Even more winter

Yes, more winter. Friday we had more snow, even lightning and thunder. What a wild combination. I am really looking forward to spring, but in the meantime (that wonderful word)...Mike and I went out for a walk on Saturday. The sun came out and it starting melting quickly. It was funny, almost like Nature was having a snowball fight, just daring us to stand under a tree to plop a load of snow on our heads. Susan came close as we ran into her after our photo outing.

Some of the trees looked cartoonish like the one on the left. Reminded me of Dr. Seuss.

We started out on the road near out house, walked to the rec center; despite how snowy it is it wasn't that cold. I didn't realize until we were leaving the rec center I had it on black and white, but that's okay. They came out pretty good. I've taken some pretty good pictures if I do say so myself, getting better. I find if I zoom it in 3 or 4 to 1 and I can see the details it's a good picture.

Going through these Mike commented on how some of them would make an interesting puzzle. Hmm, life is like that; sometimes a big confusing puzzle until you see the big beautiful picture.


Can you see the blue sky in one of these? It's like Waldo, some where in there. This is a good time to review the textures in the trunks, observe te differences between the juniper and pines. They both smell devine in a fireplace however I've observed when Juniper wood is burned peoples allergies are kicked into high gear.(including mine) My theory is the pollen is still whole and 'ingrained' in the wood, when it is burned it is released into the area.

Despite all the winter, I still feel the stirring of spring. Starting to see different birds come up from the warmth of the canyon; there was even a Javalina running down the road by the Bright Angel last week. That's a rare sight up here on the rim. Those behind the desk didn't realize it, even when they got comment cards regarding the pig outside their room. Some thought it was metaphorical. Well at least the pig wasn't in the room, or in some cases was; but symbols come in many forms...

Most of this melted off the trees by Sunday evening, natures way of showing how quickly change can occur whether we notice or not.

Bucket List

I just noticed as I looked at the movie section of my Yahoo, (teasing myself really), the title of the movie caught my attention. Then the actors, very strong and exceptional in performances, then I read what it's about. I won't go into what it's about but the message.
I remember a time when I moved to be close to my children, with the help of my best sister-friend. a free airline ticket I won from work and a couple of suit cases (not even a job) I moved. Without the connection of those that helped, yes even my 1st ex and his wife, it would not have been possible. The connections with others are an exceptionally important part.
I got my own place and a job. I remember vividly talking to MJ one night as I sat on the floor in my very empty apartment, books scattered as I used the library often and she had told me it was the perfect time to make 'a list'. With all the emptiness was room for opportunity, and believe me there was a lot of room. Without reasoning for costs, affordability I wrote. How I wanted to furnish my apartment, things I wanted not just needed, including vacations like going to London and on a cruise.
Time went by, a year actually, when I was cleaning my apartment and came accross that list and laughed a little teary eyed as I saw I had everything and done everything I wanted. Having such a clean slate did prove there was room for opportunity. That was where I think I started 'living'. Not every step was happy go lucky, my friends and family can attest to that. The death of my child was and still is the darkest time that changed the sense of 'living' even further; sometimes challenging.
Through the agony of that dark time, it has created beauty. Appreciation of life, the short time we have. It is in our hands to do with what we want, be where we want and experience what we want. It's the memories we carry forth with us after all the material things we've gathered are gone that define the truth in us.
Tonight, someone or thing is shaking the snowglobe again covering the anticipated lunar eclipse. It's creating a world of white quiet wonder again. Despite being a little disappointed, I am comforted by the beauty in the blanket of white covering the outside world. Like money (the lack or abundance of)or the brief, and sometimes downright depressions; these will pass. 'This too shall pass' has been an affirmation I've said to myself ALOT...and it does, as the sun shines again so do the flowers bloom and so on.
So I chase after the rainbows, and absorb the memories the journey takes creating my 'list' as I go along. Right now it just happens to be in the Grand Canyon. One of the 7 wonders of the world, and it certainly is a wonder in all different lights. To paraphrase a well known commercial..."what's on your list?"

Elephants

Mike is often reminding me that to eat an elephant one takes one small bite at a time. Then he takes me in his arms as I decompress from work.
I'll be in my new job 7 weeks this week. I have moments of 'eurika' soon to be followed by 'am I over my head?' as yet another challenge comes to my face or I missed something. Accounting is not the place to miss anything.
Maybe I'm being too hard on myself, and I know there is 'growing pains' involved, but I do have doubts. (It's te 'growing pains' that feel like one is morphing into an unknown being that can be painful). Wondering.
I knew going in it would be a challenge; looking at contributing factors as lessons to assist in what I do 'outside' as a way to formulate structure. This is just the beginning as I start my list of applying these fundamentals to my 'art'. Dailies, weeklys, monthly's. Impatience knaws at me as I want to be done with 'lessons' (though we're never really done with those are we?), create the outline and move onward.

The world according to...

The headline news. At times it feels so remote we can look at it, shake our head and go tsk, tsk. Then go about our daily business and wonder how our lives can change. It is when something happens to someone we know or care about that shakes our reverie and seems to open the 'door' per se to include us in the 'world'.
No nothing has happened, as far as I know, to anyone I know or love. I had a call over the weekend from my friends celebrating two of their birthdays. Listening to their banter I was there with them in a sense thousands of miles away. It momentarily opened my 'door' to the world bringing a nostelgic feeling of our 'get away' weekends.
I'm starting to miss the 'outside' world in varying degrees. Don't get me wrong, I still love the Canyon and am thankful for the many blessings it's presence has bestowed to me. I've read further down in altitude the flowers are blooming in abundance. I look forward to that here. Maybe it's 'cabin fever', it just feels like something more.
Yesterday as I was walking from my work to Mike's work I was 'challenged' on the footpath by a small buck. We both stopped and eyed each other closely, his muscles tense as there was a group of does and a few other bucks nearby pausing to wait his decision. I smiled and said 'I seem to be on your footpath.'. Turned to walk down a small hill to give him room and avoided looking at his eyes to 'challenge' him, and stopped when I was a small distance to see their progress. It was then I noticed some tourist making their way to them the flashes on their point and shoots going off. I yelled "Please do not approach the animals." and sighed in relief when they walked the other way. It becomes frustrating watching the actions of others sometimes. Maybe a lot of people don't realize this is not a zoo, or Disney and have taken for granted the 'safety' those places and the towns and cities we live in provide. It's only going to get a lot worse as we get more people visiting. Once we're in full swing with tourist I'm sure I'll look back on this 'quiet' time with nostelgia.
It is usually during a 'quiet' time when we delve inside to take a mental stock and take into considerations our actions, reactions, and setting up new footpaths to follow. It is here where change in us occurs that affect our lives later. Action begins with a thought, so maybe it's time to start my list.

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.

Beautiful day

Wow, what a week it has been and today is my 'Thursday'. I had the canyon crud (flu in the outside world), all last weekend into the beginning of my week. Kicked butt on Sunday with the housekeeping team at Maswik; it was a great work out. Needed to sweat out the toxins. The past two nights have been brutal. Tonight was wonderful as the guests came in not in droves, but good timing; enabling us to spend time with them answering questions and potential questions. A beautiful day.

Been working nights (3-11:30) last week, this week, next week, and a peek at the new schedule shows it that way again. I guess people won't be asking so much why are my cheeks red. Just when I came up with a good answer (because I don't like green?). I always have red cheeks when I'm out in the sun here, which is most of the time when I can. Though this week due to the illness and night owl hours it's fading. I'm missing my 'healthy glow.'

Went to dinner with Mike (a guy who works at the transportation desk) the other night and one of my favorite servers asked if he was my husband. He chuckled as I looked at her seriously and said 'Uh, no'. Bless her heart.

Got my watercolor paper - thank you Rina and Dickblick.com. Looking forward to some 'art' time. I can feel it building, it's starting to seep as I wrote a haiku yesterday morning.

Passages of time
Images in the shadows
Writings on the walls

Haven't heard about the accounting position yet, but got a call from another department in accounting asking me to check out their opening if I didn't get it. I love it, makes me laugh.

Tomorrow is my Friday, soon December will be here along with the rest of the 'holiday swing', and then 'poof' the new year. Some people wait for the new year to make those resolutions of change. Why wait? Most know August 23rd as a difficult day for me personally, it is one that will live in infamy. However I celebrate it too, as it was the first day of my new job in my new life. Knowing deep in my heart my child was celebrating for me makes it a chocolate day. Bitter but sweet; bittersweet the best kind. I only use that as my personal example because it was a new celebration. It is a time when I look back and relish the tremendous support system that held onto me through the darkest of my grief that I am truely grateful. Through them, and the strength I never fathomed I had, each day becomes a celebration of its own. It's when another personal growth is experienced do I find a new year.

Have a beautiful day.

Thanksgiving moon

Thresholds

Thanksgiving has passed, opening the threshold for the 'season' of cheer. Whilst I missed my family of friends in Florida I went to a co-workers for dinner the night before. It was great. The mix of people, she lovingly refers to as the 'outcasts', are smart funny and giving. Her boyfriend loaned me his tripod to take pictures of the moon as the clouds cast their beauty and the light of the moon shone bright. It was funny, how cold it was, but I didn't feel it when I was focusing, and shooting; it existed outside of me. Now I understand when photographers get into those dangerous positions dangling on cliffs and such all for that picture the story that sparked a need in the mind to say it without words. The danger is outside, non existant, at least until the shutter closes.

Yesterday I cooked a reminice of a Thanksgiving, just turkey, potatoes, broccoli, Susan made the wonderful gravy. Of course I had to incorporate the apple chutney, I remembered I had put it in my 'letters to Taylor' book; and Geneva gave me a Paula Dean recipe for gingerbread, pumpkin torte for dessert. It all turned out really good, as we had neighbors and friends over for dinner with a little wine and good conversation.

What we call 'the Canyon Crud', is, I hope, leaving my body. Like a flu shot I'm hoping this will make me immune to this as I doggedly fill half the garbage with tissue, my purfume of camphor and eucalptus drowns out anything else. Unfortunately I had to leave early from the 'outcast party' and we wound down last night pretty early, well, a lot earlier from my past dinner parties. It's still the memories we create in snippets of time, words and music that'll give those feelings a stir. I think about the dinners we've all shared together, Thanksgiving in the canyon, serving wine in plastic solo cups didn't diminish the perfection but added to it. I'm looking forward to Christmas in the Canyon. I hope it snows.

Element...

While I was hiking with a friend the other day, he took this photo of me; though I feel I take great pictures; I tend to believe they are more from the other side of the lens.

I sent this photo to my sister-friends and one replied I looked like I am in my element. To be in one's element means to be in one's natural habitat, sphere of activity, environment, etc. It's not to say there aren't everyday stresses with jobs, interactions with others, and various other things; but when one can find peace, comfort or solace in their world, we find ourselves to be in our element. I believe I am.

A 'Nottinghill' Run

Though I hadn't worked with MaryMargaret for long I was fortunate to get to know a very nice, refind young lady embracing her journey into the 'world' with this being her first job. I was honored to be asked to share her good bye breakfast with another one of her mother figures I work with, Terry. We took her to the El Tovar; once completed we collected her (heavy) luggage and took her to Maswik to await her shuttle.

After leaving her there we ran back to the Bright Angel front desk to pick up a few things and Terry started taking me home. Approaching my place we noticed MM's sweetheart looking forlorn on the bench waiting for the approaching bus.

"Look there's Yudi!" I yelled as I rolled down the window while she whipped her car behind the bus beeping her horn. Shoving him in the back seat she zooms back to Maswik; as we pulled in we noticed the shuttle in the parking lot. As she pulled up quickly, I was out the door before the car stopped to let him out quickly. The driver, noticing the exchange, was kind in taking his time waiting.

Terry and I had to smile knowingly at the moment of memory we became part of. As we left the scene of this sweet memory Cher's song 'Believe' came on the radio.

Young, sweet, innocent love; whether it lasts or not is still a step into the 'world'. Despite our ages and experiences we all have our timeless, nostalgic memories that brings a smile to our lips. A memory that touches our hearts with warmth at the memory. I feel I can speak for Terry when I say we're honored to become a lasting memory in the heart of a sweet young girl. Bon Voyage MM.

Maricopa Sunset

Taken on 11 16 07 after a hike down from The Abyss, to Maricopa point

PIE

Leftovers after the dinner party. Want some?

Dinner party...

Had our first dinner party since we've been here. I invited Mary who is leaving and David over for dinner. Mary asked Yudi (who is also leaving) to stop by which I'm glad he did. David and I shared our fabulous photography. Mary shared her future plans with us and we all consumed my famous Rachel Ray pasta recipe. I thought I made too much, but it turned out to be just enough.

Susan brought home from Williams a PIE. I capitalize the word since these pies are HUGE. It is or was a whipped chocolate and peanut butter pie with peanut butter morsels sprinkled on top. The pie is so big it had to be transported in a cake box. She had called to find out which kind to bring home for desert, it was a hard decision. Even though I had to decide, I still wonder what the strawberry and peanut butter is like. I figure it must be good or they wouldn't sell it. So maybe when I get to go to Williams I will try it.

Susan was telling me about the lights being on in Williams, and having friends over for dinner felt good but rather nostelgic. I miss having people over for dinner, wine and fantastic conversations; what I really miss is the get togethers we used to have last year. I miss the laughter of children, the easy conversations of goings on and the 'family' we are.

Earlier today I found a bottle of wine I had to buy; the brand name is 'Three Blind Moose'. I could almost hear Mada yelling her "ahhhh!" and Kie giggling as I saw the name of the wine and picked up a bottle. It had to be since I just wandered over to see what was hidden behind a shelf. It was after I got home and put the radio on the computer on when I heard songs for both girls. In the meantime I'm saving it for a personal celebration, of what I don't know yet, but I look forward to that celebration whatever and wherever it may be or for.

Kolb Studio

Here are the pictures taken at the Kolb studio. The display is now gone, but memories linger.

Plein air ... therapy

plein air or plein-air (plān'âr', plě-něr') Pronunciation Key
adj.

1. Of or being a style of painting produced out of doors in natural light.
2. Taking place outdoors.

Today after Susan and I had lunch, and saw her off at the train station. I wandered. We had plans to go to William's together, then I had an offer for a photography class with a master photographer and Sue got another friend to go with her to Williams. Well, found out late last night the photographer canceled so that left me to find other plans. (Which usually isn't hard to do, since I've been making a list of continuous things to do).

With my back pack full of art supplies: camera, 300mm lens, sketch book, a tin filled with various drawing pencils and several of my favorite rapidographs (drafting pens), my journal and salty snacks I walked up the rim for a little bit until I felt the urge to sit on a wall and draw. Taking deep breaths I ignored the people who came up and took pictures of both myself and what I was drawing tuning them out and did what I think is a good rough sketch.













This is just an outcrop seen from an alcove behind a screen of trees. Rather then using my regular 4h pencil which creates an extremely light picture I chose instead my 4b, which is a softer lead enabling me to create deeper shadows. Sitting in the shade I started getting really chilly as the afternoon air started turning colder so I packed up with the intention of moving on, until I felt the urge to sit in plain sight of EVERYONE and start on the canyon itself. As I started laying the ground work of shadows I heard a lady retort "that's ugly", I just smiled and breathed deep concentrating. The only thing existing at that point became the canyon and I, though my peripheral vision picked up shadows of bodies off to the side. I heard the clicking of cameras and kept my head down and my hand moving, thinking to myself 'they're taking pictures of the canyon'. One voice did penetrate my 'wall', a gentleman said 'that's daunting'. I smiled to myself and concentrated on one point in the canyon, and started the one above it.

Using my 7b pencil the even softer lead gave better depth to the shadows and rock formations. The scribbling turned into points, rock crevices and places where land slides occurred. The wind started picking up and my hands became very cold; it was time to stop. Looking up, no one was around, I yawned and felt like I just woke up.


The most resonate
Sound I heard in the stillness
Was spirit waking

Lava tubes and galaxies

Went with a friend to just this side of Flagstaff off of I80 to what he calls a lava tube. It's a lava cave found by lumbermen in 1919. Didn't get many pictures inside, what I did will be here but really had a one on on with the depth of the earth.
The climb down was startling deep, with the loose rocks; I started by crawling on my backside down into the cave.
(Here's a picture of it on the way up) It was at first cold, but we adjusted to it quickly as we continued. It then leveled out somewhat but with various slopes, crevices, and sometime smooth surfaces we saw how the lava flowed. Wondered what looked like in certain areas river rocks creating a cobblestone effect in certain areas. Heard hollow sounds in certain areas under our feet as we walked, trying to guess at the depth of the hollowness below. Found a few holes that showed no ending as we stood over them with our flash lights beaming down giggling a little nervously. Noticed certain 'fault' lines on both the floor we walked on and in the large slabs of rock above our heads, quickly moving from below them. Found certain spots where water was seeping in, in very small increments and iron deposits coloring the walls where water was not dripping as in other areas but creeping in. The web of white looked like calcite deposits, and created various natural artworks on the ceilings and walls. Of course there was various man made art work from what looked like an owl, to an alien head. We turned off our lights and held our hands in front of our faces and of course couldn't see a thing; I was grateful for the batteries I had in my backpack should I have needed them. (didn't need them). Went almost to the end where it started getting narrower; he asked if I wanted to go on. As it looked like some pretty deep crawling, I suggested we head back as I my ankle started smarting from nearly twisting it several times; all times he had asked if I was ok since I let out a foul word each time. On the way out he found my wallet (which had been in my pocket) on one of the rocks. It was amazing he found it as it was sitting on a rock, next to a deep crevice. All in all that took an hour and a half. When we emerged it was like opening the oven door with a quick short blast of hot air. I noticed on the way out a small cairn.


He suggested getting something to eat in Flag, which we did and then headed to the Lowell Observatory. Sat in on an introductory lecture about what was being seen and then headed to the various telescopes. We started with the old one where the former planet (that is no longer considered a planet) Pluto was discovered. It made me dizzy looking up into the old building and listening as the young student of NAU was explaining to the little boy in front of us how it was built with a weight on the opposite side so it can be moved by hand. The pulleys and wheels were in the walls. We looked at a star cluster which reminded me of a snowflake. Beautiful. Through the smaller telescopes (which resembled old cast iron cannons), Perseus, and Andromeda. BREATH TAKING.

It was an adventure I'd like to repeat with a head lamp, and a lantern to get pictures, but who could ask for more then heaven and earth?!

Condor notes

The pictures posted was taken over two days, November 3rd and 4th as they flew overhead and nearby in the mid afternoon. I was fortunate enough to be around before work and took the pictures seen.

There is approximately 60 condors residing in the Canyon, one which is known to be nesting. Pretty good for coming back from near extinction.