Despite flash flood warnings the rain has subsided without too much fuss. We are waiting on the arrival of friends from back home, and having tidied up, I decide to take advantage of the break in weather and put my camera to use.
I step outside just in time to see a cormorant swim by. Startled at my sudden appearance, he flies off. Farther up the canal, a heron is stalking, and as I look the other way, another heron has just successfully made a catch. The sun, having broken through the clouds, darkens my picture, but it’s a good moment all the same.
A cardinal sings from an overhead wire and an osprey eyes the waterway from another perch. I cannot believe how fortunate we have been in finding this place. We have decided to stay.
There is no question that Arizona is good for my health, but I have to believe that living in this close proximity to the ocean will also be healing, in its own way. Anyway, it’s been decided. We will not be able to keep our lovely spot backing onto the canal, but we won’t move too far from it.
Our friends arrive and we go out for a lunch and a tour of the area before returning home. A heron has claimed the hunting ground behind our home, and looks like an ancient warrior as we drive up.
The sun, having also decided to stay , is now edging towards dark. The presence of our cameras disturbs our friend and he wades away, into the now fiery canal.
I linger here, at the water’s edge and give thanks for the blessing of this moment, and this place. Honouring my pledge to act with intent this week, I am making a choice to enhance inner peace.
(The focus of my weekly challenge is intent.)
One Woman's Quest II 
I’m glad for your decision, VJ–my choice would always and forever be the ocean. Prayers continue for your healing ❤
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Thanks Rene. The ocean, other than short holidays, is new to me.
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I hope you’ll enjoy it.
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What a beautiful healing spot you have found! Hopefully the weather will cooperate…the photos are wonderful.
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Thank you. The weather is what it is – warmer than home at the very least.
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Spectacular photos! Between your poetry, painting and photography, you awe me ❤
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Thanks, Dorinda. Living the life, lol.
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That’s a very good thing! 🤗
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Have you given “your” heron a nickname?
Great shots!
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Nothing that has stuck yet. He has many sides to his personality, so it’s hard to settle on one.
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Great post 😁
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Thank you!
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Magnificent photos. I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave.
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Thanks, we are loving it here.
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Beautiful!
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Thanks, Lana.
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Love the pics!
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Thank you!
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