Createlivity: Nature and Creative Process

I got to revive my camping spirit last week. My husband and I bought a small trailer, and I got to spend a week in the Gila Wilderness - or at least one of the tamer parts of it. My brother and my daughter and I were there the whole time, my husband came when his work schedule allowed, and some friends joined us as their schedule allowed as well. There was hiking, and sitting around a campsite reading and relaxing, there was rain, and good food... and some not-so-good for you food. I mean if you have a campfire, there must be marshmallows around somewhere, right?

We got to see some deer, and some hawks and bats. We heard - but never saw - some turkeys in the evenings. And there were lizards everywhere.

hanging out on a tree

The lake was at a much lower water level than I had ever seen it before, but NM has been in a drought for some years now. The dam had gotten some needed repairs, and the water looked good. The ducks were out and so were the goldfish. Yes. Goldfish. Big ones. The little fishing piers they had installed at various points around the lake were sadly resting on dry land, with no water near. There was almost a walking path to the little island (that was much bigger than usual this year). It may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. I am concerned about a place I hold dear childhood memories of, and I was so happy to get to go get reacquainted with it.

view of the island, the dam, and some dry bits that should be wet bits

The hikes were often a physical challenge to my old, fat self, but I was up for them. Slow, but moving! I was happy to be outdoors, and in nature, where I have always gotten creative inspiration. Colors, patterns, organic shapes. Beauty and peace, flow and resilience are all there for the finding.