Photo essay: How an essay begins
A meditation on how movement has saved me numerous times throughout my life
I just got back from a monthlong writing residency in Western Massachusetts. I spent the time writing and hiking—a journal & a half of new writing, & 96.5 miles of trails. Hiking has been a huge part of my life and writing process for years, since I lived steps away from Inwood Hill Park in upper Manhattan, but it was under the huge pine trees in an old wood forest of Norfolk County, MA that I started really thinking about what movement has done for me throughout my life. I documented my thoughts in words & images.
I know now that this essay is part of a larger project, and have added hundreds of words to it since. Decades into this writing life, I am still fascinated with how and where stories find us, and where and how we finally give ourselves to their call.
Write on,
V
“...because it was not safe to be still” - what a tremendous question. Beautiful photos with emotion-provoking words, and always inspiring me on my own writing & grief journey 🙏🏽
I am a retired 70 year young generalist social worker. I worked for 11 years across remote and rural, northern BC west coast towns. I provided empathic, anti-oppression services, in experiential women's groups and several First Nations reserves, as well as individual and couples counselling. Previous, I was a midwife supported, home birthing mum of 3 babies who loves the woods, oceans, lakes, rivers and nature's gifts.