Go with the Flow

I've always loved the ebb and flow of water

It acts as a mirror to our souls.

The sound and movement of rapids energize.

Eddies invite rest and contemplation.

Water takes the path of least resistance; it shows the way.

Water is one of the 4 elements: fire, water air, earth.

It is the element of emotion and the unconscious.

It soothes and frightens in equal measure.

Water is a vital nutrient.

The body depends on it for survival.

It is a life-force in Nature.

I like photographing water in its many guises.

Light and shadow play on its surface.

Underneath is an eternal and unknowable power.

Most of these photos were taken near my home in CO where I walk to find water.

The ocean photo was taken in Solano Beach, CA, 

where I spend part of the spring listening to and watching the surf.

The mystery and magic of water are my good things today.

(comments closed)

Wabi-Sabi Day

I find an old friend at the back of my closet.

The fabric is soft from many washings.

A little roomy but so forgiving.

The color is mottled like the twilight sky.

Perfection!

In the worn jeans, I walk beside the Blue River.

Colors are muted.

I'm quiet, too.

My thoughts reflect back to me.

The river dances and sings its song.

As in life, I cross bridges when I come to them.

I see both sides of the issue.

Changing constantly, yet steadfast.

The water sweeps by as I watch the flow.

I'm part of the ongoing stream.

The jeans, the river, and Barb, definitely wabi-sabi, though perhaps not quite in fashion.

We are old friends - one good thing.

(comments closed) 

Wandering - Not Lost

Our oldest grandson mountain biking

I've been a wanderer since I was a child.

My father died when I was 9 years old.

My mother worked long hours in a factory.

I don't remember ever being cautioned or restricted.

It was understood that I would try to make the "right" choices.

And so I did.

Our youngest grandson wandering

After school and in the summer I was on my own.

I followed trails into the woods.

I rode my bike beyond my neighborhood.

I found paths and trails that led me and taught me.

Often, I was alone.

Following Bob up the trail

I was a naturally cautious kid, but Nature called to me.

I was curious and attentive to my surroundings.

I loved books and often escaped into their worlds.

Sometimes I carried a book with me on my adventures.

I'd find a quiet spot and sit, immersed in Nature and in story.

sunlight on Bob's shoulders

Who we were at age 9 or 10 is probably who we are now.

I still wander - sometimes I briefly lose my way.

However, I always manage to find a trail that leads toward home.

Have you changed a lot since since childhood?

I hope you still make time for play and for wandering.

Trails and paths in life that lead us and teach us are my one good thing today.

(comments closed)

Critter Alert!

Animals are on the move in the fall.

When I'm outside, I'm alert to my surroundings.

When I'm inside,

I'm sometimes startled by a large animal passing near the house.

It's mating season for deer and moose.

Bucks shepherd their harem of doe through the forest.

Bull moose fight other males for their preferred mate.

One young Moose limped through our yard behind a cow and yearling calf.

He was probably in a fight for dominance and was injured by a bigger bull.

However, he slowly and persistently followed the cow.

As usual, the foxes trot across the property, hunting for food.

Sometimes, they stop and watch me as I take their photo.

Other times, they're too busy and hurry by.

Last evening, just at dusk, a young bull grazed near my garden.

Bob stamped, yelled, and waved his arms to encourage it to move into the forest.

However, it paid no attention until I came out to click a few photos.

Then, it slowly strolled away.

It didn't like the paparazzi!

In the house, there are also critters.

I'm less worried about them trampling me!

My jolly garden bunny, Bubbles, is inside for the winter.

Ollie the Bear watches from the windowsill.

Animals inside and out are my good things today.

A little cross stitch that our son, Gregg, made about 40 years ago makes me smile:

"I wish you a rainbow"

I'll pass that wish on to you...

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Sharing the Stage

Fall is a short season at high altitude.

Leaves float downward.

Forest creatures prepare for winter.

Bright colors abound.

Leaves and days float serenely by.

I capture the transient beauty in memory and in photos.



Snow and cold arrive right after Equinox.

Each dawn showcases a chilly beauty.

It's mating season for the moose. I met this fella on my walk. A cow and calf were nearby.
I cut through neighbors' yards so I wouldn't pass too close to them.

Fall and winter share the stage for awhile.

Nature gives and I receive - One Good Thing.

(comments closed)

Finding Good in Sad Times

Angelica, my garden angel, 

lends grace and beauty to my garden.

Do you see her presiding serenely from the rear?

She has blessed the blooms for 15 years.

Whatever the weather brings, she stands, calm and peaceful.

Even when younger, she had a weathered appearance.

However, you could read her signs and admire the little gardening tools.

Now she's falling apart.

Her wings are cracked and peeling.

The tools and ornaments have disappeared.

Her heart is rusted.

She's rickety.

Angelica has weathered so many storms.

She speaks to me of perseverance and hope.

But, she will not make it through another summer.

Sadly, Angelica has seen her last garden season.

I'll miss her - she's been a quiet presence and a good listener.

Thinking of all the years Angelica has been faithful is my one good thing today.

Even in sadness there are good things to remember.

(comments closed)

A New Start

One Good Thing has been dormant for nearly 3 years.

The first day of fall 2017, I wake in darkness and decide to start posting again.

By sunrise, I'm walking the rec path beside the shores of Lake Dillon.

The air is chilly but a silvery light warms my face.

Aspens dressed in fall finery greet me. 

I walk through a tunnel of gold, a smile on my face.

Fall is a celebration of form and color and texture in the High Country of Colorado.

The lake glistens and reflects beauty back to me.

"Hello Sun," I whisper.

I walk in silence and awe surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall.

My purpose remains the same - find good things to celebrate each day.

Thank you for visiting and reading.

You are also a good thing to me.

Barb

I intend to keep comments closed for awhile.

You're welcome to e-mail me at:

writebreck@gmail.com

(all photos iPhone 6s)

Wishing You Many Good Things

I wander through
a river of stones
searching for life's
infinite possibilities

September snow in dry river bed, Burro Trail, Breckenridge, CO

I started this blog in January, 2011, to participate with other writers around the world in creating "small stones" which are brief, focused observations about daily life. In each subsequent January, I've done daily posts of small stones while also posting once a week or more in other months. The title of the blog is its goal - to find and report on One good Thing (and sometimes on more than one). 

Recently, I've decided that two blogs are more than I can handle. I intend to make One Good Thing private in about a week's time. I know that some people just stop posting and let their blogs in the public domain, but I've heard stories about theft of content as well as actual piracy of inactive blogs by spammers, so I've decided to close One Good Thing to the public. It will remain for my family to read if they so desire.

I want to thank all who have commented here the past several years. I've enjoyed getting to know you - many of you are writers/photographers who also participated in the small stone challenge.

I believe that good things are infinite and are waiting for us to find them. 

Wishing you an abundance of all good things!

I'll continue to post on my blog, Live and Learn.

Perhaps some of you will visit me there.

Thank You for your friendship,

Barb

This and That from Breckenridge

My world is awash with color.

The aspens are shouting in orange and gold. 

A few hardy blooms survive the colder temperatures.

The rest dry and go to seed.

I welcome change.

The Denver house sold - the new owner took possession today.

Our glorious fall is nearly over at high altitude.

Snow last night and again tonight signal the coming of winter.

Between unpacking boxes and rearranging the house,

I'm learning a new camera and editing system.

Wherever you are in the world,

I hope something is making you smile!

(All photos Olympus E-M1, Micro 4/3, edited in Lightroom)