Open Highway
Trapped!
Between the busyness of life and the Covid crisis, it had been nearly a year since I’d been on open highway, leaving city life behind. With parks closed and roads closed and apartment living, for months I felt trapped. My walks by the river were my reprieve and though the river is lined by buildings, I loved watching egrets soar over the water.
When I finally did escape the city and travelled deep into a valley, peace and beauty overtook me. The egrets were soaring there, too, over lush mountains and rushing rivers, not stopped by closed roads.
There were no travel restrictions for this egret.
A bird has always been a symbol of freedom to me, and is now more than ever.
The Power Of Creating
Yet, even when trapped in the city, I found creating art could lift me above my circumstances and take me to a place of freedom.
How about you? Did you find a way to experience a form of freedom this summer, despite restrictions?
Will you share in the comments below?
Charity I don’t know if I ever told you that I went to photograph Egrets with my cousin this summer. Totally different setting then yours but they are so beautiful. I was in awe. Your painting is so beautiful. So glad that you finally got away from the busy city for a bit.
Wow, mom! So fun that we had overlap in our creativity this summer, even though we didn’t get to be together:(
Charity, I know exactly what you mean, there’s something about being surrounded by nature that fills me with the deepest sense of peace too. You are so talented! I love seeing your art.
Sarah, you’ve been such an encouragement to me over the years. Thanks so much for stopping in, connecting, and continuing to be so encouraging!
I too felt trapped in the spring and summer and longed to just get away. As we left the Lower Mainland for the Okanagan in June, I remember vividly the rush of freedom as we drove over the mountains to what seemed like a whole new world. I don’t think I will ever take travel for granted again.
Your egret painting is beautiful!
Thanks, Jo-Anne, and I know what you mean. This season has sure changed our perspectives! The drive to the Okanagan is beautiful. So glad you were able to be in the mountains enjoying freedom!
A one day trip out to Chilliwack Lake kept me flying free for several weeks. Then a walk on the beach at Victoria in late August was most therapeutic.
Water and birds go so well together. I really love your Egret
Thanks Dad, so glad you got some walks by the beach and were able to visit Victoria! Being by the water is so refreshing, isn’t it? Wish we could have been there with you!
We were blessed to hit the highway this summer to see our kids 3,000km away but now with a new granddaughter, I long to go again. Travel is ill-advised and very complicated so we stay. Instead, we hike Signal Hill and the surrounding trails. If you watch closely, you may catch me with arms outspread, catching the wind like the gannets above, enthralled with the freedom of clambering high above the city.
This is such a beautiful picture, Val. it gives me a renewed sense of freedom, as I read. I’m so glad you got to see your new granddaughter and I can understand the tension you must feel, not being able to go again. Thanks for sharing!