I always have a list a mile long of things I want to share with you here.  Time constraints, life getting in the way, me holding myself back, constantly make me feel like I am way too far behind.  As we've gone through this pandemic, I have been incredibly depressed and frozen in place.  I have tried to be gentle with myself and the schedule I hold for blog things.  I've also had to reprioritize - and be okay with that - as I started my podcast and Etsy shop, and now attending a learning program on top of that!

Lately, I have felt a sense of productivity that makes me wonder if this is what people without depression feel like all the time?  If so, no wonder I feel like I barely get anything done.  After most of November and December in the height of an intense depressive episode (this is what I refer to as my rollercoaster.  I like to point out to people without depression that it never goes away, it just lurks until it storms in and takes over.), I have been using this lighter time to steadily work and get things done before the depression comes back again for another round.

Today, I'm sharing some photos from a few walking areas we've been to lately in Vancouver and its surrounding areas.  Going for walks around our neighborhood and walking in nature have been incredibly helpful for both my husband and me in these stressful times.  I love finally connecting with nature more and spending more time among the trees.  I love taking our dogs with us.  We both love taking photos of anything that strikes us during our walks.  It's a pastime that is fun, feels productive, and is just good for our souls - all at the same time!

I wanted to post these as a photo journal of sorts, but we've been loving the short trails at Columbia Springs.  We can even do each trail multiple times for a longer walk.  It is actually an environmental education nonprofit that runs events, programs, and workshops to teach about stewardship and environmental science.  There's also a trout hatchery, circular pools we meandered through watching the fish.  Our first time there even brought us a magical moment of seeing deer graze in a clearing!  While some of the trail areas can be a little muddy, the paths are well-maintained and the wooden walkways and bridges are sturdy.

Another stop, especially for sunsets with Mount Hood in the background, is Washougal Waterfront Park.  I've shot a few outfits here that have been on the blog.  It is always hella windy, but the scenery is gorgeous!  They have a trail and play area that we haven't been down to yet, but I'm interested in checking out more of these spots as Sean and I find fun places to walk and take photos.

We didn't keep up with our 2020 or 2021 (they all feel like a jumble anyway) New Year's Resolution of doing one hike a month.  It was one of those things we thought sounded doable and fun, but life happened and summer was way too hot.  I think finding smaller trails and parks we can enjoy for any amount of time as we work our way up to longer walks is a pretty good idea.  Some days my chronic pain is too much, but a slow walk in the fresh air can help.  It felt good to get out there, smell the damp earth, take my "texture photos", and enjoy each other's company.

I also want to point out that I have gotten a bit more comfortable about leaving my house without makeup.  Pushing myself to work on my issues with perfectionism, but mostly continuing my laser hair removal treatments, has given me some more confidence in the skin department.  I'm still not 100% comfortable going makeup-less, but it has made more sense in this time of mask-wearing that I should be okay running to the store or a doctor appointment or going for a walk without looking like the more glam version of me I prefer.  All that to say, I am trying and putting forth the effort to be okay with being uncomfortable with it until it doesn't make me uncomfortable anymore.  *fingers crossed!*

Land Acknowledgement: