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Saturday 12 November 2022

For the love of picnics

We have thoroughly enjoyed our picnics this autumn but it looks like they will soon come to an end. The temperatures have dropped and the wind has been relentless, making for a cold which is uncomfortable for picnics. 


On one of our picnics before the cold set in, my husband asked why I enjoy them so much. I have thought about this for a while now and the answer is simple but not. We’re outdoors.


Some of my favourite memories of childhood were outdoors playing with my friends. Those days were idyllic, playing in the woods, on the beach or by the river. The days weren’t long enough for us. Time outdoors now speaks to that part of my spirit which was so happy in those childhood times.


It is more than that though. My love of a picnic is about the sounds of nature as we eat, such as the call of a gull along the shoreline, the lap of a wave on the shore or chickadees calling among the trees. For a few minutes during lunch, water trickling along a stream can fill the senses.


It is not only the sounds however that make a picnic, but the sights that go with them, such as the sea and its moods. The cloud formations for the day always have our attention as do the curiosities along a beach of red sand such as shells or driftwood. 


In the woods, the shape of the trees, how they sway with the wind of the day, the glow of the green beneath the canopy on a sun filled day, or the autumn colour of trees or grasses all make the experience of a picnic! There’s no need to bring flowers for the table because the wildflowers are prettier than any human-made bouquet. In the autumn, the wildflowers gone to seed catch the eye as well. And who can forget the feeling of the sun on one’s face or watching ducks or geese and goslings on a pond?


Then there is the company, time with friends to relax in such a setting and chat or time alone with your partner, to chat or sit in a comfortable silence, taking it all in. The food, hot or cold is a great bonus, eaten slowly so as to allow digestion of the nutrients and the surroundings. Hot tea, especially on an autumn or spring day, makes everything easier to consume. 


A picnic speaks to my spirit as it feeds mind and body. Who wouldn’t enjoy that?




23 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

You are such an observer of your environment that you probably get more out of a picnic than many, which is not to say that they aren’t appreciated by all. It may be the season for Sue and me to resume our car-coffees, sometimes with other comestibles too.

DJan said...

You have painted a word picture that fills my senses and makes me feel so happy. Thank you, dear Marie, for writing this post. It feels like you sent it directly to me. :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

You are the Queen of picnics!

Debbie said...

WoW!!! poetry...no one could have described this better, no one!! as i read your words, i realized that i enjoy picnics for the same reasons but could have never said it so eloquently. i would have said "i enjoy eating outdoors"!!

Boud said...

You make picnics sound idyllic!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I feel the same as you do when it comes to a picnic. Spending time outdoors, with the sights and sounds is one of my favorite things to do. Hubby and I often pack a lunch even if it is only to sit and eat in the car at a scenic overlook. I do have trouble on the windy days, my eyes seem to dry out and burn even more than usual. Take care, have a great new week!

Bill said...

Picnics are fun and it's perfect when you are out in nature.

Elephant's Child said...

Beautiful. True. Thank you.

William Kendall said...

Very well said.

Barb said...

A lovely post that makes me long for a picnic!

Helen said...

Beautifully written, Marie. Any time spent in nature is food for the soul.

Red said...

Excellent description of a picnic using all your senses. People don't go on picnics much anymore and they should.

Joanne Noragon said...

You can turn lunch on the picnic table on the deck into a picnic in the woods.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

My heart was agreeing with you Marie! I grew up living mostly outdoors in PEI and there is just something that gets in your innermost being with the sounds of nature, its beauty, and enjoying food outdoors as you listen, watch, absorb, and enjoy the glorious offerings the wildlife, the horizons, and the skies have to offer. Beautifully said, and I am sad your picnics for this year are over. Ours definitely are - winter came last week, and seems bound to stay. Tis the season... Blessings to you!

The Happy Whisk said...

I LOVE eating outside. And writing, reading, drawing or just sitting with a cuppa. Any time of year. Or hot chocolate outside when it's really, really cold. Though, I can't sit at the table then. I can shovel and I enjoy that just as much. It's winter here now and we're enjoying the new snug area we made. Hope your winter rocks as well.

Vagabonde said...

By the look of your heading photo, it must be beautiful to be in your outdoors. I truly enjoyed your post.

Lorrie said...

You've written beautifully about the delights of picnics. They add a sense of holiday or adventure to everyday life. Being outdoors keeps our connection to nature, which I think is healthy for anyone.

margi said...

Beautifully told! It's obvious that you love nature and enjoy being outside. Picnic meals are food for our bodies and being outside is food for our souls.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Love all your reasons for loving picnics. I remember picnics always being fun growing up because we were outdoors, in nature, and having fun with family. Many of your reasons too.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I agree with everything you say, Marie, except for the hot tea, which at best is tolerable and never delicious! We also picnic from time to time in the winter, especially on bright sunny days when one can find a sheltered spot - and it is glorious. Food tasted outdoors rises to a whole new level, and if a Canada Jay wishes a seat at the table in Algonquin Park it is more than welcome. Probably joined by chickadee and nuthatch friends. We will be spending a weekend there in March. Wanna come?

MARY G said...

The food just tastes better outside. As long as there are no gulls wanting to join in, seaside picnics are the very best.

Catarina said...

Having a meal outdoors, surrounded by beautiful Mother Nature and having all our senses engaged is one of the best experiences for the soul. : )

peppylady (Dora) said...

This is the time for stews and such.
Coffee is on and stay safe