A Change of Scenery – All Within An Hour
Can you go weeks without leaving the house? I confess, I could.
I love my sanctuary and work marathons in my home studio.
Plus, I just have to look out the windows to see a river and hillside covered in evergreens.
After a long day of writing, administrative work or painting, I really enjoy going to bed early with my TV tray & Netflix movies.
But I also hunger for time in nature. I need it.
I never regret exploring the great outdoors – kicking my butt out the door can be a challenge though.
You don’t have to go far for a change of scenery. Walking down a different street in your neighbourhood will do it.
But a change of scenery can do you so much good, especially if you’re feeling stuck, bored, disconnected, or lonely.
Even if you’re a happy hermit though, time amongst the elements will add to your existence on so many levels.
I know I’m clearer, happier, and more connected when I spend time in Nature. I can be like a kid in a candy shop.
So whether it’s a walk on the trails in your neighbourhood or a road trip adventure with friends, let time outdoors feed your body, mind and soul. You deserve it!
All Within An Hour From Home
These 3 Nature breaks were all taken within an hour from home within the last month – either by car or on foot.
Where can you go that’s within an hour from your place?
Make it Part of Your Routine
When I was Artist in Residence in Carbonear April 14-19, I committed to going on a community walk from 8-9 am every morning. I chose a different path every time. It became part of my routine.
It was an open invitation to those who wanted to join me, but I ended up going alone most days. Still, I was committed.
Rain or shine, it added so much to my day.
Knowing me, I could have spent the whole week painting in the gallery without really knowing where I was. I’m so glad I made a different choice.
So find a buddy (your camera or inner child count), add it to your schedule, and get out!
Carbonear is only an hour from my home in St. John’s but I knew so little of it.
Do Your Errands On Foot
I’m so glad I embraced this opportunity. My housesister asked if I’d be willing to drop off her car at the mechanic’s in Shea Heights after an appointment.
We’d had freezing rain the day before, but I hadn’t really noticed. I’d been fully focused on my painting in the basement studio.
On my drive to the mechanic’s, my heart sang as the silver thaw glistened in the light.
He offered to drive me down the hill to spare me the taxi ride, but I was thrilled to walk. Even with all the photo stops, it only took about an hour.
During a snow squall later in the day, I went to get the car and made sure to stop at Beaver Pond Park again to add a few snowy photos to my collection.
Where Within 1 Hour?
I’ll admit, we’re totally blessed here in Newfoundland & Labrador to have so much nature nearby.
Bell Island is less than an hour away from my house – part by car and by ferry.
A few friends and I dedicated part of a day to explore it. Wow! I need to do this more often!
Without a car of my own, it’s easy to stay home. But that’s no excuse.
Time exploring with friends can be double the pleasure.
Bonus
Confession. I spent the last week indoors. No nature breaks except in my backyard.
The weather wasn’t great and my regular walking buddy is out of the province, but that’s no excuse. I was just in happy hermit mode again.
So yesterday, I asked my neighbour if he wanted to go for a walk somewhere. I’d gone out to chat while he was giving his cats some outdoor time.
He suggested we go see the icebergs at Cape Spear.
This is the most eastern point of North America and it’s only 20 minutes drive!
I’d never seen such waves there before. It was amazing. I couldn’t help but exclaim my awe and joy. This was better than Netflix! Here are a few pics taken with my ‘real’ camera with telephoto lens.
Your Turn
Whether you’re a homebody, busy bee, or creature of habit, give yourself the challenge to appreciate a change of scenery this week.
Where will you go? Alone or with friends? On foot, by bus or by car?
Feel free to report on your adventure in the comments below.
©2019 Dominique Hurley
I’m going out to the Conception Bay North area this coming weekend with 2 friends. And I’m totally looking forward to spending time in nature with them out there. Hoping to visit Salmon Cove and Northern Bay and Mad Rocks. It’s going to be an awesome long weekend. 🙂
Have a very grounding & connecting time! Long weekend? Oh yah!
Hi Dominique…
Your beautiful photos made me feel guilty for not taking more time to enjoy the bountiful nature all around…especially for us here in our glorious little corner of the world. ..thank you for the reminder.
We need to connect with you and spend a day doing just that, myself and Sandra would love to see you….your ocean pictures at Cape Spear inspired this…
The swell of time sinks beyond the horizon
like the quenching of sunlight on the ocean’s edge.
The dawn of now is at the door
believe in the vastness of the expanse
where time is no longer measured
but there only lives the is and is not
all others are held in place by the pull of knowing
lurking just under the surface of new creation.
Love and best wishes to you…
Oh how beautiful Glen! Such joy swelled in my heart when I saw your name come up. You & Sandra cross my thoughts regularly. So let’s do it! I’m messaging you now. I’m so glad I inspired this. 🙂
Hello Dominique,
I have been inspired greatly by the wonders of nature since returning home to NL. I usually go on my own to walk or hike because I enjoy listening to what nature has to say.
I recently hiked Signal Hill and took some photos of icebergs and later that same day drove to Cape Spear and took some shots from the other side of the water. Your blog, photos & being are a gift. Thank you for getting out there and sharing what you discover on your journey.
PS: Glen Rose I loved your poem about Dominique’s photos. 🙂
Truly my pleasure. I’m like a kid in a candy shop when I’m out there with my camera. I’m looking forward to getting on the Iceberg Quest boat in an hour. Enjoy your journeys and let me know if you want company some day, Christine.
The things and scenes that you just pass by becomes something of beauty when you stop and take the time to look. These pictures are beautiful.
Thanks Walter. I so agree – it’s so good tobstop & smell the flowers…