Small Stone - 31 - The End

 lightning and torrential rain batter the peaks

a rainbow at Red Mountain at dusk

hope for a new day

During July, I've heard from many long-time visitors to One Good Thing.

All of you are my good things this month.

Thank you for reading the Small Stones.

May love and peace abide with you.

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Small Stone - 30 - Bear Scratch Tree

On a recent hike close to home, we came upon a bear scratch tree.  Bears use trees to mark territory and also to scratch their backs. They both bite and claw the tree. This marking was new because the sap was still bleeding where the bear had damaged the bark. We've seen paw prints and scat on our property but so far this summer, haven't seen a bear. The new tree marking makes us more alert to predators roaming where we roam. Black bears usually try to avoid conflict. I've had several close encounters, and the bears never showed aggression, though in one instance a huge male bear was too close and too curious. I don't want to encounter a mother with cubs. I like seeing bears, but only when I'm inside and they're outside.

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Small Stone - 29 - Survival (Not Necessarily of the Fittest)

 Lately, I've been watching 2 tiny chipmunks play in the the rock wall outside my dining window. They try to climb stalks of grass to get to the seedheads and fall over backward when the stems can't hold them.

They make me laugh. 

A few days ago, one of the foxes that come through the property regularly trotted past the window. Suddenly, it stopped, jumped straight up in the air, and pounced downward. Then it began trotting away - with a small chipmunk dangling from its jaws. I know that it's survival of the fittest in Nature. 

But - my chipmunk!

The fox stopped where I could still see it - I assumed the chipmunk was going to be lunch. But, suddenly the chipmunk was free, and the fox was chasing it. Both chipmunks and foxes are super-fast. In a few seconds, the fox was again carrying the chipmunk. This happened several more times. I finally realized the fox was playing with the chipmunk (though I'm sure for chippy it was torture). 

Suddenly, the fox rushed to the base of a nearby tree. The chipmunk was free and climbing. The fox jumped against the trunk but couldn't reach it. After waiting a few minutes, the fox meandered off into the meadow. I couldn't see the chipmunk in the tree, but I assume its tiny heart was beating fast.

My heart rate was also up.

Chippy 1 - Foxy 0

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Small Stone - 28 - Straightforward

 sometimes I'm led to walk straight forward and sometimes I'm led to be straightforward

the former is easy - the latter sometimes difficult

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Small Stone - 27 - Undaunted

Fireweed is setting the hillsides ablaze. It makes a statement:

 "No matter the conditions, I intend to bloom."

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Small Stone - 26 - The Whole Picture

 looking outward expands my viewpoint and calms my worries

sky, clouds, mountains, trees, meadow, fence

all are important in the final composition

remember: we are all part of the whole

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Small Stone - 25 - Celebrate

sometimes the sky is enough reason to celebrate

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Small Stone - 24 - Chiffonade

I had to slice my fresh basil into ribbons for a pasta casserole.
The word "chiffonade" came into my mind.
Have I ever used the word previously?

I don't think so!

I tried it out in silent mode as I sliced - "chiffonade, chiffonade, chiffonade..."

Nicely done, I thought - now I'm a French chef!

At dinner, if Bob says, "Wow! This is delicious! Did you do something different?"

I'll smile and say, 

 

"Chiffonade."

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Small Stone - 23 - Intricate

The Cornhusk Lily is blooming.

Some years it doesn't flower and only puts out leaves.

But, this year  - a bonanza!

They grow in a meadow surrounded by purple Monkshood and golden Asters.

From a distance they remind me of candelabras - they seem to glow from within.

Nature's intricacy is on display.

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Small Stone - 22 - Traditions

 

I stood in the driveway in my flannel pj's to take this photo

Our son visited this weekend. For the 14th year, he rode his bike long milage for two days to raise money for Children's Hospital. In the early years, I would accompany his wife and little children driving from from place to place along the route to cheer for him. Nowadays, Bob and I feed him a big breakfast and send him on his way. We rise before dawn and chat with him until we almost make him late. In the evenings, we have a nice dinner and continue our conversation. 

These moments with family sustain us.
They become part of family lore.
It feels good to be needed. 

To give is to receive.

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Small Stone - 21 - Who Are You?

 I'm uneasy in crowds. I don't like noise or hubbub. I prefer to blend rather than become the main attraction. My voice is quiet. I'm a good listener. I try to stay away from negativity. My point of view may not be your point of view. There are many opinions and perhaps more than one right answer. I accept our differences. I try not to judge. I search for common ground.

I would be the dusky penstemon or maybe the lupine - never the poppy, though I like its pizzazz.

Who are you?

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Small Stone - 20 - Bounty

 We can't grow tomatoes or basil outside at high altitude. Our nights remain too cool. I resort to an indoor basil plant and store-bought heirloom tomatoes. I diligently water the basil plant 2 times a day. We love a salad of sliced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Even though not from my garden, it tastes like summer's bounty.

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Small Stone - 19 - Refreshed

After a night of rain, pansies lift their sweet faces to the sun.

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Small Stone - 18 - Rain

 A soft, hours-long rain quenched the meadows and forests.

It washed dust and pollen from blooms. 

The ground drank precious moisture. 

Water fell as a gift from the sky.

I love a rainy interlude. I like watching the rain approach over the high peaks. The moisture unfurls like a veil from the clouds. There were several lightning strikes on top of Imperial Peak. Happily, the storm became more gentle as it reached our house. We heard only soft pattering against the windows.

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Small Stone - 17 - Calm

I took an early-morning walk beside Lake Dillon.

Paddle boarders slowly drifted in the distance.

A cool breeze rippled the water.

Clouds blanketed the sky.

Calm reigned.

I hope you have moments of calm today.

May peace and love abide with you.

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Small Stone - 16 - Books

Do you like to read?

As early as I can remember, books and stories were important to me. Reading is one of my greatest joys. I anticipate the time after dinner when Bob and I read until bedtime. I can no longer read bound or paperback books because of my formaldehyde allergy. (Both paper and ink contain formaldehyde.) Thankfully, my Kindle comes to the rescue.

Walking near the lake in Frisco, I came upon this tiny library.There were no books inside, so maybe the neighbors and passersby are avid readers. If there is a fantastic book you've read lately, send me an e-mail with the title. I'm always looking for my next good read.

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Small Stone - 15 - Blooming

After months of white comes the gift of color.

Along forest trails and in meadows wildflowers are blooming.

For everything there is a season.

Awe is encouraged.

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Small Stone - 14 - Details

 Nature abounds with intricacy.

white paintbrush

It requires attention and close focus.

No need to hurry - pay attention to details.

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Small Stone - 13 - Meow

When our granddaughter was little, this was her favorite wildflower.

She's 21 now. 

Whenever I see Pussytoes along the trail, I think of her.

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Small Stone - 12 - Celebration of Marriage

Our Grandson, Ben, married Paula, his high school sweetheart, July 11, 2024.

They said their vows and celebrated their marriage atop Echo Mountain.

It was a very special day of joy and love for our family.

Many blessings to them.

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