The cottontails on this hike played camera shy. But this deer? She just sat there looking back at me. I guess she knew that I was too tired to work for the picture.
trail-less-traveled
There are so many beautiful areas to explore — many in my own backyard. I feel so lucky to have a handful of open spaces to play in whether it be running or hiking. This picture was taken on a trail-less-traveled (by me) in my favorite open space. The trail offers a steep but rolling ascent, vast views of the valley below to the right, and pretty little wild flowers to the left. It’s wide dirt path proves to be a perfect place for a nice long hike.
So perfect, I returned a couple of days later for a repeat workout. Could it be that my old trail-less-traveled may be transforming into a trail-frequently-hiked? We’ll see.
I’ve less than 2 weeks ’till my escape into the backcountry. We’re heading out on the Rae Lakes Loop in King’s Canyon. If you’ve backpacked out there, please share a bit about your experience. I’d love to hear all about it.
morning glory
“A Morning Glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.” — Walt Whitman
Obviously, I’m not Walt Whitman; most things are more pleasing to me than books on metaphysics. But these flowers are equally as eye-catching and pleasing to me. Today especially, for my heart is filled with gratitude for all of the love and support that we’ve been shown in these past many years.
I am particularly thankful to the college students who give up part of their summer to be counselors at Camp Kesem. These pictures were taken just after I dropped YaYa off for another full week of this amazing camp that supports kids who have, or have had, a parent with Cancer. These flowers widened my smile even more, reminding me that every morning is a glorious thing to behold. Life is precious, as are all of the things in it.
tea bag wisdom
Shortly after lunch, as the afternoon begins to wear on me, I reach for a little bit of liquid motivation. A few sips of green tea and a little bit of tea bag wisdom later, I feel able to face the rest of the work day.
Not only am I motivated, but this afternoon I am reminded of three other qualities to celebrate.
What motivates you to push through your day?
a beginning and an end
It seems like just yesterday that I was exploring the world of time-elapsed photography to create videos of my orchid blossoms coming into the world. My mornings were filled with such anticipation and excitement in seeing this new growth as these little bulbous buds gave birth to big, bright blossoms. Spring sprung to life in my own bedroom.
The openness of these beauties reminded me to open my heart more fully and fill my world with loving light. Like the morning sun filling my room with light each morning.
Seasons change and, as I watch the blossoms droop then fall to the ground, I am reminded of nature’s way. Bidding farewell to these little beauties, I am reminded to not get attached to things. In doing so I find gratitude for the time that I had with them.
“Life is in a constant state of change. Everything has a beginning, and everything has an end.”
– Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson –