Monthly Archives: October 2011

Each of us have a routine for preparing for the colder weather to land in our lives. Clearing out sprinkler systems, new weather-stripping in the doors. Using that plastic window cover that gets taut when you use the hairdryer on it….love that stuff. Maybe you have been blessed with a home loan and were able to get new insulated windows, new roof or new heater this year….a wise investment for sure. Trim trees that have branches to close to the power lines. Getting that last mowing done for the season. New batteries in all the flashlights, extra blankets handy and the winter coats are brought down to the hall closet to match the rubber boots. Regardless of what you have done to prepare, you know it is necessary.
So, what does it take to be a bird in this changing temperature? Tuesday afternoon, I was blessed to get a glimpse of how their world operates. While I wait for Dan to go over some items with the contractor on this job, I am enjoying the view from the kitchen window. The wind is kicking up her heals to let us know she is bringing in the first snow storm of the year. She howls and smiles with every breath. Suddenly, I look up to see a woodpecker on the line above the yard. He flies down to the ground. I see he has picked up a good size morsel, perhaps an acorn or other nut. He flies back up to the line and is looking around determined to be alone. Then he flies back down to the ground, again studying for any possible intruder. He then pushes the morsel into the ground with his beak. Looks around again and flies back up to the wire above. He looks carefully, and then flies back down and checks his morsel, looks at a leaf and picks it up to cover the spot he buried his stash. Then he grabs another leaf and does the same thing. He looks around and up to the line he goes. As he looks and feels confident, he flies higher into the tree. He stays there until he is sure no one has seen him prepare his winter stash……and off he goes.  
Having an opportunity to see this activity is a blessing for sure. Our lives are usually so busy that moments like this can be a blur in comprehension of our surroundings. I understand this is how they stash food for the winter, and they are intelligent enough to know exactly every spot they put their food. I can’t remember where I put my sunglasses half the time, so kudos to the bird population. It intrigues me to watch them enjoy life. The wings of birds, butterflies and of course dragonflies give me a feeling of peace. I have never forgotten when I experienced a hummingbird mating dance right in my backyard in Lynnwood…again it was a moment given by God to view his wonders. 
There are times we are able to look in the right spot at that right time. I hope to hear stories of moments in time where you experienced something wonderful like this and will share it with everyone.
Preparing for winter, it can be work but it does carry its pleasure.

There are nights that sleep dances around me, never really settling down next to my mind. Last night was one of those nights. How precious is our sleep that we long for it, need it, love it and treasure the nights it comes to us. I lay there wondering if I should just get up and get on with the waking hours, yet it is only 2:30am…..not really breakfast time….right! Many thoughts travel around, giving you just enough thought to keep you awake but not providing answers to settle you. Other thoughts come to you as ideas, you investigate them in detail, wondering if it would work or not….a change here, a tweak there. Then there is the “to do” list….all the tasks I want to get done, but the moments slip away like a single drop of water disappearing down a waterfall never to be seen again from where I stand. 
Well my friends…the music has stopped and sleep will lay within my mind tonight….sleep tight everyone. 

Recently I ordered a panoramic print from a photo I took. Actually I ordered three prints total, the panoramic photo, and two standard photos. I shot the panoramic and one other and Dan took the other. We decided to have these three enlarged for our living room.  As destiny would have it, the company is associated with a new “sell your photos” program. It is still under beta (test mode) but I am really excited. Right now I am uploading some of my favorite shots and putting them in a “gallery” portion of the program. Selling my photos has been something I have been encouraged to do from one of my daughters, Jamie, and other friends. I have no expectations of selling any photos but it would be fun if I did. I have viewed some of the other artists and photographers work so I may be out of my league but oh well. I don’t know when the program will take off for sure….beta can be a long process….but I’ll keep you posted. Maybe some of you can look at some of the photos and give ideas on if I have them in the right “gallery” section, I am always open for ideas, feedback is always helpful.
Anyhow….we shall see how this plays out. Another adventure in life and life lessons. 

As the sun begins to peak its eyes open, Dan’s diesel truck roars to life. The truck wheels anxious to start rolling down the highway. Dan is off to his big elk hunt. He will meet up with other guys, which is why I’m staying home. 
It is true I will miss him, but hunting is a passion with him and I’m glad for him to have time with the guys. So, I sent him off with a hug, kiss and “I love you”. It will be my time to have “me” time….watch chick flicks by the truck load. Do some writing like I am now, some beading if time allows. I plan to purchase and plant some spring bulbs. Dan and I have picked out three photos we have taken, two I shot and one he shot, to have blown up for art to hang on our walls. You know, all the general activities we women enjoy when we have time to ourselves. He will be gone for the rest of the month….give or take a day. 
But the truth of it is, though I like to be alone, I will miss him terribly. As I’ve said before, he has become my missing piece and I am not complete without him. I will miss sitting down in the evening to watch a show, me stretching my legs out and Dan rubbing my feet. Or having him grab packages of Smarties out of the candy jar and tossing me a couple. Reaching out to touch him as we quietly chat about whatever is on our minds. His side of the bed will be empty and cold. Normally I wake through the night to hear his breathing which tells me we are both safe, that piece will be missing. I gave up everything to be here with him in Colorado, and I am blessed to have found him to be the man he showed me he was. He is a provider, protector, my moral support, a shoulder to cry on and a comedian to make me laugh….he is my best friend. We have our good days, and our bad days, though the later is few, it is a part of marriage we still muddle through learning even at our older, more experienced age. 
I wish him a successful hunt, good times with the guys and a safe travel back into my arms. 

As I sit in the camper watching the rain turn to snow, Dan rests his eyes. We headed for the mountains for a little R&R. Set up a tent to stake his spot for his elk hunting trip. The quiet is amazing and gave me a few minutes to put my thoughts on paper. Here are my ramblings for the day:

Marriage

As we travel the road of marriage
we learn patience, timing and love
We have just mastered another trail
when life shows its variety
We want to ride the wave without getting wet
but that is not reality
The joy in marriage is knowing
who you are riding the wave with
and taking time to dry out together

Bugle

I hear a sound as majestic as the animal himself
I am reminded of the strength he carries
as he summons his mates home
or states a fact – they are his
They are regal in their stance, powerful and handsome
The majestic elk bull bugles
His cows moo in response
Carrying music to my ears

Golden
Snow falling against the background
of golden Aspens
Their white trunks camouflage in this weather
The wind catches the leaves and I watch
them dance in the air like falling
flecks of gold to meet the white snow below