Lazy Day - A River of Stones

I sit outside reading, sun in and out of clouds. A fox trots across the bridge, stops in the garden, raises a leg, and moves on without a backward glance. Later, sensing movement, I look up to see a young buck walking slowly through the forest. Suddenly startled, he picks up his pace, white tail waving like a truce as he trots away. A Robin hops and flutters along the stream finding the perfect spot for a drink. Dipping its head, water droplets fly off its beak to become prisms of light. Bees drone around the Salvia as the afternoon slips slowly away.

A River of Stones

Morning Observation - A River of Stones

saw a woman with orange hair this morning

bright neon orange

dancing down the sidewalk 

brown arms reaching for the sky

fingers snapping out a beat

face upturned grinning at the sun

just down the street another woman

frowning into sun's glare
blonde hair all business

arms locked across chest

foot tapping with impatience

waiting to cross

it's all relative

but

I'm still smiling at that orange hair


A River of Stones

Old Age - A River of Stones

Remains of building from 1800's along Mineral Belt Trail, Leadville, CO

I wouldn't want to be young again. My weathered facade is well-earned. I lean a bit, swayback. My ancient bones are thinning. I'm more open, accessible. Strangers and varmints intrude on my space. The barriers and signs that once meant "keep out," are now flimsy and mostly disregarded.  Privacy is a thing of the past. Oh, I've seen some sights in my day, overheard plenty of conversations. If you have the time, I can tell you some tales. I'm of a certain age, but I've endured. I have my self-respect. I'm still standing.

During the month of July, I'm participating with other writers from around the World in

A River of Stone 

Blooming - A River of Stones

 

the curled bud holds only promise

the unfurled blossom achieves immortality

I'm participating in July's
A River of Stones

Promise - A River of Stones

After a night of heavy rain, a new day awakes refreshed.

Clouds hang low over the high peaks still dressed in snow.

A thick mist rises like smoke from the Blue River.

The morning is green with promise.

During the month of July, I'm participating in

A River of Stones

Mariposa Lily - A River of Stones

as gaudy sunflowers swing and sway above her

shouting "Me! Me!"

shy Mariposa raises her face to receive the sun's kiss

A River of Stones

Remembrance - A River of Stones

To be able to say "What a Life he lived!" is such a joy and a comfort. He loved and was well-loved in return. He died surrounded by his family, buoyed by the prayers of friends. Death with dignity was his final accomplishment.

when death came calling

he thought he was riding his bike

we smiled through our tears

A River of Stones

Lupines - A River of Stones

my friend is dying

as the purple lupines bloom

watered by my tears

A River of Stones

Storm - A River of Stones

pink bolts of lightning

drenching rain pelting the ground

fragile poppy stands firm

During the month of July, I'm participating in

A River of Stones

Mining Remains - A River of Stones

crumbing, splintering, rusting

an abandoned mine whispers

a tale of toil and hardship

Stumptown Road Mine Ruins, Leadville, CO

I'm participating in

A River of Stones

Doe - A River of Stones

early visitor, silky ears alert, admiring my garden

the chance meeting startles us both

A River of Stones

Goodbye - A River of Stones

I said goodbye to my best friend in a pink dawn, feeling the usual tight throat as she drove away. Inside, I busied myself in the quiet kitchen. Standing at the sink, I saw movement where the trail opens to my back yard. Thinking maybe a deer or a moose was visiting, I came to attention. A cowboy  - black hat, black boots, black jacket, and dark pack - strode into the clearing. I blinked but, yes, a cowboy! As he turned to walk the perimeter of my property, he looked up and our eyes met. His were the pale blue of a morning sky. I knew he saw me framed in the kitchen window, faded fleece PJ's drooping around my shoulders, white hair sticking up like dandelion fuzz.  He immediately lowered his eyes back to the trail, moving quickly away through the pine duff. I shivered as he disappeared. My friend and the cowboy both left me as daybreak seeped slowly over the mountains.

Writers from around the World are participating in 

A River of Stones.

Nature's Palette - A River of Stones

riot of color

ripe with possiblity

juicy with summer

A River of Stones

Loose as a Moose - A River of Stones

two bull moose sauntered

loose and lanky past the swing

in search of fireweed

I am participating in July's A River of Stones.

Beaver Pond - A River of Stones

In the middle of summer, there are still scraps of snow along the trail. The morning air is chilly at high altitude. I walk a path I know well past linked ponds formed by beaver lodges. Sometimes in the early morning or at dusk, if I'm silent when approaching, I observe dark shadows moving silently over the surface of the frigid water. Sensing any danger causes a sharp warning slap of the tail. Diving and disappearing, only ripples remain as proof of the beavers' presence.

chilly mountain pond

willow bushes dressed in fur

shiver in the shade

huddled in my coat

I watch for shadow swimmers

in morning stillness

I am participating in A River of Stones

Whitewater - A River of Stones

stream swollen with snowmelt

wildflowers clinging to banks

swaying in the spray

I take my husband's hand and
jump!

A River of Stones

Angelica - A River of Stones

Head lowered, halo askew, wings lopsided, paint chipped, Angelica, my Garden Angel, is getting old. The star on her breast, plucked from Heaven, is showing signs of rust. Her weathered-wood body has a forward lean. Yet she presides as always, an aging but ageless beauty among the flowers. Somehow, she becomes  dearer to me every year.

During the month of July, I'm joining with other writers from around the World in

A River of Stones

Crab Feast - River of Stones

bright orange stilt legs and scissors beak
White Ibis wading the surf
skews a scurrying crab
for a succulent snack.

A River of Stones

A Spot of Tea - A River of Stones

Notice the pinky finger

extended delicately

as he raises the cup

obviously a gentleman

he carefully slurps
 at Grammy's Tea Party

A River of Stones

My Reality - A River of Stones

I've stopped watching TV:

murder, corruption, sensationalism, and "reality"

happen without my attention

But

I know the path to take through the woods

to a fallen log

in a sunny clearing

where the Fairy Slipper orchids

bloom in glorious profusion.

A River of Stones

Pinata

Throughout the month of July, I'll post "small stones" as part of the River of Stones. Writers from around the world will cast their stones into the river. 

I let everyone else try before taking the bat. I swing and connect, hitting it hard. Whack! It looks fragile, but it's not. I feel the percussion jolt through my body. And then, the candy starts falling. Kids scramble.

Exhilaration! Theirs and mine. 

Party Time!

A River of Stones

Begin Again - A River of Stones

silvery shimmer overtakes darkness

spangles on water

a new beginning

already feels

Hot

HOT

HOT

This post is a part of A River of Stones

Dawn - A River of Stones

Throughout the month of July, I'll post "small stones" as part of the River of Stones. Writers from around the world will cast their stones into the river. 

Dawn doesn't so much "break" as spread:

diffused light leaking into darkness 

watercolor that bleeds 

a gleaming tribute

 to Glory 

A River of Stones