senses . backyard spring

{see}

{taste}

{smell}

{hear}

{touch}

{know}

*****

where: my backyard
when: april 12, 2011 

several years ago, i was drawn to the creative exercise of finding the senses in a moment through writing and photography. i often return to this exercise to help me get out of my head. i find that it anchors me and reminds me to notice the beauty around me.

see past posts about the senses here.

senses. a lilac tree (before the wind storm).

 {see}

{hear}

{smell}

{taste}

{touch}

{and know}

senses. backyard (cherry tree) pause.

today, when the sun hides behind the endless white and grey sky, i pushed myself to get outside and breathe in the crisp air and notice the beauty that awaits if i just open my eyes, my heart...

{see}

i pause, close my eyes, feel my feet beneath me, and remember.  

{smell}

opening my eyes, i look up and soak in the whispers of spring.

{hear}

i lean in and breathe deeply as honey-inspired blooming fills me.

{taste}

the water drips overhead and seeks, pools, shines. i reach my fingers toward the sparkling droplets.

{touch}

and with each breath, each moment, each reminder, you are here.

{know}

senses. afternoon exploration.

 {hear}

{touch}

{taste}

{see}

 {smell}

 {and know}

senses. a glass for one.

{see}

{hear}

{touch}

{smell}

{taste}

{and know}

senses. unearth.

i hear...

your beautiful, full, i love life laughter
the waves crash in the background as we sit in the quiet and breathe
you say, "i am?" when someone tells you that yes, you are brave
you whisper your truth
you teach what you know to be true with gentle firmness

i smell...

the sea
the tea lights as they hold the space for each of us
squash soup, autumn, cider
the moment when the rain stopped
rose petals as they dance together

i feel...

the space around my heart with each breath
the sand, firm beneath my feet
your hand upon my head just to check
paint beneath my fingers as the giggle winds its way around my throat
the paper beneath my hand as i write pieces of my truth

i taste...

mug after mug of tea
the salt winding its way from the sea
oreos + milk
oranges, freshly sliced

i see...

your beautiful face smiling through tears
you hold one another
you, yes you, paint (yes. you. did.)
you listen as truth and light is shared between you
you heal (and let go a little bit more)

i know...

you are open
you are brave
you showed up even though you were afraid
you are finding your way
you are beauty, truth, love

senses. a ballard beach afternoon.

{taste}

{hear}

{smell}

{touch}

{see}

{and know}

senses. afternoon walk.

{smell}

{see}

{hear}

{taste}

{touch}

{and know}

senses. owens beach morning.

i am usually quiet in these posts, so imagine i am whispering these words: i want to collect my thoughts when my head is less sleepy and my mind less fuzzy from this lack of sleep and threatening cold and then i will write about some of the details that were my artfest experience (my favorite artfest yet)...but for now i wanted to share these photos from my quick jaunt with michelle to owens beach in point defiance park this morning just before she headed to the airport to go home...

*******

{smell}

{touch}

{see}

{hear}

{taste}

{and know}

senses. blue sky break.

{see}

{touch}

{hear}

{taste}

{smell}

{and know}