Midweek Musings: Thrill & Chill

: elk viewing, stargazing, and mixing up the mane :

I continue to be amazed by the topics that spark response from you guys. Last week’s topic on book abandonment had some great responses that left me feeling (as Rebecca H. commented) LIBERATED! Thanks for weighing in!

This week as Midweek Musings lands in your inbox, I’ll be hitting the road yet again after being home for only four days in the last month.¹ Those who have been reading Release and Gather for a while know the big stressors in my life during this season.² Some of you have kindly reminded me to take care of myself while taking care of others, and this week I am doing just that!

Ten years ago, Mike³ and I took a fabulous trip with our kids to Ponca, Arkansas, and now we’re returning—this time sans children. Located at the northern tip of the Ozark National Forest, Ponca is also situated in the Buffalo National River area, which is home to 800+ Rocky Mountain Elk that were introduced to the area in the early 1980s to replace the smaller Eastern Elk that were hunted to extinction in the 1840s.

Image from our 2012 trip to Ponca

Early in the morning and at dusk, you can drive south of Ponca on Highway 43 through Boxley Valley for thrilling views of the massive beasts grazing in the many fields and sometimes even standing in the middle of the road! You could probably roll down your window and touch their snouts, but I wouldn’t advise it.

Besides elk, the area offers scenic drives, trails leading to old homesteads, and the beautiful Buffalo River. The water level will be too shallow at this time of year to canoe or kayak, but I’m content to put my feet in the water on one of many shores and search for the perfect river rocks.

We discovered the Wagon Wheel, a camper on Airbnb that a family put out to pasture on their farm.⁴ It’s perfectly situated next to a pond stocked with fish, and the hosts have firewood, fresh eggs, milk, and steaks available to purchase. We should be able to catch some nice sunsets, and reviewers promise we’ll be greeted by a dog or two. I’m looking forward to kicking back next to a campfire and stargazing.

Another thing I did for myself this week was travel to my favorite stylist and get a haircut. And I don’t mean a trim. For at least ten years I’ve had medium to long hair. I had grown tired of the longer mane—it seemed to be in a ponytail every(!) single(!) day(!) because it’s so hot down here in the South. So what was the point of keeping it long?

I had this internal debate for several weeks before I finally decided to throw caution to the wind and just cut the stuff. I mean, it’ll grow back if I don’t like it, right?!

I didn’t realize just how long it had gotten! And I have to give a shoutout right here to great genes because the color is all natural!

I’m not regretting the big chop one bit. Nothing like self care!

Hit the comments and let me know what you’ve done for yourself lately (you can even read this in your best Janet Jackson vocal, which is kind of a little gift, too).

1. We actually had a neighborhood kid stop by and tell us he thought we moved because he didn’t see my car in the driveway!

2. But if you don’t, just check out Everyday Tasks, the Stem Cell Donation series, the post on brotherhood, or this post on how I created a rule breaker.

3. Mike—the husband I don’t write about much. My best friend. My fellow roadtripper. My partner in adventures but never in crime. I’ll introduce you to him one day if you keep sharing my posts.

4. I’ll reserve the link until after we’ve deemed it recommendation-worthy.