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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Summer - Thank Goodness!

It's finally summer at high altitude.

Globe Flowers bloom in boggy areas

I spend as much time as possible outdoors.

Paintbrush

Blooms paint the landscape in vivid colors.

Arnica and a decaying stump make a simple tableau

Temperatures remain pleasantly cool - some snow stays on high peaks all summer.

Senecio

Wildflowers bloom in profusion.

morning light on Ten Mile Creek

Streams and rivers run high from snowmelt.

Lupine offer a sweet, musky scent

Summer is a colorful gift after a long, white winter.

Bob and I remain active and feel well. I don't spend a lot of time sitting. I limit computer time. We share responsibilities for cooking and cleanup. I find cooking to be a necessary but unwelcome chore. Unfortunately, we have to eat - we like food but preparation is tiresome.  After dinner, we like to read until bedtime. I'm thankful for our eyesight since reading is so important to us. Now that I'm 80, I realize that every moment I can enjoy Life is bonus time. 

blue Columbine - Colorado's state flower

My One Good Thing today is the awakening of blooms after a long sleep.

I hope Life gives you many good things.

Thank You for visiting!

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Celebrate!

 It's still winter at high altitude.

Even the donkeys downtown are getting sick of the snow.

However, inside there are blooms.

We've had some celebrations.

Our twin sons turned 56 the end of April.

There was still plenty of snow for their AT skis.

My 80th birthday was May 9th.

The family paid a surprise visit to help me celebrate.

photo taken by Neve's brother, Caden

Our granddaughter, Neve, graduated from high school in May.

Neve in her traditional Korean Hanbok - professional photo

She'll begin a pre-Med degree in the fall. 

While attending graduation in Denver, we enjoyed spring.

photo taken in New Zealand by a friend

Last but not least, our oldest grandchild, Ben, will marry his fiance, Paula, in July.

pond in Frisco, CO, where the snow is mostly melted

There are many good things to celebrate!

I hope good things are happening in your life, too.

Thank you for visiting.

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March at High Altitude

 I'm an early riser.

Often, I watch the moon set as the sun rises.

Weather permitting, I take a morning walk on the county road near my house.

It's an unpaved road, plowed in winter, and it doesn't get much traffic.

It provides distant views of Bald Mountain.

A couple weeks ago, I started noticing mountain lion tracks.

I'm always alert when outdoors, but the tracks gave me a little surge of adrenalin.

Lions prowl mostly from dusk to dawn, and it would be unusual to encounter one midday.

I'm still seeing tracks but so far no lion!

A large tree just off our property blew part way down this winter and is now supported by a nearby tree.

I check every morning to see if it has finally crashed to the ground.

So far, it's still standing, with the smaller tree holding it upright.

Sometimes, at dawn, the sky offers a brief, breathtaking display.

Remember: there is always One Good Thing!

I hope you're well.

Thank you for visiting.

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Winter Landscapes

We're in the midst of winter in Breckenridge, CO.

Red Mountain and blue shadows

After a slow start, we're finally getting some reliable snow storms.

Winter light is always special.

Though my world is white for many months, sky and sun and clouds add color.

As usual, I'm mesmerized by winter's beauty.

gifted tulips in winter

 Bob and I were sick with the flu in the beginning of February.

At nearly 80, I don't recover as quickly as I did 5 years ago.

Friends brought flowers and food.

moon over Imperial Peak

However, I'm happy to be out and about once again.

The fresh air and scenery do wonders for my health and well-being.

our son leaving for the ski area

Thank you for visiting.

I hope you enjoy the winter scenes.

dawn

Winter light is my one good thing today.

May love and peace abide with you.

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