What you're seeing in this photograph looks like water in the foreground, but it's actually mud. The tide has gone out, leaving these beautiful wavelike shapes in the creek bottom.
Further in the distance, you can see the shiny surface of the water, and a pair of rowers gliding by. The golden mountain in the distance is Mount Tamalpais.
This watershed and the foothills of Mt. Tam are what I refer to as my "backyard", since I live in a converted warehouse with no yard. This gorgeous wilderness surrounds the little towns that make up Marin County.
I pass over this part of Corte Madera creek often, where Sir Francis Drake Blvd. merges into the 101 freeway. Today, running afternoon errands in preparation for my next big adventure living abroad, I knew I had to stop everything and come over to the creekside.
The afternoon light at solstice here in the San Francisco Bay area slants at the most delicious angle. The so-called magic hour of golden light that photographers wait for seems to last all day, yet it's most dramatic right when the sun disappears behind our mountain.
I'm writing this the next day, at 9:30 am Pacific time, and already the light is glowing, making the edges of the world soft, inviting me out to play.
There was no way to do my errands and catch this moment in the sun. The post office closes at 5, but I made my choice. Apologies to all who aren't getting my love notes and care packages before Christmas.
I wanted to get more of Mt. Tam in the picture, centered a bit, but I was wearing dressy suede boots and didn't want them to get muddy. Note to self: keep the mucklucks in the Volvo, along with the rest of the ready-for-anything gear.
There is something about tidal flats, especially muddy ones, that draws me in, a magnetic force. I'm constantly pulling off freeways around here when the tide is out, marveling at the cycles of nature, and the very real magnetic pulls of this planet and solar system we live in.
Two black roosters, distinct for their color and also because they are not the type of birds you expect to see in tidal flats, peck at the moist ground. For a moment I fear they will charge me, looking for a handout, but they don't even look up when I pass by. They must belong to one of the yards that back up to the creek.
My contemplation starts in the mud flats and spirals out from there. Outward, to wonderings about galaxies and our place in this vast universe. Inward, to the myths and stories of evolution and devolution that have helped me to be more at ease in my own skin and in this world.
Didn't we all come from this place, so very long ago? We are made of the same ratio of water as the earth. We contain the same minerals as the sea. Whenever I cry, I taste ocean, which always gives me pause. What are we made of, and where do we come from?
If I were still in advertising, I would pitch a campaign for more philosophy on tissue boxes. But it would never fly. Too controversial. Too creative. Too thoughtful for the "the masses", so say the ad men. That's why I work for myself.
Reflecting on the mystery and beauty of this life, and all the while, breathing in the briny scent of of earth mixed with sea. Resting in this place we all come from, helps me calibrate my sights on where I am going next. Another magnetic pull that I share about in depth in Sketchbooks.
If you are reading this, you are a part of my journey, and for that I feel so much gratitude. Because inspiration is one of those things that multiplies when it is shared.
And I couldn't wait to share this snapshot of a moment with you.
With best wishes for however you celebrate the holiday season and the coming new year,
Lisa Sonora
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And now a word from our sponsor: which is me. (See self-employment reference, above.)
I mention it today because if you subscribe before Saturday, you can still get the current issue, as well as what's coming out Saturday, which is an in-depth exploration of the question: What do you pack to pursue a dream, and what do you leave behind? What I'm working with as I move abroad (again!). Complete with actual packing lists...for the curious.
Here's where you can read all about it...
Next Up: The annual Creative Entrepreneur ReTREAT for Women in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. January 15-21, 2012. Just a few weeks away and a few spots left now due to a cancellation.
If you want to see more about the retreat, I've just posted a very brief video (3 minutes) interviewing some of last year's workshop participants on location. Lots of laughing and crying! It's on the front page of The Creative Entrepreneur website: http://www.thecreativeentrepreneur.biz/main_page.html
Retreat details are here:
