easy. Many folks we know are suddenly tasked with home schooling while trying to work from home. They're struggling, but making it work. Unusual situations call forth our common humanity and necessary creativity. Considering the circumstances, we're doing very well. Stay safe this spring!
Susan Aylworth is the author of 20 novels. Her newest series, "Seasons of Destiny," explores romance in every season of the year in the small, former Gold Rush town of Destiny, California. Paris in the Springtime, Sunny's Summer, Amber in Autumn, and Winter Skye are all available now in e-book and paperback. The first book is on 99c sale until March 30. Find Susan at www.susanaylworth.com.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos.
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