a walk in the park

the most delicate of greens

into green

As the landscape changed from wide grassland to green forest, a little river began to run parallel to the road, and we couldn't resist leaving the car on the side of the road to investigate.



I waded into the river, the water wrapping around my thighs. Balancing carefully on the slippery rocks, I untied the sweaty handkerchief that hid my dirty hair, and soaked my head in the cool water. As I watched the current carry my hands away like the branches of green that grew within it, I was overcome by a feeling of peace. Road trips have a funny way of teasing out all the things your brain buries during the routine of daily life. There had been so many conflicts, questions, and realisations running through my head, but now... now, the sight of an electric blue dragonfly gently bobbing up and down while clinging the water milfoil was all there was.



There was this fine frog too.

secret world

secret things

the concept of heaven

The concept of heaven to me, is of this earth. It's flexible and passing— sensory. I feel it in my fingers when they are wrapped around a mug of tea, I hear it in the laugh of a loved one, I smell it in a good carrot soup. It's everywhere, and if you are mindful and aware of what is happening around you, it will always be with you. There's a heaven for me in the heart of Portugal— the Interior, as Pedro calls it. It's in that honey morning light, the song of a wren, the scent of soil, and the warmth of a wood burning stove.

I feel a tremendous peace here, and if I let it, it swallows up my worries like a glassy pool. It's amazing— the meaningless chatter that can occupy a head, but I am convinced that every inhale of this intoxicating air will cure.

tall, and small

into the woods

I am now in New Hampshire for a week of lobster rolls, fireflies, trees, and staring at lakes before I head back to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. It's so peaceful here; the silence is broken by birdsong, cricket chirps and the shushing of wind finding its way through leaves. This is the perfect place for drinking tea and reading books on porches, which I am off to do right now.