The Hudson Valley

I had the very good fortune of growing up in the Hudson Valley. I have traveled to many a far flung places on the planet, yet I recognize the gift of the beauty of the Hudson River and the land nearby, where I spent over twenty years of this life. My family left Brooklyn when I was seven and moved just far enough North to enjoy a childhood filled with thick woods, green mossy earth and a moist climate. From the minute we unpacked our car, I bonded deeply with the woods near our home. They became my refuge. When I was on the younger side, the neighborhood kids and I would play, build forts and even ride bicycles through the woods. When I got a older and more mischievous, I'd use the woods to hang out with friends, cut school and do some things that I hope my kids never do (even if  those things are now legal in the state I grew up in and the state we now reside!) 

The Hudson Valley and surrounding areas, they are scared and though no longer my earthly home, I often find myself yearning to touch the ground there, to take in the expansive landscape and peaceful energy. It is also home to the people that I love the most and feel the most connected to. So when I had the opportunity to spend a week there recently, to complete some continuing education requirements, I jumped on it.

The week I spent happened to thankfully land in Fall. I could care if I never saw or touched another snowflake but oh, how I love the Fall. The changing leaves, the crisp but not cold air, the symbolism that the changing of the leaves represent, they touched my heart and soul. In my twenty years in California, I have been back once to see the Fall. I was most grateful to be able to spend a week, first at Bellas (my favorite view in the world is the first photo above, from her kitchen table. Thus I left the glare in the photo) gazing out into the colorful woods and water in the distance and then directly on the Hudson River. A monastic room, with a view of the sacred water, full of history and secrets and the sound of the trains going by were heavenly. 

During my week in New York, my mother (who has been ill) took a turn for the worse. It was beyond stressful. Yet Great Creator had me the perfect spot to sit with the distress and decision making. To be wrapped by colorful woods, that crisp air and people I loved nearby (who came and visited), that was most welcomed, needed and nurturing. At fifty-one years old, the Hudson Valley still provides me with the what I crave; the sacred and the peaceful.

My photos are not great. I really need a course. I have photography school as the only thing on my bucket list. But here are some shots of the Hudson in the Fall.

Pam, who was often a side kick in fun times!

Vincenza & Anita. 

Robyn.

The best friend, Bob. I wonder what he was trying not to see!

Bella's House, View from the yurt.

The Town of Woodstock.  Seeing the vibrant trees made me realize how much I miss the Fall.

My Spiritual Mother Bella.

Izzy, Bell and Janet at her home in Woodstock (on the mt). Izzy, a chief from South Dakota led the sweat lodge. Janet, with her full heart also guided that and much more.

Silly fun at Graymore