from the other side of the screen

I don't know if there's a comfortable time to live in the country. In New England, it seems that bitter cold and deep snow banks give way to bugs with only a few days in between. Nature is intrusive here, with a porch's screen the only buffer. Ladybugs make their homes inside this one, black flies hover around my head when the breeze slows. I have a desire to be in nature, to learn from her, to feel my bare feet rooting into rich earth--but when I'm here, I'm thankful for the screened porch, content to watch her from a place of comfort. Nature is an adversary and a teacher. She pushes you to the limit--to a place where you can't stand another cold day or another bug bite, and then she switches instruments. I'm not sure what the end game is here--toughness, stamina, strength of spirit? I only know that I admire her from afar, from the other side of the screen, and I worry that her wisdom will not reach me in here.

Comments

[kim]

Look at you...all cozy! Wish I was there to share a cup of tea.

[Busymomma66]

The great thing about New England is just when you are sick of a season, it will change. I think Nature in NE teaches us that change is sometimes for the better. 3 weeks ago it was all dreary and cold and raw, and now the sun is shining, the wind is brisk, and the air is clear.

But I'm with you, I tend to admire her from afar--often a window or screen is in between. But I think she is a tenacious teacher and she will find us.

[Anisa]

Your posts are always so moving Jen. I almost got the feeling of "the other side of the screen" being the computer screen for me... I know that's not exactly what you were going for, but I feel like I'm often observing my friends this way - never truly getting close enough to learn and grow with them. Keeping them at "blogs' distance" is safe.

hmm.... you are always making me think!

[Tim W]

New England is lovely, but I have to say, Colorado's nature is something that I will always miss.