-

in the thick marsh
where red-winged
blackbirds rest
I spotted an egg!
inside a nest

-

fierce wind whipping
through the corridor
between buildings the
edges of my raincoat
flapping like arms

ear to plastic

for 30 minutes
my ear stuck to the plastic
devouring
the voice that calms

my most beautiful thing

Today I’m taking part in the My Most Beautiful Thing Blogsplash to celebrate beautiful things – inspired by Fiona Robyn’s new novel, The Most Beautiful Thing. Bloggers from all over the world are taking part and writing or posting pictures of their most beautiful things today. Find out more here and see everyone else’s blog posts here.

Yesterday, at the last minute I realized what it was. After a long day I was sure I'd never think of anything spectacular enough. Nothing seemed right, or special enough, nor important enough not to sound trite or cliche. I thought of my loved ones, my books and plants, pets, the beauty of nature around me, important milestones in my life...None of it worked as something I could convey to you here with conviction. I went to the gym for inspiration but it was closed for remodeling! Then I realized I hadn't seen the ocean in weeks, maybe months. I've been so busy with work and graduate school, I hadn't even remembered what nourishment a beach walk can provide.

And it was still light out, I still had plenty of time. I drove to my favorite spot, parked, and got out. I breathed in the sea. I savored the briny smell in the evening air as I descended the stairs which led to the grayish beach. It was near sunset, but there was still plenty of light. I walked and thought, walked and thought. Nothing came. I decided to give up and stop thinking. I looked at the ocean, the sand, the people. I stared at the broken shells beneath my feet, the debris and the seaweed, for miles. I realized then that this was it. My need to stop pushing was my most beautiful thing. And having the understanding that in writing, in all communicating, less is always more. I struggle and work but often nothing comes. When I let up a bit, relax, ask the universe for some help and stop trying so very hard, there it is! Learning to live with "Less as more". That is my most beautiful thing.

photo by CM Wilson  2012

Download Fiona Robyn's new book "The Most Beautiful Thing" FREE, for a limited time, here.

a beautiful thing

What is your most beautiful thing?

Is it your one year old niece's golden smile? The pale pink peony buds in your garden? A silver ring given to you by your grandmother? Your shiny red Vespa scooter? Is your most beautiful thing a place or a moment? Is it a philosophy or a value?

On Tuesday the 24th of April, I'm taking part in a Blogsplash to celebrate beautiful things, inspired by Fiona Robyn's new novel, 'The Most Beautiful Thing'.

People all over the world will be blogging, tweeting & writing about their own most beautiful thing.  See details, here.

You could post a photo or write a prose piece about your most beautiful thing. You could write a small stone or show us a piece of artwork you've made in honour of your most beautiful thing. It's completely up to you. You could be extravagant and post a whole series of your most beautiful things.

Writing Our Way Home are making a directory of everyone who's taking part, and they will also re-post their favourite entries on their blog over the following month.

If you'd like to join me, email fiona@writingourwayhome.com for more details.