Holding steady, swaying softly

Spring equinox - Sparrows start to nest

The first sounds of the boreal chorus frog arose from the ephemeral ponds in the woods yesterday. At first I heard them in the woods across the farm field. Boone and I steered off-trail to follow the group of voices to greet them warmly. We knew that the human trail wouldn’t lead us where we wanted to go. Then by midday, I could hear new populations in the pockets of water and trees behind the house. The same one that a pair of geese and a pair of hooded mergansers are beginning to court and nest in.

Already a bit sun kissed, though I am keenly aware that these early spring days can bite my skin sharply. Especially the tops of my ears and nose. Translation: I began gardening this week. Some years I feel it takes me some time to adjust being outside all day long, some indicators are my hands and stomach, but winter projects kept me in shape and in tune with subtleties. Still I admit the morning after is a bit of a strain to get going, but mornings are a constant test for me.

Lately my appreciation to create has been holding steady. Multiple practices, always needing tender touches and encouragement. I am getting better at bringing my camera with me and coming home to immediately sift through the captures. Have developed new relationships with my printers, desk, and walls, too, in order to see and ‘deal’ with the photographs rather than letting them get stale, sitting in digital folders. This has been helpful with my poetry and photobook/zine creations, too…

I have my guitars out of their cases, somewhat strewn about, but cordially, so I can practice scales and etudes each day. Of course I keep it light and mess around with my own meanderings, too. Already I have noticed an uptick in my dexterity and connection between the desired sound and execution. Excited to hone in the craft of songwriting on my own and with others. As with the land and machines, I am often observing the bridges and edges of the acoustic and amplified musical musings. The bridges and edges between instrumental and lyrical, one similar to this astounding performance of an ‘Acoustic Americana Orchestra’. What a wonderful blend.

Mechanical projects have never ended, as something is breaking or in need of tuning. Especially if one is defiant and drives vehicles aged 30 years or older. Diagnosing is an art under appreciated, in my opinion. The rest is oversimplified to a matter of wrenching and following an order of operations. Seriously though, a tiny, portable welder is such a nifty tool. Coupled with an angle grinder and a few cutting/wire wheels, one could fix or fabricate most things metal.

This is all said with the understanding that things can and will change. Spring makes sure of that.

But I am determined to hold steady, lightly, to sway softly.

-moki-

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