Stretching to Embrace

Seen as I walked back to my car after an evening equinox swim at Clearwater Lake, Maine

I have been fascinated by this image, stopping in my tracks when I saw it. And these are the words that have come over the past few days:

Stretching to Embrace

Rooted in divine fathoms,
my pristine pieces
stretch to embrace 

placid evening light.
Murky shadows,
not an accurate
 reflection of my essence,
are simply part of my whole.
And I embrace them, too.
I can choose to befriend
all that has come before,
safe with the knowledge
that throughout my life
this benevolent spirit
has been fluid,
active and true.

Sarah Carlson

September 25, 2016

Cross-Currents

Popham Beach, Maine

Cross-Currents

Strong, salty waves undulate with angst,
and the power of freedom.
Cross-currents collide,
entangle and rise,
sunlight illuminating
whatever surfaces.
 Tides shift - disentangle,
release, reorganize
and settle into a new flow.
Somewhere within the brine is me,
my authentic being.
When I am able to let go and
ride my unique currents
I am uncluttered, untethered,
unconfined.
My wonderful wild child glows,
her benevolent energy sparkling
with life.

Sarah Carlson

September 24, 2016

Singletrack

Singletrack on the  Carrabassett Valley, Maine mountain bike trail system

I went mountain biking in Carrabassett  this weekend. I had the pleasure of unexpectedly seeing my son and daughter-in-law as they came up behind me on the Narrow Gauge Pathway. They encouraged me to try some new singletrack, and so I did.
Though we spent many hours mountain biking as a family, it was always on dirt roads and wider trails. Singletrack is new to me.
And, though I've been a widow for over 14 years, it feels like single life is new to me, too. I'll leave it at that, but here's what came from pondering the connection between the two.

Singletrack

Singular path snakes
through early evening woods,
‘round rocks, over roots, along
a meandering stream.
A choice - stay in the saddle or
put feet to earth to be more safe.
No right or wrong,
simply the power to choose
whatever feels best.
Tension and focus,
merge with
freedom and flow.
Solitary moments that allow for
confidence, self-awareness

to expand
with every decision made.

Sarah Carlson

September 4, 2016