Small Stone - Happy 4th - 4

Bubbles is always happy. (So is Waldo.)

When I see them, I tend to smile, too.

We hiked early after rain in the night.

Wildflowers were spangled with drops.

The air was cool, the forest fresh.

Now, at midday, it's storming.

We're sitting by the fire, content.

Happy Birthday America!

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Small Stone - The End

The last day of January means the last small stone. I want to thank you for visiting the blog and also for the many e-mails I've received about the stones. Since I don't have comments enabled, I write and post in a vacuum, not knowing if anyone is reading or enjoying the photos. It's fun to hear from you and to receive your feedback on the stones. It's always quite a commitment for me to post every day. Normally, I might post 2-3 times a month. However, I definitely gain something from sharpening my observations and encouraging my personal mindfulness. 

thank you for your presence

all endings are really beginnings

may love and peace abide with you

Barb

Small Stone - Smile

I need to smile more

even when I'm low

worry on my mind

heart heavy

especially when

frustration looms

sadness gathers

anger brews

even a fake smile

lowers blood pressure

heightens immunity

slows the heart rate

Are you smiling back at this lady? I hope so! 

I went early this morning to walk through the entries in Breckenridge's International Snow Sculpture Championships. This is the Wisconsin entry which won 3rd place. Not only was I smiling at the lady, I was also smiling because there were no crowds. The weekend brought record visitors to town to view the sculptures. On a Monday, I could photograph them at leisure with nobody closeby.

Smile because it makes you feel good! 

(Also, a smile is contagious. It makes others feel good, too.)

Thank you for visiting.

Shift in Attitude - Mindful Writing Challenge

Birds may have chirped, but I paid them no mind. A yapping dog ran beside me - my stride never wavered. Businessmen, phones pressed to their ears, ignored me as I did them. I didn't noticed any warmth from the sun. Monkey Mind chattered incessantly in my brain.

double exposure - grandson opening gift - edited

Suddenly, a little boy scampered in front of me. Head cocked so my pink coat reflected in his mud-puddle eyes, he grinned up at me. "Hi ya!" he shouted gleefully. I stopped and fumbled for my my smile. Where the heck did I put it? "Hi yourself, little guy!" Satisfied, he pulled his Mama forward. She shrugged an apology as we continued our separate ways. Immediately, I felt the caress of the sun. Birds began to serenade. My shadow walked jauntily, slightly ahead. People began nodding good morning. 

"What a great day, " I thought to myself. 

Still smiling...

small stone - Mindful Writing Challenge