Wednesday, July 31, 2024

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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Tuesday, July 30, 2024

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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Monday, July 29, 2024

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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Sunday, July 28, 2024

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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Saturday, July 27, 2024

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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Friday, July 26, 2024

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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Thursday, July 25, 2024

Small Stone - 25 - Celebrate

sometimes the sky is enough reason to celebrate

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Wednesday, July 24, 2024

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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Tuesday, July 23, 2024

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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Monday, July 22, 2024

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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Sunday, July 21, 2024

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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Saturday, July 20, 2024

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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Friday, July 19, 2024

Small Stone - 19 - Refreshed



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

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Thursday, July 18, 2024

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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Wednesday, July 17, 2024

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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Tuesday, July 16, 2024

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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Monday, July 15, 2024

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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Sunday, July 14, 2024

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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Saturday, July 13, 2024

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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Friday, July 12, 2024

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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Thursday, July 11, 2024

Small Stone - 11 - Obstacles


Sometimes the path is easy to follow.

blown-down pines obstruct the trail

Sometimes there are obstacles.
Usually, there's a way over, under, or around.

I tell myself to keep going no matter what's in the way.

It's the same with life. Find a way to move forward.

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Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Small Stone - 10 - Summer Hike

Yesterday, we took a hike. We looped a trail that I often ran when I was in my 60's. In those "younger" days, I would wake at dawn, leave alone, and cover 5 miles before breakfast.


We hiked for 3 1/2 hours. I'm slow mainly because I must watch my footing. I depend on Bob to warn me if he sees a bear or a moose.  While hiking, the trail directly in front of me is my main focus.

Bald Mountain and a field of Senecio

Of course, I also stop frequently to photograph the landscape.


He's endlessly patient. When he gets ahead, he stops to wait. 

halfway point

On the first half of the hike he would sometimes say, "How are you doing?"  
Coming back, he didn't ask because he figured I had to keep going to get home!


I was happy to see the path leading to our back door.

At 80, I'm pleased with 5 miles even if it does take half the day to hike it.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Small Stone - 9 - Fields of Lupine

We're entering the purple phase of summer.
The Lupine are blooming!


lupine with Peak 10 in background

Because of spring moisture, there is a haze of purple as I look up the meadow. Their scent is musky-sweet. We get mostly purple, but I've also seen white. The bees and other pollinators love them. 
So do I.

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Monday, July 8, 2024

Small Stone - 8 - What's in a Name

Long ago, I began learning wildflower names. I know the common names, not the scientific names. Some of the flowers have names that suit them perfectly, so they're easy to remember.


Pearly Everlasting grows in matted clumps with the leaves close to the ground.

The "pearls" are easily identifiable by the papery outer husk. The center of the flower will eventually turn a faded white-gold color. These early flowers are on stems only a couple inches off the ground, but they'll continue to grow taller through the summer. However, I've rarely seen them more than 6" tall.

You don't have to be showy to be memorable.


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Sunday, July 7, 2024

Small Stone - 7 - Hush

An old growth forest has the hush of reverence.
Light filters from the canopy onto the trail.
Footfalls are muffled.
Senses are enhanced.
Calm is restored.


Talk quietly or not at all.
Listen intently.

Let the forest speak.

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Saturday, July 6, 2024

Small Stone - 6 - Follow the Sun

 


The Arnica flower closes tight at night, but at dawn's light opens. Throughout the day it turns to face in the direction of the sun. It's a heliotropic plant that can be used as a directional guide if you lose your way. An essential oil from flower has medicinal properties that are healing for bruises and sprains. Aside from these practical uses, I love its bright face. It greets me daily in a yellow swath outside my dining window. 

When I see it, I know I've found my way home.


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Friday, July 5, 2024

Small Stone - 5 - My Secret Garden

there is a place - I won't tell you where
hidden off a well-traveled trail
small rivulets of snowmelt
glisten beneath vegetation
mud sucks with each step
pass the willow bushes

to find wildflower treasure

delicate elephant head wildflowers

Nature maintains my secret garden.


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Thursday, July 4, 2024

Small Stone - 4 - Independance Day

columbine in the meadow behind the house

flowers, clouds, sky
red, white, and blue
celebration


cherish freedom

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Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Small Stone - 3- Piggies and Pansies

  I witnessed a miracle when I was very small. Mom and I were visiting my uncle's farm where a litter of piglets had just been born. The runt of the litter wasn't breathing. My mother immediately picked it up (it fit in her hand) and began rubbing its body while breathing into its snout. In no time, the tiny pig was wiggling, so she put it alongside the others feeding from the sow. That memory from childhood is still steadfast. What child doesn't want to believe that Mother has special powers?

My mother had a ceramic milk and cream set in the shape of a pig and her piglet. I still have that set. I display the piggies in the summer along with pansies, her favorite flower. Both bring a smile to my face.





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Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Small Stone - 2- The Scent of Summer

wild roses along the trail

if you see a splash of bright pink breathe deeply
the fragrant scent of wild roses 
means summer has arrived

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Monday, July 1, 2024

Small Stone - 1 - Memories

I started this blog in 2011 to participate in an international Small Stone writing challenge. A Small Stone is a brief, mindful observation that may take the form of poetry or journaling. Some of the blog friends I made through the years of writing Stones use the practice to encourage daily introspection and creativity. 

For the month of July, I begin once again writing Small Stones. 
As is my practice, I often use a photo along with the stone.


Forget-me-nots blooming in our yard

Yesterday, we remembered a little girl, a neighbor child, who died as a 5 year old.
Her family visited with us - she would be 18 now - her class just graduated from high school.
Her 2 younger siblings (one born after her death) are beautiful girls, bright and accomplished.
We smiled to learn about the family's travels and adventures.

Later, when we were alone, I cried.
We will never forget that long-ago child even as we celebrate the living children of today.   

Memories both good and bad make up a lifetime.
I'm not sure what the lesson is, but I'm still learning it.

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