Who shook the snow globe?

Yesterday was a silvery day. The world, at least my world, was frosted with a sugar coating of white. The sun and sky, buffered by the weather, colored this world in a silvery grey. Though we 'know' the sun to be yellow, the color was absorbed to reflect a different light.

It snowed on and off in the early afternoon I commented to a co-worker about how pretty it was. "It's like living in a snow globe" was her reply. When the flakes grew fatter I asked her "Who shook the snow globe?" "I don't know," she replied, "but I'd sure like to slug em." I could only laugh as I imagined what we look like in our 'snowglobe'; and wonder at the multi dimensions of existance as though I gazed through MC Escher's eyes...

Ahhh..

The middle of another work week and it feels good to be home. The wind is really whipping today it blows in another front with great possibilities of snow. Remember I've stopped predicting this mico weather? But it soon shall pass after another dress up of the canyon and get near 60 for the weekend. Most of the foot paths have melted and I'm surprised at how little mud there is. I hope it helps the water tables.

Susan's home work place, Yavapai, will open soon. The restaurant manager is sick of hearing about 'the chicken'. If you get there early enough it's decent. But...it's a different fare of food then what is available at the other cafeteria choices (employee cafeteria and Maswik). I must be getting acclimatized as a few (very few) items are palatable. Scary. After about a year, Wendy's will be like a gormet meal. haha.

Tomorrow is Valentine's day. Last year I was growling about brides and their problems. This year I celebrate with my own valentine, Mike. Nothing really planned beside curling up next to each other and watching the snow. But it's the journey that creates the memories. Considering it's that time of the week, for accounting anyways, I may be home late yet again; but then maybe not. We'll see, as long as everything balances. (IT WILL). Went to the camera club last night. I only took about 7 pictures and got a nice compliment on my b/w; 'looks like Ansel Adams'. The tree that I purposely created patterns with the lights went over big. This last weekend it was beautiful out. We went to the Kolb studio for a tour and were lucky enough to get Stew Fritz. He's an older ranger, but played the part of one of the Kolb brothers very well. It would be nice to see the History Channel do a re-inactment, with him as the narrator. I've seen him perform the raven ranger talk, now Mike and I can't wait to catch his 'rim to rim with William Shakespear'. I'm sure that will be worthy of a blog all its own.

The days may pass, but I attempt to notice the blessings: a small bird pecking for food close to my feet, the smell of the pines in the breeze. Then of course there are the big blessings as the canyon dresses for display, or the vibrant oranges in the sunset setting a fire in the sky. It is amazing. Soon it's time to start down, into the canyon. One step at a time; to notice the many blessings it gives freely.

Icicles

One of the finest forms of chaos theory in its natural state.

Though it looks like the sun is rising behind it, it's not, this is facing West. It was taken early in the am, and the orange light reflecting off of the ice is from the light outside the building. The light in the back ground is the reflection of the sunrise into the West.

I yam, what I yam...

I yam tired! It's only Tuesday and I got more ot tonight finishing up and striving to keep on schedule. I'm learning, things are making sense, some still make me pause but it's all a learning process.


We had A LOT more snow over the weekend. It was beautiful walking from work last night in the snow, there was no wind. I called a yaya friend and she told me it was 80 degrees in Florida yesterday. It was nice to see the sun this morning, the snow is still deep and icicles flowing nearly touching the top of the snow on the ground. It's beautiful seeing such pristine white cover the ground, occasionally interrupted by animal tracks. There's a little bunny that hops around our window in the wee hours. The tracks were prominant this morning, caught a look at it the other day. It's so cute.

I am looking forward to spring. With all this snow, it should help the water tables and create an abundant spring. It'll be interesting to see what differences there are in the flowers and such. Not to mention getting home and it still be daylight, even if I do work overtime.

I am...

I am
The winter
The snow that glitters
The breath of frosty air
The quiet shooshing as the world is tucked in

I am
The fall
The brilliance of color in riotous abandonment
The crispness in the air
The gentle sleepy beauty as the world starts to slumber

I am
The summer
The heat of the sun absorbing into each pore
The laughter of children playing in the rain
The heartbeat eard in the crickets lullabye

I am
The spring
The scent of earth enhancing presence
The colors of varigations drawing out the senses
The world waking up in wonder and beauty.

I am

Happy February

A few days in. Yesterday Mike, Glen and I went to Flagstaff to do some much needed grocery shopping. It was flurrying when we left the canyon. I was a bit sad as I realized I really miss living in a town. The small things we take for granted; running to the store to pick up one item, going to the movies, being able to go to the post office and send off packages after hours. It was when we were having lunch at Cracker Barrell I really missed MJ and Terry. I wanted to call them, meet them and go see a movie; or just be in their presence. We stopped in Williams on our way back - the grocery store has good prices on meat and some other items, and it started flurrying on our way back to the canyon. It's an hour and a half to Flagstaff, so when one goes the value of one's time is important; it becomes a full 8-10 hour day to get in the shopping one wants or needs, and it's easy to be exhausted when you get home. I would like to get to know the town more intimately, as it's a cute little town. Reminds me a lot of St. Augustine but Western style. I love the Canyon, it's presence is a sanctuary, but there is so much more here I'm itching to discover. This made me think of Florida and some of the great places we've all seen, and those not seen I still see the painting in my mind as MJ, Terry and I kayaked in Guano State Park. Flashes of images, mostly of friends kept going through my mind yesterday as I pictured them here. Terry of course would be cold and certainly wouldn't like the snow for too long, but MJ would love it. I would love to see this part of my world through their eyes.
I didn't take my camera with me; it was nice to just notice a few things and be part of it; the way snow clouds covered part of a mountain leaving the top exposed, the crevices or even smoothness of rocks. No matter where I go there is beauty. Recognized or not, it is there. Quiet in the soft voice of spirit, it is when we notice it becomes part of us.
Once at home it felt good to re-organize our little kitchen more, washing the new dishes, and silverware, setting up the garbage can and getting rid of the cardboard box we used for trash. It's been frustrating at times but it's a slow process of appreciation. Living in this little village has been a step back in time with the VERY limited services (see comments above), and no street address' only a P O Box number to retrieve one's mail. I miss having a car, if nothing else but to get out on a weekend when I'm off but I do enjoy getting out and walking if not for just leisure but necessity; to the cafe for breakfast or lunch, home or by the rim. I love seeing animal tracks in the snow, the colors in the sky, the smell of pine from the forest and hearing the breeze talk through the trees (even if it is freezing). I look forward to spring and wonder at the flowers that will bloom and look forward to discovering how they color the landscape. It's very nice being able to share these wonders with Mike as we both see, feel and sense life and it's continuing discoveries. Talking, hiking or just being we are learning about each other and our worlds and what has made us into what we are at this moment.
Slowly I'm learning to balance work, play and art. It's an evolutionary process much like nature, slow enough to be barely noticable but when it is noticed a new evolution process has already begun. The world is our oyster and we are it's pearl; made of it to be of it. Let beauty comfort you when you find it has captured your attention; even for just a moment.

Walking on ice

Well it's more like shuffling really. At least until I bought some yak traks tonight. I walked from my work to the Bright Angel to meet Mike; while I was waiting I wandered into the gift shop hoping they would have at least the crampons. Yes it sounds bad, but they work; barely. I was tickled to find the tracs and bought them. As the world outside has been blustery with '1 or more' inches of snow (it's turning out to be 'or more'; a lot more), I look forward to the beauty it will be. Now I won't fear walking the rim as much to get more fabulous pictures. I am eternally thankful for the fake rabbit fur hat I bought in London, and the suede lambswool lined coat I got in Georgia. I stay snuggly warm as the wind blows the white stuff around to decorate the landscape as the trees talk.

Bestowment from Winter

It's like a York peppermint patty commercial, except it's real. It's exhilarating, breathtaking, and emotionally overwhelming to see the canyon and the forest in frost or snow.
This is called hoar frost. What ever it is or however science wants to deliver it; it's poetry.

Each individual needle is covered in a very light sugar coating of frost. What makes the frost so obvious is the frost itself is built up like it was snowflakes partially melted onto the needles so it looks like it has 'tentacles'. It was the prettiest I think I've ever seen the trees.







Last Monday it poured about 18 inches of snow on us. It was a bugger to get to work, but the atmosphere around the work place was excitement to see how Mother Nature painted the canyon. It cleared at lunch, but I didn't dare go look or I'd be very late back; but right after work I hurried up to the canyon and was thoroughly enthralled with the magnificence it once again presented me with.

These are but a few of hundreds I have momentarily clicked with my camera. They are worth the hard encrusted ice I sometimes have to slip and slide on to get to work, or to play; not to mention the time everyone has waited to see them.

I am truely blessed to have the opportunity to be here for these moments. I've been told this only happens once every 7 years, to be honored is humbling to say the least.


In silence I wait
Ancestors hold destiny
In the breath of wind.


Namaste

one red jelly bean, two green jelly beans...

Well the 2nd full week of work has come to a completion. It's been and still is a great learning experience. I've had a few people I used to see more often come up to me and ask me where I've been. One lady thought I was away on vacation. Mike's got weekends off, he got them before me, but it's nice going up to the rim early when he goes in the wee hours to have breakfast with him. We usually meet around lunch time, sometimes we have time to share the lunch hour, sometimes just enough time to say hi; but we always meet for dinner. Tonight we had dinner with Sue, it was good to see her feeling better and back on her feet.
I still love the snow, I just dislike walking on encrusted ice; which is predominant here. I miss wearing my cowboy boots. As I get more accustomed to the new schedule, and the changes life has bestowed, I will blog more. In the meantime, be patient with me I'm in another field tending my roots to bloom where planted.

Counting...beans

I was reminded today of how I used to joke with regards to 'keeping the bean counters happy', I burst out laughing because I am now one; and yes, I still have to keep the bean counters happy - especially this one.
I'm still leaning my new job and it will take me a while to learn as it is intense in details. I will probably miss the interaction I used to have with guests and co workers; I just have to narrow the co-worker interaction to a small handful since I'm no longer in the 'loop';but keep open to those I do encounter whether by accident or intention.
It feels good to be able to breath again, illness ran rampant through our village and is trying to cling on. I'm grateful for the vitamins and immunity drops I've both bought and have been given for I feel like I'm waking up again. Time to enjoy the talents I have, the thoughts I want to create and continue the journey. For the moment it's time to cook some soup, crackers, cheese, a little cut up apple and some wine. Tomorrow begins yet another day of opportunities.

Frosting

Today I woke up with about 10 inches of snow on the ground. I stood outside to listen to the silence. The only sound I heard was my breath, the sparkle of the newly falling and fallen snow glittered in the light. By lunch the sun had come out and the boughs weighed heavy with the snow. By the time I got done with work, I made my way slowly up to the rim. I couldn't help but smile and say "wow" over and over as the canyon was layered in snow with each step I took. The juxposition of the snow against the desert quality of the many buttes and peaks took my breath away; words again cannot do it justice. Though my back pack may weigh a lot, it's so worth it for the pictures I took. Which will probably get posted this weekend.

Dedications

Tonight I finished my last shift at the front desk. I was rewarded with a nice quiet night, and a great team of co workers, who have become friends.

I was remembering some of the most memorable guests that have come through in my short time and thought I'd write about them since I don't want their moments to get lost. Though it was a quick passing, they touched my heart. Earlier in the late summer (I started at the end of Aug, so this was Sept), two women did days of hiking all through the canyon, going from one park to another via hiking. Ending and celebrating their journey with my lodge, I thanked them for the inspiration they gave.

A sweet young couple checking in later then the majority remembered Ben and myself and after conversing like we were old friends left us green tea for health. I thanked them for their gift of friendship.

Three monks from Scotland, one went to Plateau Point and back, he waited patiently while the other two hiked down to the river and back. (PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS). They made it safely, but as much as I wanted to sit and talk with the one waiting, David generously spoke with him and noted our curiosity. He looked so tired and worn out I gave him a package of gookinaid and sunflower seeds to sustain him until his friends returned. When they made it and sat down exhaustedly I have them the rest of my gookinaid and sunflower seeds to help them get to where they were going. I thanked them for their blessing.

A very sweet elderly gentleman who charmingly flirted and commented about my red hair, kissed my hand when he found what Scottish 'clan' I had been born into and smiled saying 'back in the day we were enemies.' After talking with him the next day before he and his family checked out he sweetly told me I was 'unforgettable'. I thanked him for his charm.

Last Saturday a very nice gentleman I had checked in several nights before jokingly approached me, quipping about me remembering his name. I knew him instantly. When I asked how his stay was he replied it was great but a bit sad. I asked him why, and he shared with me how his wife loved the Grand Canyon the most out of all the parks. She had died several months ago, but left an instruction manual for him to follow. One was hiking the Bright Angel trail, which they loved to do together. Tears welled in my eyes, and I thanked him for sharing his gift of love and dedication.

Though there were more people gathered into the little scenarios I've described, these are the one's I can recollect with details. Though the times were very brief, it reminds me of life and the journeys we recollect with details. May your memories be touched with kindness in remembering the passing minutes of a day; you never know how you touch a total stranger with your story; they too may dedicate a word or action to something that touched a cord inside to inspire them.

Summer with Coats

Sounds like an oxymoron, but lately it has been very crowded (like summer), but very cold (in coats). It was so crowded around Christmas I was getting clausterphobic. Very hectic at work to say the least. Personally hectic too as I moved into my new apartment. Turns out it's only 10 minutes walking time to work, and 5 more minutes to the new job place. Mike is already getting Saturday and Sunday's off so we'll have more time together. It's nice not to have to work all nights anymore, I've only been on nights for 10 weeks, this week I got a break having a couple of morning shifts thrown in. Joe (a co worker) asked me if I was afraid I'd turn to dust in the early morning light - after chuckling I had to concur I was a mite worried, but quickly relieved when I didn't.

I don't mind it when it's busy, except for the stupid questions (Where's the best place to view sunrise/sunset? OUTSIDE). Being in a mico community we are in, I have found that gossip of course continues, thoeugh it doesn't have as much opportunity when we're busy. It's when we get slower it becomes more malicious. I look forward to the changes forthcoming and will endeavor to create my environment that I both work and live as one of beauty and peace. There are those I hope to continue building friendships with and still smile and be a souuce of positive patience to others.

Personally I look forward to having the structured time to work, learning a new field, and enabling myself to concentrate more time and effort to art; taking the day moment by moment to live in the present. There's a lot Mike and I want to do together, and a lot we do. Though his back pack doesn't weigh as much as mine, yet, I will do my best not to fill his with my overflowing art supplies. Pretty serendipitous these changes begin at the start of a new year; once again reminding me to celebrate all changes as they are any time. So may the joy of change be with you in your journey of a new year.

S...heros

The other day Michael gave me a book (as one of his 12 days of Christmas gifts), on Mary Colter. He knew she was one of my new found heros. An exceptional woman of the late 1800's to early 1900's. Architecture for Hurst and The Fred Harvey company; many of her creations exist today in the Grand Canyon. Her vision was out of the box in the concept of using the surroundings and history to be. An exacting woman, strong in her convictions and and talents. Similar to another one of my heros Mary Cassatte, an artist from the Impressionist. Both women perservered beyond the constraints of their social environments to have their names whispered in awe. At least by me.
I was talking with one of our bellpersons, (she), and I were talking about sheros. The one question I asked we both contemplated and could not answer: Were these women full filled without a partner? (At least one that isn't mentioned in the history books.) This led to further questions in my mind. Can a successful woman (success is determined by doing what she wants and loves and still living comfortably from), be full filled and still have a life partner? Two people do come to my mind, the author Nora Roberts and my sister-friend Terry. I'm sure there are more out there; is there anyone who wants to add to this list?

New beginnings for the new year

Last week I interviewed for the retail auditor job and was actually offered the job at the end of the interview. It was a nice surprise, and yes I accepted. I will need to wait for the new year to start due to the demands of business, but there's a light (do you hear the song from Rocky Horror playing in my mind?!). The hotels are sold out throughout the holidays. Looked at an efficiency apartment today so I may have a new place before the end of the year as well!

Oh Christmas tree....

Sorry these are sideways, couldn't edit them to be upright but I wanted to post these experimental pictures of the Christmas tree at the Bright Angel Lodge.

I wondered how it would look with a bit of distortion. Pretty interesting for out of focus.

Then I held the shutter open to create designs with the lights.

This one I call 'Christmas Ribbons'

Winter's magic

The top two pics are at the rim. Took more then 75 pictures the other day with Mike. Once again I am awed by the beauty at each turn.

The following pictures are outside our door.

You win some you lose some...

Friends. Everyone comes into one's life for a reason and we all hope they stay. Losing a friend over a slight only proves how unstable that friendship was, or actually it wasn't turning it into what can only be achieved as an aquaintance. One can only hope for the best for anyone, even those who find others no longer in thier 'circle'.

December discoveries

Yesterday Mike and I stood at a picture window in the curio shop where I work watching the clouds in the canyon. The canyon was completely obscured by the clouds and we watched them starting to move out like whispy smoke. I'll post those pictures soon; he was the one who mentioned getting the camera out to capture the unique features the vision offered and we went out into the cold to watch and take pictures.


Today he found me at 'my spot', taking pictures of the canyon drawing down it's veil of clouds. We marveled at the density of some of the clouds as we braved the cold winds and occasional spitting of snow flurries taking pictures. Those too will be posted. It started snowing harder when we went in to lunch. Beautiful.

'Canyon time' seems to be an observance all of it's own. Since my last post I've met a wonderful couple from Houston who has become part of a new addition of friends. Mike and I have become more of a couple as we both try to spend more time together. I certainly feel a deeper sense of comfort, as we talk about anything and everything. Uric has become a friend as we get into rather unique discussions reminicent of the 'dinners with David', discussions. Glen took me to Flagstaff as we shared a day off and I got some fabulous sunset pictures, which again will be posted soon. It was a great get away for the day. I mention these people who have entered my life as you'll be hearing more about them in future posts; at least I hope as each give a unique addition to the connectivity we all share.

Christmas approaches, though each day has it's beauty, it's still a time where everyone is much nicer. I look back over the past several Christmas' and though I was with my family of friends (whom I miss very much), it seemed like something missing, from the anticipation onward. This year it feels different, a little more complete. Still there is an element of the unknown, and I don't mean presents, it is an unknown that is anticipated of discovery. Going out into the world I thank again my friends who are well known for shoving me through these doorways, here I am almost brought to tears of joy for the discoveries as the lists continue to grow with new adventures to do. Mule rides, hiking down the Kaibab trail to Phantom Ranch, spending a few nights at the bottom of the canyon and hiking up the Bright Angel Trail just to name a few. As Deepok Chopra had stated, and I paraphrase, it's the space between the words that speak volumes. Those spaces are those I hope to eloquently phrase including those new friends, lovers, and keeping the connection with my family of friends as this year continues into the new year. Good thing I have a 4 day weekend coming up since I have a lot of posting to catch up on. Life seems to be offering it's present of continuous discoveries. Who could ask for more?

Snow...snow...snow...

Does anyone remember the song they sang on the train in the movie 'White Christmas'? Well it was snow. Woke up today to a winter wonderland full of fat wet snow. Exquisite, it brought tears to my eyes.

Susan took these by our place

The one below is the El Tovar hotel in frosting:

Over the edge;

Lookout studio:

And it's a snow fall on the North Rim.

What another beautiful day.