souldare

Be still, and know . . . (Psalm 46:10 KJV)

One thing I love about boating, besides the solitude is the pace. We are moving, but we are still at the same time. The boat carries us along the waterway, and we can sit and observe and get to know our surroundings.

When Les suggested that we complete a section of the TenTom Waterway, I asked if there were any interesting sites along the way. And he said, “Not that many.” I was a little disappointed, because I like to explore new and unusual places. He mentioned in passing that we might be able to tour a snagboat. It sounded interesting enough, and I’m glad we took the time to see it.

Yesterday, we stopped at the Tom Bevill visitor center, and toured the U.S. Snagboat Montgomery. The visitor center was housed in a reproduction of an antebellum mansion. The snagboat built in the 1920s was in service up until the 1980s. It was powered by steam and a paddle wheel. It was used to remove snags and dredge the river.

Also it was interesting to see how the construction of the third floor observation room in the mansion reflected a similar design as the pilot house on the boat. Both square with windows on all sides.

After the tour, we made our way through another lock, and settled in at the Columbus Marina. As I was pondering what to share in this post, I looked back at the photos I took. Many of included reflected images because of all the windows, and a mirror.

I never used to notice the reflections or shadows in the composition of my photos, but now I do. I wondered about this shift in my awareness. I attribute this ability to notice these elements to my practice of slowing down, of embracing a pace that allows me to pause. To really see and know and immerse myself in a place.

To really know something or someone, we need time, space and confidence to get closer, to observe and to notice. To see the texture and context of the setting becomes second nature. To imagine what it might have been like to live and move in these spaces filled my mind. How the crew of the boat lived together, worked together, and possibly reflected together on the nuances of life made me reflect on my own quality of life.

It’s hard to convey all that I experienced, as I wandered through the displays, the antiques in the house and the machinery of the boat. Yet, I can give you a glimpse of my “eye” through the photos. Here’s several of my reflections.

What causes you to reflect? What reflections have you noticed lately?