One of the places I walk.
To get back into the habit of writing for myself I decided the best way to get back into my inner world (that lonely place where you try to summon something of worth from within), was to get OUT of my head and stop worrying about it so much.
So that’s what I did, what I’ve been doing. I took a walk. And then, many of them over the past several days. I keep doing that. Walking. When you do that, you worry about this or that. Your thoughts go meandering here and there. . .imagining the best and the worst. All kinds of scenarios.
Some days, I took a short run before the walk, but yeah, mostly I’ve walked. I would love to be one of those serious runner people but I get bored easily and I never get into that zone thing that runners talk about. I used to run decades ago but my knees now tell me that I did do that. So mostly, now, I walk–rapidly. But, I get a lot of my ideas, my inspiration from walking. And I observe.
It’s my humble opinion that overcast days are the best for walking and comtemplation. I notice more. If the sun is shining I’m either too hot or worried about the UV or UVA or the UVB rays getting me (like I need more freckles, at what point do they become age spots instead of freckles? After 45, when?).
This is not how I wear a hat on the beach.
This, sans the lace-up booties and tights. A good book, umbrella and a cool breeze. Better. THIS is how I do the beach.
I’ve never understood why people like to bake in the sun. I see it at the pool and at the beach when hundreds of people clamor to get a spot and sweat. I just don’t get it. Why would you want to sit in the sun and sweat profusely?
I did some of that when I was younger but I never liked it. I’d sweat and move around and check my tan (burn) lines and wonder, what the hell am I doing? I never liked it. I just did it because everyone else did. I don’t do that anymore.
I’m getting off topic here.
As much as I love being near the beach–I’ve lived near one for years now–I’d rather just look at it, at this point in my life–on sweet, cool, cloudy days. Ditto for walking in a park. Or on a pier.
Here’s some pictures of the park I walked around in.
So after I ran around this space, I walked. I’m in a very pet-friendly place, which those of you who know me, know I love that. 
At any given time, there are people here fishing off the pier.
Two guys fishing.
And there are all kinds of fish and other crustaceans you can catch here. I like crabs. Like this one that I can catch here if I want to:
This is not Buster, the Body Crab. This is a crab one can catch with nets. This fellow, along with other kinds of fish, are up on these big posters on the pier.
Here’s a net that I can catch the crabs with and just in case I fall overboard while I’m trying to catch them, there’s plenty of these life preserver thingys hanging everywhere.
You can catch a lotta crabs with these.
Probably the best thing for me to do is to have this hanging around my neck BEFORE I lean over with the net to catch the crabs. Just until I get my sea legs.
I’ve always liked these little critters–the way they skitter from side to side. I have crab pillows.
One of my crab pillows.
They don’t go forward or backward, just side to side as if they’re trying to decide which way is best. The way I’ve been feeling for a while. Look at that, I just made kind of a crab metaphor.
There’s also a handy gauge for measuring your crabs and fish once you’ve caught them.
How to legally measure a crab.
How to legally measure a fish.
Here’s some other things I saw during my walks.
Ahh. Sailing away on the bay.
An egret in the marsh.
The reason why decorators choose solferino and chartreuse. (i.e., purple and green.)
The waterfall fountain within the park. With palm trees.
In case you need to sit on the park/pier and contemplate or forget about life for awhile, there’s plenty of places to do that with some great views:
Not a bad place to sit for awhile.
Or swing, if you want to.
This is the bridge I walk over. This baby stretches out six miles ’round trip. And it goes UP. The going down is better.
Though there are lanes clearly marked; one for walkers/runners and one for bikers, there are always those few “serious” bikers that wear alien helmets and spandex and whizzzzzz past, never slowing down, no matter what.
It’s not difficult to understand the signage.
There are also signs posted that use words–clearly stating that they slow down since moms walk their kids in strollers, but the serious bikers usually don’t slow down.
I told hubby one day, if I only had a broom handle. Not really, but seriously why can’t they slow down? Then I stop stressing about them and continue my walking.
Going up.
I look down and see this. V from Lame Adventures wrote a riveting documentary post about this. I thought of her and realized this is everywhere. Thank you, V for bringing this to our attention.
A national epidemic.
I took a close-up shot with a zoom lens of some marsh grass that reminded me of a Dr. Seuss character’s hair.
“My alphabet starts with this letter called yuzz. It’s the letter I use to spell yuzza-ma-tuzz. You’ll be sort of surprised what there is to be found once you go beyond ‘Z’ and start poking around!” – Dr. Seuss.
I poked around here and there and found some green marsh grass that looked like green hair – Hey! Oh, the places I go.
Sometimes I wear my ipod and imagine myself to be in an action movie. While I was walking one day, I looked down as I was nearing the end of the bridge and saw this:
I’d jump from the bridge onto the train in a leather cat suit, while yelling: FREEZE! to the bad guy (or girl) I was chasing.
Then I have to walk back. Here’s what I saw one day while I was walking.
Why artists paint the sky.
Thanks for hanging in with me and scrollllllling through all these pictures of this pictorial blog post. Sometimes the best place to be is outside our heads. When I do this, I can soak up all the good stuff that’s out there — free — just mine for the taking. I remember that no matter what I may be going through, a long walk is good for the soul. It reminds me of how sweet life really is and how there is always, always a safe landing net, somewhere. Sometimes I find it in the most unexpected places.
What do you do to clear your head? To inspire yourself, your muse? Where do you go to poke around and find some yuzza-ma-tuzz?
Brigitte's Banter 
Hello!
I know what you mean when you say you get bored easily – I can never go walking for more than a few blocks without wanting to be back at home browsing the web. Or, you know, writing.
But from those photos, it looks like you’ve got some great sights to see while you’re walking. I’m actually quite jealous – the most picturesque view anywhere near my house is of a used car dealership.
Sadly, when I’m feeling stimied, I take the lazy way out and watch TV or browse Youtube. Although, occasionally I might play with my sister’s dog instead… That counts for something, right?
Posted by Rhiannon Nee-Salvador | November 12, 2013, 8:53 amHi Rhiannon and welcome! I can walk for long periods of time. It’s the running that I don’t enjoy as much. And thank you. Since you’re in Australia, right(?), I’m sure you have some lovely spots you can visit. Anything that sparks your creativity counts. Thanks!
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 9:56 amWonderful shots, Brigitte! Thanks for taking us with you! Like you, I love to go for a run, hike or walk to clear my head. Being outside in nature sparks the imagination and gets me into a larger perspective. And like you, I love taking photos of what interests me. Those marsh grasses are fascinating! I’m so glad you’re enjoying your new environs and getting out to explore. It’s a beautiful place – and that bridge! Gorgeous!
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | November 12, 2013, 9:07 amThanks, Cathy and you’re welcome. Nature does inspire and just getting out in the fresh air — yes. As far as photos, it’s surprising what you can find interesting, huh? Up close there is beauty in most anything, as so many of your beautiful shots illustrate.
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 9:53 amLove your phot album! Now I want to go to the beach. Of course I’d bring sunscreen and a hat!
I have to re-follow you since you’re not coming up in my reader even though I’m getting the email alert…
Posted by susielindau | November 12, 2013, 9:40 amThanks, Susie. Yes, that sun-worshiping thing is not for me anymore. I wonder what’s up with the reader thing. I was having an issue and tried to figure out what the problem was. Maybe I caused too much trouble. Ha! Well thanks for the re-follow, Susie and thanks so much for stopping by. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 9:54 amI laughed at the part about sunbathing. I don’t get it either. The last time I tried it, I was a freshman in high school, and I was trying to enhance the experience by putting Sun In in my hair. 🙂 It didn’t help. I was no blonder, and no less bored!
But walking, I get. This looks like a great place to get exercise and ideas. It must be working – this was a great post Brigitte (like always).
Posted by notedinnashville | November 12, 2013, 11:01 amSeriously, what is up with that, Anita?? Hubby and I go to the beach when the season’s over. Of course, it’s some special tropical kind of thing which it’s warm all the time. I remember Sun In! OMG. It turned mine BLONDE. Sometimes I’d pour lemon on it. It is a nice place and this is its best time of year. Always so great to see you here, Anita, and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 11:34 amI’ve ‘written’ many blog posts in my head while walking. Of course, I don’t necessarily create the post word for word, but I come up with the main bullet points and can usually keep them in order so that when I get home, I can jot them down to expand on later. Makes the actual writing process much easier. It’s been said that movement helps us think more clearly. I’m more productive when I write on my treadmill than when I sit at my desk.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | November 12, 2013, 11:30 amI have too, Carrie. The most important part is jotting them down before I forget them! I have to get me one of those desk things that I recall you posting about in your blog. I just was on the stairclimber while reading V, Lame Adventures’ book (HI-larious). I FINALLY got a Kindle app. Now where do I go to download yours?? I’m so excited about reading all of my peeps’ books. I swear that life is just now settling down. I will go to your blog and find the link and download your book TODAY. Can’t wait to read it!!! Thanks, Carrie.
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 11:37 amOh, you’re very kind, Brigitte. I’m just thrilled to have your blogging support. But if you do read my book, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much. I think you’ll enjoy using your Kindle app. Although I still read a lot of paper books, I like to read from my iPad while I walk on the treadmill or eat. No need to prop it open like a paper book. Of course, there’s always a risk of spilling sauce on it when you’re clumsy like me…
Posted by Carrie Rubin | November 12, 2013, 11:40 amIt is nice when you’re on the treadmill and/or stairclimber — much easier than trying to balance a book. I got got an alert from my library to pick up The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling). I read her first adult fiction and I here this one is better. I LOVE the library. And I’m right there with you on the clumsy thing.
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 11:54 amI read ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling.’ Really liked it, but I found her description to go on forever. Didn’t really need to know the color of the lamps. 🙂 But a good read, and I’ll certainly continue on in the series.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | November 12, 2013, 11:57 amI thought she did way too much of that in the first one — going on and on. Like I have room to talk. (BTW, good point about the color of the lamps. My instructor from Gotham Writing class said exactly the same thing.) Some things are best left up to the reader’s imagination. it’s probably difficult for Rowling to let that fantasy thing go since it’s filled with enormous descriptive elements. I guess. I don’t like fantasy, but I’m pretty certain she does. Ca-Ching!
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 12:01 pmYes, I’m sure she’s crying all the way to the bank over my criticism. 😉
Posted by Carrie Rubin | November 12, 2013, 12:06 pmThere is nothing like a good walk to clear out the cobwebs, Brigette! They are good for whatever ails you, including writer’s block. 🙂 Peggy and I have a daily two mile stroll to and from our mailbox that incorporates substantial hills. I usually add another mile or two into the national forest that borders our property. Everything around here is pretty much up and down… so we also get our exercise. Thanks for taking us on your walk. I enjoyed it, and it gave me an idea for a similar blog. Thanks. –Curt
Posted by Curt Mekemson | November 12, 2013, 12:57 pmYou’re right about that Curt! Wow, it sounds as if you and Peggy have a wonderful place to just BE. And all that nature around — well, that’s a good life, eh? I’m glad you enjoyed and I’m glad I gave you a spark of an idea. To me, that’s the biggest compliment and what this whole thing of the blogging community is all about. Best to Peggy and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 1:38 pmThis is perfect. I need to walk but life keeps getting in the way. I can’t believe you walk over that bridge, just looking at it made my hands sweat.
Posted by Maggie O'C | November 12, 2013, 1:07 pmWhy thank you, Mags. I know…I dread it but once I do it, I feel a lot better about it. It’s the whole just doing it thing. Walking anywhere is good, doesn’t have to be over a bridge and I’m sure you do plenty of that. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 1:40 pmOk. How super cool is that water fountain? Your area seems really pet/people friendly. I don’t know how you get anything constructive done living in such a beautiful area! I would totally walk, swing and bake( burn) any free moment I could. I’d get lost staring off of that bridge.
I like to take a long walk every morning — early 645 before any one is out. Clear my head for the day. I walk in ye old colonial towne though. Or a long walk in the woods. I agree cloudy is more conducive to serious ruminations.
This is one of my favorite posts of yours ..
Posted by unfetteredbs | November 12, 2013, 3:53 pmYou should see the other side and there’s a big stature of a lady there too. I thought I’d overload the post with so many pics. Yeah, it’s pretty cool — the views sometimes. And the bridge is six miles round trip not three. That’s nice that you do that, A — I remember your mentioning that once. I bet ye old colonial town is gorgeous too. There are some special little villages up your way.
Thank you — that means a lot coming from you. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 5:51 pmLoving your captures – Great Post – gives me INSPIRATION too:) I love getting outside to become one with nature to clear my head. I get inspiration from others as well as just being part of the daily action in living my life. Happy Tuesday!
Posted by cravesadventure | November 12, 2013, 5:09 pmHi Craves — thank you! And if it gave you some inspiration, all the better. So nice to see you here — thanks so much and Happy Tuesday to you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 5:53 pmWow! That bridge looks amazing. I would love to walk over that…and I can’t believe how LONG it is. I’m inspired by your walk, so I know you must be even more so. Thanks for sharing. That was a fun imaginary walk for me.
Posted by char | November 12, 2013, 7:01 pmHi Char, it is pretty cool. Before they built this, it was once this rickety two lane bridge — very scary going over that! It is long. I thought it was a little over 3 miles round trip, but it’s six miles round trip! Glad you enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to go with me on the walk. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | November 12, 2013, 7:22 pmWhat a lovely place you’ve landed in, Brigitte. Loved walking with you and look forward to doing it again! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | November 12, 2013, 10:01 pmHi M, it is a very big change but it is nice. Glad you enjoyed and so glad that you stopped in. xo.
Posted by Brigitte | November 13, 2013, 7:40 amI wanted to get to this post at least half a day sooner, Brig, but just like Susie, it didn’t show up in my reader so I couldn’t read it sneaky-style off my iPhone at The Grind. Grrrrrrrrrr. I agree that walking is a great way to clear one’s head, but rigorous exercise overall is very effective for me and why I must assemble my spin bike sooner than later, but later seems to already be here. Therefore, I should just order myself to do it on Thursday.
Sometimes my inspiration seems to enter the ether, too. Sometimes taking pictures helps me to rediscover it, but other times, I just need to sit and write. Force myself and then, ideas trickle and usually, eventually, they flow. My bigger problem is not having enough hours in the day to do all I want to do. As for your images, I love that pet-friendly water fountain. It looks lovely out by you, but the big city is my oxygen. It’s impossible to ever be bored in New York City, even if it’s much too easy to always be broke.
Thank you for the shout out and for supporting my slender tome of lunacy. You’re in good company noticing gum stains. I started working on that post at least a month before I wrote it. I was driving Milton insane with all of my gum stain photographing. A side effect of that post is that he now notices gum stains EVERYWHERE.
Posted by lameadventures | November 13, 2013, 12:26 amNo prob, V. I don’t know why that happens — that reader thing — but it does and yet no one can explain it! What are you gonna do? I suppose my rigorous exercise is more in a gym setting where I lift things up and put them down. And trust me, walking up that steep hill on that bridge, quickly, is pretty rigorous. I look forward to hearing about your spin adventures.
I know what you mean — those flickers of inspiration. I can get them from listening to conversations. Some are so weird you think this can’t be true but it does make for some pretty interesting fiction writing. I think I’m better suited to going to a coffee shop to write — otherwise I find things to do or ones that distract me if I’m home. It’s nice here, much slower than what I am accustomed to, but I do miss NY. I miss the trains, the seasons. I guess every place has its good and bad. I’m settling in but it’s been a slow and steady thing, which with my patience level, has not been quickly enough for me!
And you’re welcome for the shout-out. I AM like Milton — I notice them all the time now. HA! And they are everywhere. I’ve begun reading your hilarious book. It’s great company while I’m on the stairclimber. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | November 13, 2013, 7:47 amI love posts like these where you take us along with you via pictures. Makes me feel like I just took a walk with you (but you did most of the hard work 😉 ). While I do like walking, I have to admit that it’s a lot more enjoyable for me if there’s an abundance of greenery around. Still, your walk looks fascinating and kudos to you for making it across (and back) that bridge! I remember someone once saying to me that they thought solitary walks were depressing and I was slightly offended. There’s so much that goes on inside my head during solitary walks that I rarely ever feel alone or lonely when I wander about.
Posted by lillianccc | November 13, 2013, 4:44 amHi Lillian! How’s London? There is much green around here, more so away from the coast. I do miss the colors of fall but that’s here as well, one just has to go upstate a bit. It’s a sub-tropical climate here but I do love that briney smell that’s always around the coast. The smells and just the feeling of it. I don’t think solitary walks are depressing at all. Maybe lonely, but in a good way. You can figure out a lot of stuff and gain perspective by being quiet, you know?
Now I’d love to see a “walk” from you from where you are! Hope things are great in your world and as always, thanks so much for your lovely sentiments.
Posted by Brigitte | November 13, 2013, 7:51 amI love the way walks can clear my head and spark ideas, especially when I’ve been facing a brick wall for a while. And there’s nothing better than having a visually stimulating place to take those walks. And it looks like you have a good one! Walking that bridge would make me nervous, though. I think of all the horrible drivers I see out here, and I bet more than a few would find their way into the pedestrian and bike lanes. Seriously. Even if it meant crashing into the barricades and flipping over them. They would manage it. So you be safe out there!
Posted by jmmcdowell | November 14, 2013, 12:12 pmYep, a good walk can most certainly clear out the cobwebs. We do, though I miss the seasons. But every place has its good and not so good points. It’s all in the way you look at it, right? This bridge was constructed not only to improve the one it replaced but as a place adjacent to the park where walkers, runners and bikers could do what they do. It would take someone driving like a total maniac to be able to cross those barriers. There’s high walls of concrete and such between the lanes and those walking the path. So far so good! Thanks, JM.
Posted by Brigitte | November 15, 2013, 9:07 amInteresting way to clear your head and gorgeous spots to do so, if I may say so!
right now, my head is as foggy as the weather was when I arrived in NYC this afternoon… Yes, I’m in NYC for just a few days, and, because it’s my 5th time in town but 1st on my own, I want to discover it not the touristy way; I planned on seeing it with my friends but they’ve bailed out on me or are too busy…
I’ll clear my head by wandering the streets tomorrow, that’s what I like best, heading towards the High Line and Chelsea because I’ve never taken enough time over there… I’d want to see Coney Island even if it’s fall now and the attractions will be closed, there might be inspiration for some pictures anyway…
I don’t run or walk like you but I’m sure there are many ways to enjoy the city; I just have to find out which…
Are you around?!? Shall we meet? and share some good times in the Big Apple!
Great walk, again! thanks for taking us!
Cheers!
Jul’
Posted by Les Petits Pas de Juls | November 17, 2013, 11:37 pmHi Juls, Thank you — it works for me most of the time. I’ve walked all those streets you’re referring to in NYC (and boy, do you do a lot of walking there!) but I’m no longer in that part of the country. I wish we could meet, but when you’re down South ways, let me know and we can do some walking together in a much smaller city that is steeped in history.
Safe travels and enjoy exploring New York — it IS a great city. Cheers!
Posted by Brigitte | November 18, 2013, 9:48 amit definitely is! I’m up for a 2nd day! Thanks! where exactly in the South are you? I’m going to Florida next…
Enjoy the walks!
Cheers!
Jul’
Posted by Les Petits Pas de Juls | November 19, 2013, 8:02 amSouth Carolina…maybe next time, Juls. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2013, 5:57 pmoh yeah! definitely! Never been there! have to change that! 😉 Enjoy!
Posted by Les Petits Pas de Juls | November 19, 2013, 10:29 pm