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There is a place where we can all go that allows for the silencing of the noise of ordinary life. A place where we each find a solitary pursuit of a moment; a goal, a dream fulfilled. I love the mornings because I wander and drink in every bit of new color, every drop of dew that heralds a new flower.

Writing is a solitary pursuit. How many times a day, when you are cooking, cleaning, dealing with the minutia,  those around you in all good faith say, “What can I do to help you?” and usually it is something as simple as  “OK thanks, chop this, hold this, move that,” or whatever. Some pursuits, no one can help you with. When I sit down to write, no one else can lend a hand. There is nothing any other being  can possibly add to my experience. It has to be all me.

I drifted on Dublin Lake today. A sail-boarder was teaching himself to read the wind and feel the water. No one could teach him. DSC_7312

DSC_7310

Last night, Julia got up at midnight, put on her boots and went down to the barn to ride her horse in the light of the Super Moon. A perfect solitary pursuit, though a partner was necessary.

Small, memories each made of solitary moments.

As I drove back from my kayak trip, I passed a man in a field. He was painting, his easel pointed toward the mountains in a July field of stubble. I turned around, introduced myself and apologized for interrupting his solitude. clumsily, I handed him my card,  and asked if I might photograph him for this post. He introduced himself, David Dodge, and joked, “I might break the camera!” and I shot his view of the mountains. “How long have you been here today?” I asked. “Since Noon, I finished on small work already, this is my second. The light keeps changing.” he replied.

DSC_7315 DSC_7318

“What’s your blog about? he asked, squinting at my business card. “Reinventing oneself.” I replied. “We all should do that on a regular basis.” was his response.

Solitary pursuits. Music, art, or just relaxation we take the time in hope of rejuvenation, seeking the seeming most productive solitary pursuits.

176 comments on “Solitary Pursuits

  1. Saikat says:

    In my experience, reinventing oneself is one of the toughest things to do. And yet, reinvent we must, for only those who change with the times find true happiness. You are absolutely right about the fact that no one can help you write. But I don’t think you really need any help. A very nicely written post. 🙂

    Like

    1. Thank you. Words of wisdom and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. The two things people fear most – change and death – are the biggest opportunities for growth.

      Like

  2. Van Nomads says:

    I think if people spent more time working on themselves instead of working on building their resume or bank account, we would all be much happier.

    Like

    1. Wiser words were never said. I used to work on the resume and bank account…never brought me this much joy! Thanks for commenting.

      Like

  3. Amazingly beautiful. Yes, we should all “reinvent ourselves often.” I will take this through my day.

    Like

    1. Thank you! So glad it struck a chord and appreciate your comment.

      Like

  4. pratiksd says:

    On some journeys we do have to travel alone.. Beautifully written..

    Like

    1. Thank you so kind of you to comment…

      Like

  5. testaltom1234 says:

    Reblogged this on My Blog and commented:
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    Like

  6. In the Stillness of Willow Hill says:

    Sometimes reinventing is thrust upon us through life’s disasters….but the joy comes in looking back to see how far we have come in finding the true-me in the gradual shaking of old relationships, habits, and thoughts. My own reinvention resonates with your 50+ journey. My best adventures have all been in my second decade.

    Like

    1. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I agree, the joy is in a ability to look back and see how far we’ve come!

      Like

  7. leahrennes says:

    Reinventing oneself…is one of the most difficult tasks out there. We need not only courage, but patience and passion. Sometimes we need to be pushed to get out of our routine and look for a better us.

    Like

  8. lexydal says:

    I love the concept that our blogs (or easels!) are options for us a individuals to escape for a minute and talk / depict whatever we feel, with no judgement and use it as a form of therapy. It is truly rewarding. New to blogging but very happy to find this post in my search – my first post was somewhat relative to this idea and again, no one can tell how to do it “right”

    Like

    1. Thank you! Will check out your blog. It is a funny world out there when we write about solitude yet find so many others who are experiencing similar feelings…

      Like

  9. sunnyjay1995 says:

    Very thought provoking. Please check out my blog at sunnyjay1995.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. Thanks Sunnyjay! I will.

      Like

  10. I agree, and it definitely helps to have open land (or water) nearby where one can be alone in nature. The peace and quiet helps the Holy Spirit do His work in our souls.

    Like

    1. Thank you! Yes, access to nature in any form is key.

      Like

  11. rmedesigner says:

    Reblogged this on rmedesigner and commented:
    Good picture 🙂

    Like

    1. Thank you! Appreciate your comment and will check out your blog!

      Like

  12. Radhika says:

    Thank you for reaffirming my love of solitude!

    Like

    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

      Like

  13. This is beautiful. Thanks.

    Like

    1. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment!

      Like

  14. Angie K says:

    I wish I could go somewhere on my own tl recharge my batteries, as this is the only way. I do love my family, but spending time just with yourself is so important. My other half doesn’t understand this, he thinks I am selfish…

    Like

    1. being selfish is the most important trait to being happy. When you “selfishly” take care of yourself, you have more to give willingly to others. You write well, let that refresh you.

      Like

      1. Angie K says:

        I agree with you, totally. And thanks for the compliment, I hope you’ll visit my blog soon. 🙂

        Like

  15. somusoumen says:

    Really Inspiring post. As i feel, everyone needs a break.its really important for us to spend good quality time alone and peaceful.and thank you for sharing with us such a wonderful momen.!!!

    Like

    1. Thank you for taking your time to read and comment with your wise words.

      Like

  16. zalman5k says:

    Todos los días son una nueva oportunidad: te invito a leer EL PODER DE LO NUEVO http://t.co/K1bH9YDPEE

    Like

  17. ocjarman1 says:

    Congrats on being “Freshly Pressed”! I, too, love my solitude. At times, infrequent, though they may be, I do crave companionship, in only small increments!! Also, having a deep faith in God Almighty is the joy of my life.

    Like

    1. Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. A good balance of companionship and solitude are the ingredients to happiness!

      Like

  18. This is very beautiful and very real for me. I love solitary pursuits myself. There’s nothing quite like being alone. Also, thank you for writing about reinventing oneself – it’s a good reminder of something that we do need to do every day, as difficult as it is. Thanks for sharing!

    Like

    1. Thank you! Reinvention can be hard but it never disappoints.

      Like

    1. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, much appreciated!

      Like

  19. Very interesting post, I have many solitary pursuits that keep me happy

    Like

    1. Thank you! I am honored you commented and wish you many hours of solitary pursuits…

      Like

  20. Reblogged this on kathymmorris21 and commented:
    I like your journey of taking time for solitude. My favorite bible verse: psalm 46:10..be still and know that I AM God! Reflect on that in your solitary moments!

    Like

  21. Went looking for blogs to start following…stumbled upon yours and found this post! Absolutely agree with every single word written; very inspiring.

    Like

    1. Thank you! I am humbled.

      Like

  22. Reblogged this on Insights to the camp and commented:
    Path down a Solitary Pursuit 🙂

    Like

  23. swale says:

    I believe most of the creative works in this world came during solitary pursuits, ………….

    Like

    1. Thank you Swale, I believe you are right!

      Like

  24. spedtchr84 says:

    Love the point that to reinvent oneself, one must spend time alone. After all, how do you reinvent that which you don’t know? 🙂

    Like

    1. Good point and great comment! Thank you!!

      Like

  25. Just what I need at the moment. As we grow up and get busy building a career, enjoying the company of our friends and family, we forget that one person that we should have spent more time with — our own self. Good job Martha! 🙂

    Like

    1. Thank you! So nice of you to stop by and comment.

      Like

  26. Reblogged this on Laugh.Love.Live and commented:
    As we grow up and get busy building a career, enjoying the company of our friends and family, we forget that one person that we should have spent more time with — our own self.

    Like

  27. jimfire81 says:

    Well written and inspiring!

    I am starting out too …but with something specific, how to help more people understand and protect themselves from fire risks.

    fireriskmanagement.wordpress.com

    Like

  28. theblogevents says:

    really enjoyed this blog, thank you 🙂

    Like

    1. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

      Like

  29. Christine S says:

    Thank you for this post. I know exactly what you mean. Having been through numerous solitary pursuits in my life to date I can appreciate the benefit of reinventing yourself. Thanks for writing this up so beautifully. I will keep my eye on your blog.

    Like

    1. Thank you! I am touched by your comment. I will take a look at your blog as well!

      Like

      1. Christine S says:

        Thanks for that. It’s good to know you liked what I wrote. Good luck with everything.

        Like

  30. HESBON says:

    Thats good for well being at times.

    Like

    1. Thank you HESBON, glad you stopped by!

      Like

      1. HESBON says:

        Feel most welcome,pleasure ….

        Like

      2. HESBON says:

        You can check me out:http//hesbonaluoch.wordpress.com

        Like

      3. HESBON says:

        will gladly appreciate you the most..

        Like

      4. HESBON says:

        Feel most welcome,pleasure to connect with you..

        Like

  31. falsejoker says:

    Reading your article has inspired me and reminded me to take some time for myself and my thoughts more often. To allow myself to drift off and experience new things and new perspectives. Thanks for a refreshing wake up call.

    Like

    1. Falsejoker, I am humbled that you say this. Thank you! Glad the call made it through in this world of texting,emailing etc. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  32. felixema says:

    Thank you for this blog post! I will soon be moving into uncharted territory for college and this post was comforting; there is no doubt I will be able to find solitary peace in my new home.

    Like

    1. Thank you for commenting felixema! I’m happy you found some encouragement in my post. Life is all about doing what you love, College is the perfect place to figure that out. Good luck and keep me posted!

      Like

  33. 8in8 says:

    Thank you
    Blog fantastic
    Good luck
    ………………..
    http://www.8ii.in

    Like

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