Inspired by Lens-Artists Challenge #57: Taking a Break
…respond to this week’s challenge by showing how we and/or others “Take A Break”…How many ways can you think of for getting away from the daily grind and finding peace?
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I like to walk. Outside. I will admit I count steps – or at least keep track of them – via an older model fitness tracker I wear every day. No bells, whistles or flashing lights. Just an app on my phone which records how many steps I’ve accumulated. If I can count at least 5,000 in a day I don’t feel like a slug. 10,000 is the elusive goal. It all depends on how I’m feeling. How well various body parts are cooperating.
If nothing else, it motivates me to push back my desk chair, close my laptop, find my walking sneakers and head outdoors. Sometimes I call a friend to go with me – we chat and discuss the world’s problems.
Five years ago, I had a regular walking buddy – also a good friend – who would drive to my house for an afternoon walk. At that time I lived in a quiet neighborhood on a cul-de-sac. A relatively level road. Perfect for walking and talking with minimal huffing and puffing (more for my benefit – my friend, an experienced hiker, slowed her pace down for me).
Since then, she moved to California and I moved out of the house on the cul-de-sac. To a condo a few towns over. The “walking trail” promised by the developer is no trail at all. Just crushed stone gradually being taken over by grass and water runoff from the roof drains.
My steps outside now consist of walking up and down in front of the condo buildings. I can also turn the corner and walk further into a neighborhood of matching houses…which are really condos. One “active adult community” next to another…but without many active adults visible.
A big change from the old neighborhood. No swing sets. No children on bikes or running to catch a ball. Rarely anyone at all.
Sometimes I drive downtown and walk to the end of the main street to reach the town “parkway” – which isn’t really a parkway like the infamous Garden State Parkway I grew up next to. It’s a quiet two lane road next to a tidal river. Grassy areas on either side of the road. Lined with memorial benches…often filled with locals finishing up their ice cream cones.
And for those of us who need one…a resting spot…to take a break.
The parkway’s sidewalk is next to the river.
Perfect for walking…especially late in the day…
It doesn’t get much more peaceful than that.
one letter UP ~ diary 2.0 
I too rely on my fitness tracker to count my steps – mostly because I just find it interesting to see how many steps I take in a day. The best is when I walk 18 holes of golf. Now THAT’s some serious steps!! Bummer about your new “path” not being as promised but it sounds and looks like you have a beautiful area for walking quite nearby which is perfect. And I wouldn’t mind an ice cream myself now and then :-). Thanks for joining us this week!
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Thank you! Yes, I am grateful for the walking area downtown. It is interesting to see how many steps accumulate in a day. Golf – that IS a great place for steps 🙂
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I’d love to walk there, the last photo! The reflections are incredibly beautiful!
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Thank you! Glad you like it 🙂
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It looks so lovely!! I would like to walk more, but don’t feel safe in my area (sounds like an excuse, doesn’t it? 🙂 ).
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Thank you! Glad you like it.
Not feeling safe sounds like a good reason and not an excuse! (At least I think so).
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Oh thank you for that affirmation ❤
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You’re welcome!
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BIG Smiles!
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Way to find the peacefulness in your new area. I too would miss the kids playing and the ‘neighborly’ feeling. But the idea of downsizing…still sounds pretty appealing to me some days. Your photos are beautiful, I love the contrasting colors.
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Thank you Shelley! Glad you liked the photos. Downsizing was worth it, but it was a compromise on things like this.
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Yes I did. I’m sure, there’s always a compromise. It’s what keeps us on our toes.
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How beautiful your photos! Nice that you had a walking partner. I am so slow, I can’t really call what I do walking, lol. Still, I like to get out and enjoy the scenery.
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Thank you! Just getting outdoors can make all the difference. Walking or strolling or sitting. 🙂
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Sure can. You are welcome!
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Aah. Great greens in the park. Walking is a good thing.
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Thank you. It sure is!
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