All Around Me

 

A beautiful week spent in the western desert.  Cottonwood trees in all their golden glory.

Mountains surrounding the Carson Valley with a blue sky background.

Trails to walk, streams to view, textured desert foliage.

Dunes around Washoe Lake...





...with painted faces to greet us.

 

My thoughts today - coming back to a safe, warm, dry home - are with those in the northeast.  Having been through a few Mother Nature temper tantrums I know that they change more than just the physical surroundings but our whole feelings of safety and security, of home and hearth.  Know that my heart is with any of you who can read this.

"A wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand.  I think, I too have known autumn too long." - e.e. cummings

My Place

 

My soul comes alive in the presence of vastness.  When I was recently in Nevada my grandchildren and I would go outside, into the dark of night, and sit looking at the stars above.   We could see from horizon to horizon.  I was in awe while my soul was at peace.

When I am in the desert, where the view is never ending, I feel my heart fill with the miracle of it all.  I celebrate this earth and my teeny, tiny place in it.

 

When the ocean waves break -- one after another -- and I look out to the horizon seeing all that water in front of me my heart sings.

 

I am such a miniscule part of this universe -- and looking at the world around me makes me realize that the every day of my life is only one iota of the whole system (if even that).  These thoughts free me -- they allow me to put everything into perspective.  I will never learn all of the mysteries of the universe but I am so very glad that I am here to nurture it as I can and let it nurture me.

"Do not look at stars as bright spots only. Try to take in the vastness of the universe." - Maria Mitchell

Along the Parkway

The Blueridge Parkway never disappoints.  Walking in these blue hazed mountains is a softening interlude in an otherwise busy life.  These hills are very old and have developed a soft look - densely green and standing stolidly, firmly in their place.

This dead tree stood out graphically with a backdrop of so much green.

The Mountain Laurel were in bloom - their delicate shades of pink making a break from the green of the leaves surrounding it.

A Flame Azalea is always such a wonder - standing out so vividly.

"How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains." - John Muir