wild

Nature gets into our souls and opens doors to hidden parts of ourselves. (Pamela Heyda)

(cross country skiing, this week, mt hood)

john taught me to get out into the woods. to breathe in the air. and to get quiet with myself. before we met i had never been on a mountain hike, or camping, or really anything nature inspired. but now it seems our life, especially our life here in oregon, is infused with it. camping, surfing, hiking, rock climbing, all of it. when i was 7,8,9 years old, i loved the dirt roads of where i grew up, the trees and lakes and sounds. it’s completely blissful to me that i have rediscovered it in my adult life. earlier this week, we went cross country skiing. it was quiet. not many people. just us, and the sounds. i hear my voice most clearly when i’m out of the city and into the wild. today, my voice was clear: i am feeling rejuvenated. inspired again. ready. ready for the new year. new possibilities. new dreams.

several years ago, i read into the wild. i was deeply affected by that book and its true story. this week, we saw the movie, and again i have found myself deeply affected by it. it’s a gorgeous film, in every sense, especially the story. “Happiness is only real when shared” he finally realizes at the end. shared in connection. shared inside the arms of forgiveness. shared in memories of laughter and sounds. it’s a heartbreaking, lovely, sad, triumphant story. the lessons and beauty of life are everywhere in that young man’s spirit.

happiness is only real when shared.

Hi, I'm Kelly Rae Roberts!

Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my whispers and started playing with paint and everything changed.

Now I’m a full-time artist, author and Possibilitarian, who helps women explore and nourish their creative souls.

Don't want to miss a post?

Get my LATEST POSTS sent to your inbox.

10 Comments

Yolanda on Saturday, January 5, 2008 at 9:19 pm

Lovely post and photos.

pERiWinKle on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 4:33 pm

It’s a gorgeous photo of you! ahhh…i’m jealous…we stayed home this Christmas…i think I have to organise a trip for my hubbie and i for just ‘getting out into the wild!”

Have fun! xx

Lelainia N. Lloyd on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 12:54 pm

I have been a Jon Krakauer fan for years-I’ve read everything he’s written. (I’m an armchair mountaineer.) I don’t know if the movie is still playing here-I am going to have to check into it.

patty craft on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 12:01 am

I’ve learned, too, that there’s hardly any problem a long walk in the woods won’t cure. I loved reading Into the Wild and am looking forward to seeing the movie.

Thanks for sharing you happiness with us here.

peace & love

Katrina on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 9:56 pm

lovely! enjoy your quietude in the woods and all the joys of snow and silence.

Dawn on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 7:17 pm

So glad you are finding some time to spend in the woods, and there is certainly no better place than Oregon. Being in nature and hearing nothing but your own voice is the very best rejuvenation. The lessons and beauty of life are not only in that young man’s spirit, they are in each of us, we just need to learn to listen.

Katie on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 5:24 pm

Lovely post, Kelly Rae. Wishing you many blessings this year.

tali on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 3:50 pm

I haven’t read the book, “Into the Wild,” but I did watch the movie…It was very moving, but it made me so sad. I love the different perspectives. 🙂

Cotton Picker on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 2:38 pm

I have read “Into The Wild” and was quite moved by it too.

sandra f. on Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 3:42 am

Mt Hood is awesome! It has been a few years ago, but it was like a winter wonderland! I love the peaceful feeling that being outdoors brings…why do we wait so long to pursue it. I agree with you that I always come back fresh and inspired! Enjoy your time!!-Sandra