Gayle Harper

Photographer ~ Author ~ Traveler

First Day of Spring

by 44 Comments

Hello, my friends –

This blog has been quiet a long time. But the first day of spring seems the perfect time to resurrect it. As our ability to be in physical proximity with each other decreases, the value of our online connections increase.  This blog, called “Surrendering to Serendipity,” was originally created to allow us to travel together on the 90-day roadtrip following the Mississippi River. It was glorious to have you all traveling vicariously with me then – and also to have you with me on the two-year book tour of Roadtrip with a Raindrop.

Life is very different now for all of us. Changes are happening faster than we can comprehend. We aren’t traveling physically, but life is always a journey. Sometimes it’s smooth and easy and sometimes it can be scary and difficult, but always we need each other.

Life is bountiful and irrepressible. This robin, singing its heart out, is reminding us all that life is constantly renewing itself, regardless of the current circumstances. The daily news is bleak, but everywhere there is evidence of the beauty of the human spirit and the power of Love.

This post is a bit of a trial balloon – to see how many of you are still out there and haven’t changed your email addresses, etc. Then we can see how we can help each other through this. So, if you receive this and you are moved to do so, post a “comment” – it can be very brief if you like, just so I know you’re there!

Shine on, my friends!

Love, Gayle

Comments

  4. Yes hello again, Gayle. So nice to hear from you. Yesterday I watched a parent robin dive bombing it’s fledgling trying to get it to fly, which youngster did when mom backed off (although staying nearby with a watchful eye). I’m not much for facebook anymore, so appreciate these other ways, including good old fashioned telephone, to feel connected with others.

    Reply

  6. Gayle,
    How wonderful to hear from you with your encouraging message at this time of uncertainty. We are still at this email address and would welcome any posts from you. Just to refresh your memory, we met you in Hannibal, MO. We were staying in the same B & B there. You even photographed all of the guests and the proprietors saying we may see our photo in a B & B magazine. (Never did.) We love our “raindrop” book and would enjoy hearing from you.

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  7. Still here! We at Montrose Riverfront, Inc. fondly remember the evening you spent sharing your book, Roadtrip with a Raindrop, with us. We continue preserving the past, promoting the present, and planning for the future of our Montrose community. Please be sure to let us know if you’re ever near our bend of the river in the future.

    Reply

    • Hi Todd! So good to see your name again. (There is sometimes a delay before a comment appears as it needs to be “approved” first as a prevention of spam.

      Reply

  13. Hi Gayle,
    What a nice surprise to see a beautiful post by you. We discovered you as we prepared for a bike ride along the Mississippi and always appreciate your views and thoughts. As I read your latest post a friend sent me this below which ties nicely with your morning bird song.

    All the best to everyone,
    Tim

    “May there be space today, tonight,
    in this moment or the next one,
    with this breath, or the next,

    to still your frantic mind
    to slow your racing heart
    to center your scattered spirit
    to remember what steadies you
    and anchor on something you love.

    Bird song in the morning?
    Coffee in the cup?
    This loved one far from home, but right there on your screen,
    laughing, waving, reassuring you that yes, they are okay?
    The dog at your side who has not learned, and never will, the word “pandemic,”
    but only “treat,” and “leash,” and “nap” and “walk” and “Good dog.
    You are such a good dog, now and always?”

    Anchor on that which you love, and rest there, just a moment.

    Finding stillness, just a moment.
    Slowing down, for just a moment.
    Centering your worried soul.
    Anchoring on stars and moon, the sun that keeps on rising.

    May there be space,
    may you make holy space,
    some breathing room,
    where all day long you’ve felt there was room for nothing but fear –
    may there be space,
    today and tonight and beyond,
    for what you love.”

    Reply

  14. What a surprise to find an email from you on this first day of Spring 2020! The robin and you are both a bright spot during these uncertain times. I will anxiously await each new post as I did when you blogged about your Mississippi trip. So glad you’re back! Will we possibly see a new book come out of this blog?

    Reply

    • Hi Marilyn! Great to reconnect here with you. No plans for a book at this point – life seems to be plenty to keep up with as it is! But, one never knows…

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  15. While we talk every day, your blog provides me with the gift of your written expression. You find inspiration effortlessly and write about hope, joy, and love. Such a gift.

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  16. Gayle,
    Your words are an inspiration to others. I have such wonderful memories of all your family. Nanny lives on in the hearts of my boys and me. We are enjoying a lot of springtime rains and the desert flowers are beautiful this year. the the birds are happily chirping.
    Judy

    Reply

    • Hi Judy! One of the gifts of technology is that it keeps us connected to people we almost certainly would have lost otherwise. Thanks so much!

      Reply

  17. Gayle,
    Thank you for reaching out. At this time, a thunder storm is passing. Looking forward to a sunny Spring.
    My mother, Leona Doll, has celebrated her 100th birthday. She is well and safe in her assisted living place.
    Stay well and safe,
    Nora Ogden

    Reply

    • I remember your sweet mother very well. Please give her my warm regards. Thank you for responding and I look forward to how we can all support each other.

      Reply

  18. We all needed to hear from you and remember that raindrop that flowed down the river. We’re all looking for peace and comfort right now, so your blog post was perfect timing! Thanks for sharing and bringing a bit of spring to our days!

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    • Hi Leslie! Thank you so much. It’s great to hear from you. I’m excited about reconnecting with people in this way.

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    • Hi Bruce! Thanks for responding. Yes, I believe this will in the end be good for our connections with one another.

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  20. Still here. Enjoyed so much our trip on the Great River Road several years ago. Also enjoyed following you along on yours. Indeed troubling times but we can weather it fine if people can stop and enjoy where they are for a bit. Thanks for the message about spring. It is coming here in east TN.

    Reply

    • Hi Jane! Thanks so much for responding. Yes, we can all support each other and come out even better as community – wherever we live.

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    • Yes Julie. I know that. Since you can’t get to the woods just now, perhaps I can bring a bit of it to you. Sending wishes for quick and easy healing.

      Reply

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