Along a walking path in Altos del Maria, my sister and I paused at a serene mirador (lookout), taking in two distinct views.
On the left, a quiet stream meandered gently, its surface reflecting the tropical canopy above.
On the right, large boulders rested in a frothy stream, surrounded by lush, vibrant greenery.
At first glance, these views seemed separate, each telling its own story. But when captured together in a panoramic shot, their connection became clear—a continuation of the same journey, seamlessly flowing from one side to the other.
Let’s look at these side by side and then together as a pano from the mirador.
When we pause and look at all perspectives, we find different paths can ultimately be part of the same whole.
Though my sister and I text almost daily, our in-person walks bring even more to discuss including anecdotes, memory lane, and deeper questions about what’s on our minds. With seven years between us and lives that have taken different paths—she’s lived in Canada, France, the United States, and now Panama—we often see things from unique perspectives. Yet, just like the streams, we’re deeply connected, always discovering new commonalities amid the differences.
These walks are a blend of chatter and comfortable silence, where nature fills the quiet with birdsong, the hum of insects, and the bubbling creek. Sunlight dances through the tropical greenery, casting warmth and shadows in equal measure. Much like our conversations, life offers a balance of moments—energetic and calm, frothy and still, distinct yet connected.
Pause to notice. Look to the left, to the right, and beyond. Whether in nature, relationships, or our own journeys, life flows in ways that are both unique and intertwined.
Two Links Du Jour:
Altos del Maria (English) and (Spanish) – a mountain community created 75 years ago about an hour and a half by car from Panama City
Silent Walking – The TikTok trend of silent walking has roots in Buddhism and is a common mindfulness practice – TODAY Show
Two Minutes Du Jour 
3 responses to “To the Left. To the Right. Parts of the Same Picture.”
Hi Rose,
Beautiful photos and beautifully written blog. It looks so much like northern minnesota! Your writing causes me to reflect on how I view nature and perhaps I’ll take a little different perspective on my next hike.
Btw…Therese and I watched The Bishop’s Wife last night. It was strikingly similar to It’s A Wonderful Life, which interestingly enough was made at about the same time as The Bishop’s Wife. A good year for angel movies 🙂
Best to you and safe travels!
-Bud
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Angels are among us, Bud. Wishing you and Therese a wonderful holiday season!
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Couldnt resist a written reaction upon my second more concentrated reading, Rose! You’ve captured the significance of our relationship and how blessed we both are to want to continue to nurture it across the miles and years. True confessions: this post brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Thank you for articulating these thoughts and sharing them with your TMDJ readers. Here’s to many more bonding experiences as the future unfolds! Love ya, Sis! Katherine
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