Motivational Mondays: Comfort and Shelter, Reconsidered
San Francisco is a windy city, with a direct sea breeze blowing in most of the time most months of the year, and April and May can be as extraordinary as January in that respect, except that we expect that in winter ... but there are many equally chilly days in early spring, with usually a break and lovely spring-like weather from around February 15 to April 1. But the "Wintespring" here is a different story than the picture above ...
I was walking to a meeting through one of the windiest corridors in the city, coming off going over one of the city's lower hills to get my exercise for the day, when that little tree growing straight, tall, golden-green in its spring glory, and unbothered got my attention. I have passed it literally hundreds of times, but from the other side of the street because I usually cross at the bottom of the hill, but not this day. Over the years, the elements have widened the crack where the pavement meets the bottom of the white building, and this little tree has grown up there ... quite comfortably, I might add...
"Comfort is our common thread" ... the slogan of a brand of linen, with the wrapping having blown into this little square of serenity where this little tree has made it enough out of the heavy winds to not be blown down and destroyed, having found its place of comfort and shelter in the world.
Now, of course, this is a tree. It sprouted from a seed and has no mouth and thus has no words to offer us on its ingenuity in getting to the perfect spot ... but I was led to be on that side of the street to see it is possible, even in one of the windiest spots in a very windy city, and thus to remind myself to attend to my own care in taking refuge sometimes from the storms of life. For me, walking as much of my commute as I can, and including going over the local hills for a different view, is part of this for me ...
... and of course that is going to look different for everyone ... so me and this little tree are just here to encourage you: even though it may not look important to anyone else, find your little place of comfort and shelter in your life in the midst of the winds that must blow!
Lovely sentiment, thank you.
I hope you're feeling much better these days, it seems so with your forays against the wind and chill. Summer is on its way.
Getting there ... maybe two-thirds of the way ... some days I have the energy, and some days I don't, but it is getting more consistent.
The irony: San Francisco summers are generally COLD, with that sea breeze blowing in heavy fog in late June, July, and August! April through August are sometimes colder on average than September through March -- some years we are almost in a Southern Hemisphere type of weather pattern!
I'm glad to hear.
Mmm, yes, I understood that San Francisco has its own climate. I follow Sonya Philip (100 Acts of Sewing), based in San Francisco, and she always mentions the often-needed cardigan/cover-up against the breeze! Another form of comfort and shelter, I guess.
Yep -- investing in a cardigan or jacket is DEFINITELY a way to take care of one's self in the city!
😍
It always fascinates me how plants and animals find a way to thrive in the most unlikely places :) ... I'm glad you are able to get lots of time outdoors enjoying nature :)
It's not always a ton of time ... it's me just taking the time I have commuting or my break time or off time and allocating it to that ... adapting, like said plants and animals.
Long time no see, friend -- hope all is well!