Friday, June 3, 2016

Slow Down and Saunter


Aaaahhh, so nice to have some good "sauntering" weather finally. Walking is one thing and I do my share of it at a good pace. But sauntering is different and often much more pleasant, especially if you happen to be sauntering through the woods or a lovely garden. I consider myself a pro at this and have many lovely memories of the walks I used to take with my kids when they were toddlers, slowing down and stopping to observe the awesome beauty in a puddle, stick or dandelion. 

I looked up "sauntering" and discovered that there is actually a World Sauntering Day, celebrated on June 19 every year. Who knew? The purpose is to remind people to slow down and enjoy life as opposed to rushing through it. Also called International Sauntering Day. I love it.

Some of you may know that Thoreau was a great advocate of sauntering. I bought a t-shirt similar to this one once when we visited The Thoreau Society in Concord, MA. At the Walden Pond Gift Shop, as a matter of fact (if you can believe Walden Pond really has a gift shop, LOL. Wonder what Henry would say about THAT?) Cannot find mine anymore.


So I did some really nice sauntering a few days ago in order to reclaim my sanity after a busy week. Thought you'd enjoy pictures.


As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. -Henry David Thoreau



A pretty bench if you tire of sauntering . . . .



"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike."  John Muir



The Chicago Botanic Garden has numerous varieties of Allium - the ornamental onion plant.  So delicate and pretty. Blooming all over the place.







There it is again, my favorite blue door to the English Walled Garden. If you see it, you know where I've been (the Chicago Botanic Garden).











"It is a great art to saunter."


Have a lovely weekend!

-Kathy







19 comments:

Wendy Caton Reed said...

What a wonderful happy post. thank you!

Robin McGuire said...

Kathy, your photos are great! I feel like I was along on your saunter!

Robin McGuire said...

Kathy, your photos are great! I feel like I was along on your saunter!

Susan said...

Beautiful pictures!!!

Colleen said...

Thanks for the lovely sauntering walk and the beautiful scenery :) Now I don't have to go out for a walk in this 100* weather here in AZ. :)

Have a relaxing weekend.

kindredspiritjb said...


It is so nice to have you back with your words of wisdom and your peaceful photos. Take care of yourself and keep well..........we need you.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing.

Jane

Anonymous said...

Kathleen, so very generous of you to take the time to share these beautiful photos with your readers. I want you to know that I always look forward to your blog, it's the one I open first. Thank you. As soon as it cools off today (Northern Calif) I am going to have myself a little saunter in the woods. Have an awesome day.

Kathleen Tracy said...

I wish blogs had Like buttons - I would "Like" all of your sweet comments. Thanks for the well wishes my quilty friends!

Yvonne said...

I did not know that word on English but I do know now! I love to sauntet snd that Garden is perfect for it! Love the quotes of John Muir!

jane nj/wi said...

Do you get a turned up black nose and huff when you come home? My poor puppy...

GO STARS! said...

I would love to saunter through that garden!

Candee said...

Your post is great timing. I was just wondering if there is much in bloom there yet. We'll paying a visit soon to saunter.

KaHolly said...

A most delightful post accompanied by such beautiful pictures. Thanks so much for sharing! I'll be sure to observe the day on June 19th and I'll saunter along the shore, my favorite thing to do. With a little bit of luck, it will have warmed up by then (I had a fire in the woodstove today!).

cozykoza32a@gmail.com said...

I try very hard to slow myself down often. It helps me to center myself and pray.
Kathleen Mary
Kathysnest32.wordpress.com

Debra said...

Beautiful post, Kathleen. My husband and I visited Walden Pond a few years ago, and the gift shop as well! He is also an admirer of John Muir, so this post was special. Your photography is very lovely!

Mary Ann said...

Beautiful pictures, thoughts to ponder. Thank you for sharing your sauntering.

Charlotte said...


Thanks for sharing the lovely photos, quotes and your thoughts too. Great start to a Sunday morning.

Charlotte

DebbieM said...

Your post made me smile. I retired after 30 yrs with USPS on Memorial Day, but I haven't slowed down yet, but I'll try it!! Thx