Let's Celebrate!

I've been off-line for awhile doing what I do best:

Playing!

Specifically, playing with Grandchildren.

I've been 

taking time to smell the flowers,

trying to see the world through a child's eyes,

embracing wonder wherever I find it.

We celebrated a birthday -
Pop Pop's 67th found us on the slopes.

Being outdoors made us smile.

On November 23,  LIVE and LEARN also had a birthday.
Here is the first photo I posted 3 years ago:

I took it on the trail behind our Breckenridge house.
There was only one "snowflake" footprint.
It seemed magical to me, as though the snow fairy was leaving me a message.

Through the Blog, I've met and forged relationships with people all over the world.
Over 35,000 folks have visited the Blog since that first post.

I'm continually amazed and gratified
by the talented and good-hearted people I encounter.
My world has expanded because of you.
I continue to LIVE and LEARN.
For that, I say "Thank You!"
I greatly appreciate your visits and your comments.

Photos taken at Denver Botanic Garden and Breckenridge Ski Area, November 2011.

Into the Forest - Altar Stump - Thankful

Earlier in the week, I cross country skied for the first time this season. I was amazed at the hundreds of deer tracks crisscrossing the forest. I've never seen so many tracks along with scuff marks in the snow where the deer paw to get to the grass.They're probably on the move because it's hunting season. Since I've never seen a hunter in this area of the forest, perhaps they instinctively feel safer here. They were Ghost Deer, their tracks the only proof of their existence.

Deer Tracks in Forest

My destination on this day was to the "altar stump." I check it periodically to see if the treasures are still there: 3 pieces of quartz and a blue Stellar's Jay feather. It's deep in the forest. Most wouldn't give it a second look. In fact, each of us has our own special places that bring us peace or energy or resolve.This happens to be one of mine. I pause while looking at the stump and quiet my mind. I sometimes focus on a certain person, hoping for their strength and resilience, sending them good thoughts. 

Barb's Altar Stump

My friend, Mary, is leaving today on one of her jaunts to other parts of the World. So, on the day I skied, I focused on her well-being as I stood amid the deer tracks with the wind gusting through the tops of the towering pines. Then, I thought of each of my Grandchildren, sending them love and confidence to bolster them as they meet their everyday challenges. 

Do you see the many faces on the stump? Your eye probably goes to the cat-like one at the top, but there are several more if you look closely, some upside down or sideways. The snow inside the stump is covering the quartz and the feather like a fluffy white hat. The treasures will be safe through the season of snow.

Is there a place you like to go to count your blessings and to think positive thoughts? For some people, it may be a religious sanctuary, for others a place in their home or an outdoor space that quiets their spirits, and for some, Nature might offer a catalyst for spirituality. I believe that anytime goodness flows outward, an energy is created that makes the World a better place. Even in the middle of a snowy forest, a feeling of warmth enters my heart and calms my mind as both best friend and family occupy my thoughts.

I hope all who celebrate an American Thanksgiving find much in their lives for which to be grateful. I'm already counting my blessings. Family and Friends (including many Blog friends) are on my thankful list. I hope wherever you are in the world, you take time to count your blessings, too. Think of all the positive energy we'll create!

Loose As a Moose

Yesterday, looking out the windows of our house,
we saw a large female Moose grazing at the edge of our property.

When we thought she'd moved away into the forest, we went outside for our daily walk.

Alert for movement, we hiked up the back trail through an area of towering old-growth trees.

Suddenly, a chittering squirrel signaled danger.

Ms. Moose was well-camauflauged amid the tall Lodgepole Pines.

She turned to watch us while I used the telephoto to take her portrait.
Moose are known to be grouchy about intrusions into their space.
Before she decided to teach us a lesson, we moved away from her, up the trail.

We ventured onto Peak 9 at the ski area where snow coverage remains sparse.

Barb on Peak 8, Breckenridge 11/11/11

This morning, we started a new ski season on Peak 8 (where they've made snow).
Tonight, we await a winter storm that may bring high winds and heavy snow.
We have the fireplace lit. The house is cozy. We have plenty of food.
We're doing our snow dance. We hope for a blizzard.
Happy Weekend to All!

Fall Weekend in Denver - Our World

Denver had a very brief fall this year.

It snowed several times in the city the past couple weeks.
Limbs were broken and leaves shredded.
Many trees were prevented by cold weather from showing brilliant fall colors.

The twins, Amanda and Ben, are 8. Jack (the Jokester) is 7

We've spent most of the fall at our mountain home.
But as a treat (for them and for us), this weekend we took our oldest Grandchildren to the city.
We attended a performance of The Lion King.

Performing Arts Complex

The show kept us on the edge of our seats - both children and adults were mesmerized.

Amanda loves to dress "fancy"
(more than Grammy does...).

Afterward, Ben ordered root beer.
(Grandparents sometimes bend the rules a bit.)

Early Sunday morning, we played at the center-city Skateboard Park.

Jack scootered.

Ben rode his board.

Amanda (after a bit of scootering) settled down with a book.
(This is what Grammy also did as a child - and still does!)

Jack's red hair glowed in the sun's  warmth.

It mimicked the colors of this one bright tree still showing off for fall.

As you've probably surmised,  Grandchildren are a very important part of my world.

Others share their special worlds here:

Our World