March 2019 SOLC–Day 18
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
Saturday arrived, blanketed in thick fog. Outside the window, everything was altered, softened by the atmosphere. I could have held out against a sunrise, but this lure was irresistible. After some minimal internal struggle, I tossed my grading intentions to the side, and stepped out the door, camera in hand. The world was transformed. Eerie. Timeless. Beautiful. .
After wandering around at home, captivated by the altered scenery, I got into my car to head down to the river. As I drove down the hill into town, the fog got thicker and thicker. I hunched forward over my steering wheel, peering into the gray mist. Hmmmm…maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I strained to see the road, slowing down to a crawl. The weather worn center line was barely visible. The edges of the road had vanished. I was isolated in a pool of light, focusing on the little that was visible about me. I slowed almost to a stop and began to wonder how and where I might turn around. Just as I was about to retreat, the fog lifted ever so slightly. I continued slowly, carefully finding my way down to the waterside.
As I finally pulled into the parking lot, a movement off to the side caught my eye. I looked up quickly and saw a bald eagle flying in from my left. It glided in low and steady, maybe ten feet in front of my car’s windshield. Oh! The words “totem animal” flashed into my mind. What did a visit from an eagle mean? I see the eagle often, but not like this– So close. So majestic. For a brief moment, we were together in the fog, the world obscured around us.
I took it as a sign. Clearly, I was where I needed to be.
Later I looked up the meaning of eagles. “…the Eagle is a powerful animal totem that offers lessons about looking closely at the most minute of details in order to see life from a broader perspective. When this graceful hunter comes into your life, it’s time to look inward with a careful eye. (http://www.spiritanimal.info/eagle-spirit-animal/) How fitting that this eagle visited me on a day when fog obscured the wider view and focused my attention on the little that was visible.
Nix the comfort zone 
Such a beautiful moment to share with you. Your photography never ceases to amaze me. Fog adds another mystical layer, as does the eagle. A miracle.
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Thanks, Margaret. I was all set to resist the sunrise, and then the fog appeared…
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Thick fog can be scary and beautiful too. I’m happy to have read this today. Along with the photos, it reminds me to look inward where we can find our own inspiration and motivation.
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Fog fascinates me. It changes the appearance of everything and leaves the known feeling new and mysterious!
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Whoa…magical morning moment! I enjoyed your reference, “…the Eagle is a powerful animal totem that offers lessons about looking closely at the most minute of details in order to see life from a broader perspective. When this graceful hunter comes into your life, it’s time to look inward with a careful eye.” We live along the Kennebec and seeing eagles frequently fills me with a sense of awe. Now I will look inward and think about being more present! Thanks for this beautiful slice.
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I see eagles so frequently that I can take it for granted. This close up encounter really reminded me of the majesty of these birds. I’m hopeful now I’ll also remember to turn inward when I see them. I can always use that reminder!
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Wow! Beautiful photography and beautiful writing. The fog really is enticing and mysterious – and that eagle! Wow!
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Thanks, Amanda! Enticing and mysterious are perfect for describing fog.
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Wow! What a magical moment! You were meant to stick out the fog. Love the pictures and journey you took us on! Thank you!
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I love how the eagle and the fog lead you to focus inward. Beautiful photos also.
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Your post was so well written bit by bit. I could sense the heaviness of the fog and the power of the eagle. Thank you for also including the photos to add to the written word.
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Thanks, Christine. I have to restrain myself from sharing too many photos. I realize I got a bit carried away here 🙂 Glad you liked them!
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Oh my gosh, Molly! You make fog so magical…and your photos are amazing! I love the totem animal angle…and it’s connection to the nature of fog. And an eagle… Such a perfect post!
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Thanks! Fog is magical!!!
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