Dumb question. Of course not. Some things are just obvious. Perhaps not long term, but there are days here in Vermont that could be called perfection. We've had a few of those days where the temps are in the mid to high 70's, a few puffy clouds passing by, rarely ruining the rays that warm the skin. The slight breeze keeps the warmth from being too much. No humidity, no bugs, no crowds. Just you, a book, a beverage, a snack, a view, a few other like minded individuals and a lake with water that invites you in for a long, languorous layabout. These are the days when I try to throw away the notion of doing something physical to maintain my health in favor of the unjudged day of lollygagging. We need more of these days. It is rare that we get 2 of those days in a row, though we have. The lake is great, don't get me wrong, but the woods and streams of New England are wonderful to traipse through to simply see what is out there. I could roam the woods for hours and not get bored. The woods here seem endless. There are so many species that I have no idea what they are. Fungi (a favorite), ground covers, mosses, ferns, herbs, flowers, trees, shrubs, birds, rocks, stone walls, forgotten foundations and chimneys, outcrops, etc. Not that I need to know (at one time I did), but just the simple discovery is satisfying. And the quiet, it is so loud at times my thoughts seem like they are screaming. Again, I am very fortunate for so many things. The one I take for granted and have inherited from my mom, is the ability to be alone. I guess I don't mind myself. My brain is constantly challenging me. How people can get bored is beyond me, when there are so many pursuits to chase (definitely my problem). But.......I think.......one's environment plays a huge role in the opportunities available to pursue. I would argue a rural environment is easier to engage in creative or productive pursuits. Sure, urban environments are rich with people, arts, museums, zoos, parks and refined variety. But the necessity of a good bit of money moves this environment lower in the pecking order because it negates many people. This leads me to the notion that maybe some people try to shoehorn themselves in something that might not really fit who they are. The hardest thing in life is being honest with oneself and really knowing who you, we, are. Me? Give me a small town that enjoys culture, local food, being educated, undeveloped land and puts an emphasis on quality of life. In that environment one can enjoy the freedom to learn and romp and eat and play and work if you need to. Lately my pursuit is fungi. The chanterelles and black trumpets are new favorites. Turkey Tails are coming in close and I will be working with them to incorporate into my diet. The perfect days allow the fungi to fruit and grow for fellow Earth dwellers to take advantage of. Just dry sauteed a bunch of chanterelles then will freeze them for later use. So good, but one can only eat so many. 5 straight days is too much of a good thing. That is why our days are filled with rain and sun.
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