I woke up Sunday uncertain what to do.
“Should I drive south and look for snowy owls?” I wondered.
It was tempting. The forecast was for cold and clear weather, and the possibility of seeing snowy owls is a time-limited opportunity here. There was no guarantee that I’d see one if I went out, but on the other hand, I definitely wouldn’t if I didn’t go looking.
I glanced around me at my desk, my notebook and pen. I heard the coffee pot burbling and felt the warmth of the wood stove gently pulsing against my back. In a little while, the sun would rise and the birds would be visiting. The idea of a lazy, lingering Sunday morning at home tugged at me. I love the quiet of the house when I’m the only one awake and when all deadlines are distant enough to ignore for at least a little while.
Still, I was torn.
I had a little time before I had to decide, so I opted to write for a bit before making up my mind. I opened up the most recent prompt from the New Year’s Poetry Challenge from MOST (the Modesto Stanislaus Poetry Center). Much to my surprise, it was entitled “A Chance Encounter.”
I put down my pen. “Well, that’s that,” I said aloud. It was a definitive sign, or at least I interpreted it as one: I needed to get out there and look for a snowy owl! I didn’t even read any further. I took another sip of coffee, shut my notebook, and packed up my things. Within about 10 minutes, I was on the road and on the hunt for snowy owls.
Here’s how the morning unfolded:
I did not see a snowy owl, nor did I return to write anything in response to the prompt, but I enjoyed a thoroughly gorgeous morning on the beach and at the marsh.
It felt like the right choice.
Nix the comfort zone 
Wow, those pictures are beautiful! It seemed like it filled your soul and was the right choice.
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It was definitely the right choice!
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I love that Possibility was enough to convince you.
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You won’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket! lol
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It looks so cold! Good for you for getting out. I’m having trouble taking my morning walks in the cold we are having. 35 degrees this morning. (wet cold is colder, right?) But I got a lovely moon photo that I’m planning to use for This Photo tomorrow. I also wrote a poem, but I did not get a slice done. My MIL lost her phone and it was a dire emergency. After scouring her house for an hour, I asked her some questions that led us directly to the phone. At least she can still remember what she was doing before it went missing. Maybe that’s a slice, but she reads my blog, so I don’t want to embarrass her.
Your photos are gorgeous!
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We’ve had a long stretch of COLD weather, and the wind has also been an issue. This particular morning the wind wasn’t a factor, and it was in the low 20s. That’s not bad at all when you’re dressed for it. It can be hard to find time to slice. I’ve been trying to do so more often…we’ll see how that goes! I’m glad the phone was found and your moon picture was lovely. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this month’s full moon, too.
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Molly, I am so glad that I read your slice. What you shot on this cold Sunday morning is spectacular. I wrote about winter silence and you captured it with nature photography. I wish I lived near a beach like we did in Long Island. Enjoy your photo ops throughout the winter season. I’m hosting PF on Feb 7th and would love for you to join in.
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Thanks! How far are you from a beach now, Carol? I’ve always enjoyed your nature photos and poetry. I’ll “see you” on Feb 7th!
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Another way to resist is to bring beauty into this word as your words and photographs do for me and many others. Notice the beauty all around us, especially the actions, the lives, and the faces of second graders. They need their adults to bring light into their world.
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