Snow.....

Snow.....
How wonderful nature is, a new canvas everyday.
There are people like me, there must be, that enjoy the intrinsic beauty of the first sight of the frozen crystals.

I love the minute water droplets that are transformed magically in the clouds and morph into unique crystals, that gently float to the ground. Not like the rain that splatters, so that everything it touches is moved. I love the delicate flakes that land softly, so as not to disturb the object it lands on. The crystals barely touch each other, like down feathers in a pile, so much air in between each flake, so light and fluffy. It is so quiet when it’s snowing, you could not hear a pin drop, the sound would be muffled by the blanket of white.
Everything is brighter, even with complete cloud cover, it makes me feel happy. The flock of red Grossbeaks sitting on the dark green branches of the spruce tree, really stand out with the contrast of white. I tried taking a photo but it’s still a little dark. The sun will not be up for another hour or so and by then the Grossbeaks will be on their way to who knows where. The black capped Chickadees are at the feeder, snow falling all around them. There are maybe twelve or so, flitting back and forth, eating the sunflower seeds, just like on the Christmas cards. I’ve opened the kitchen window so I can hear their chatter, chicka-de-de-de.

Oh, how I love winter......the cold and snow and silence, somehow, it makes me feel warm, like it’s cradling and comforting me. I love the way the cold air chills my face and makes my eyes water. I’m not crazy about how cold my glasses get or how they fog up when I come inside, but it’s a small price to pay to be able to feel the invigorating cold. It makes me feel, so alive!

It’s snowing, it’s snowing, it’s snowing! I must go, it's calling me........

Rocks

10/09/09

What can you say about rocks? You step on them, you sit on them when you’re tired, kids climb on them, you skip them across water, you build walls with them, and line your garden with them, but have you ever really looked at rocks close up. I'm not talking about your run of the mill, gray jagged edged, boring rocks. I'm talking about interesting rocks! You know, the red ones, the spotted ones, the green smooth rocks, rocks with white stripes, heart shaped rocks, round smooth river rocks, rocks that wash up on the beach, etc.


I've been picking up rocks for almost fifteen years now, I have boxes of them. Rocks from Wyoming, Montana, Washington, British Columbia, the Yukon, Niagara Falls, Michigan, the beaches of Maine, Connecticut, Alaska and Ireland.

There was one beautiful rock on the North shore of Lake Superior, that was so large, I couldn’t lift it. I worked for hours, sweating profusely, rolling it, prying it with a large branch and finally, managed to get it back to the camper. Try as I might, and much to my chagrin, and after extensive contemplation, I came to the conclusion that there was no way I could possibly lift or maneuver that boulder into the truck or camper, .....I sadly, had to leave it behind.



There were three rocks, from the tailings of Crazy Horse that were so heavy, I thought my arms would come out of their sockets on the long walk carrying them back to my truck on the far side of the parking lot. I was hoping for some help, but all I received were some really strange stares.



While traveling across country with my sister and her husband, we stopped in a Rock Shop in South Dakota. There were shelves of crystals, pyrite, fossils and gemstones. It was great fun to browse, lots of eye candy everywhere. We asked the man behind the counter if he could identify some of the rocks that we found in a river along the way. We thought they were chunks of Turquoise.....we never did get a straight answer. On one of the shelves there was a large Citrine quartz crystal, about twice the size of a softball, it caught my eye and every few minutes would go back to look at it again. It was $40.00, too much for my budget, besides, who in their right mind would pay for a rock! We walked around and around, finally got back in the truck and just as we were about to pull out of the driveway I said, WAIT, I have to go get that rock! I can’t believe I “PAID” for a rock but it was calling me, and so, it sits on my night-stand at my sisters house and was worth every penny.

Thank goodness for the Post Office and their “Flat Rate” boxes. I’ve mailed home about one hundred twenty pounds of rocks over the past few years. I hope they don’t change their policy and put a limit on the weight of those boxes. Two years ago, I was in Fairbanks, getting ready to put my camper in storage for the winter and was packing up all my belongings. Everywhere I looked in the camper and the truck, there were rocks.



I gathered the smaller ones into a couple of milk crates until they were overflowing, I thought, wow, that’s a lot, of rocks, and quite a heavy load. No wonder my gas milage is so poor! From under the mattress, I took three $12.95 flat rate boxes that I always keep on hand and began to fill them. As I crammed a few of the smaller rocks into the edges, I thought, yikes, I don’t know if the Post Office will accept this or not?
I sealed all the corners with packing tape, addressed it to my sisters house and went on to the next box. Yup, filled all three boxes and still had enough rocks to fill six more!
Off to the Post Office I went. I could only carry one box at a time. I figured they weighed between twenty-five to thirty pounds each. I had to wait in line........yes, as you know, there’s always a line at the Post Office. I placed the first box on the side counter and headed back out to the truck to retrieve the other two boxes. I wasn’t worried about anyone taking them, no one could lift them, or want to! After thirty minutes or so, and some interesting conversations while waiting, it was my turn at the window. One by one, I hefted the boxes onto the counter and was asked the usual question......Anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or hazardous? No, not in my boxes! The clerk slid the box onto the scale,(I think for her own curiosity) and with a sullen look on her face, she peered at me over the top of her glasses and said, “You’re really getting your moneys worth, aren’t you?” I thought my plan was doomed! I just smiled and said, yes.
She asked if I would like to insure the boxes......I hesitated, they were irreplaceable.......but I said no. I finally whispered to her, (why the whisper, I don’t know), that the boxes were filled with my treasure of rocks. She lit up like a Christmas Tree and said she loved rocks! That her husband threatened if she brought any more rocks home, she would have to find a new place to live.......and take her rocks with her! With a wry smile, I told her in, no uncertain terms, if the rocks didn’t arrive safely back to the East coast, I’d know where to start looking!
My rock collecting has gotten to the point of absurdity! I don’t have a place to put them. I live in my camper, or stay with family. What in the world am I to do with all these rocks? For now, they are all safe in storage, in Maine, boxes and boxes of them and there are more than a few boxes in my sisters closet.



Now that I’m back in Alaska, I’ve begun to gather again, surprise, surprise! Taking the dogs for long walks three or four times a day, gives me the opportunity to peruse the landscape, and I’m in a prime spot. This area was covered in glaciers not to long ago and it is a virtual mine field of possibilities. I wonder how these rocks were formed, how far have they traveled, and wonder, where will they end up and how many can I carry?



I remember being in the middle of no where, on a trail in the Alaska Range and seeing a rock up on a bluff, about the size of a baseball that was forced apart with quartz strands. It was the most interesting rock I think I’ve ever seen. At the time, I thought I had collected enough rocks and just took a photo of it and walked on. That night, I could not get that rock out of my head, I could not sleep and decided, first thing in the morning, I would go back and find it. I spent three days, looking for it! I even gave a picture of the rock to two teenage girls I had met, gave them the best directions I could as to where I thought it was, and offered a twenty dollar reward if they brought it back to me, it was never found.


The poor dogs I’m sitting for, get dragged up hills and down the rock slides. I’ve been good and haven’t worn my back pack, I only fill my vest or jacket pockets. I make cairns with the rocks I can’t take with me and then return later with my camera. I can do a whole photo exhibit with my rock photos!
I’m trying my darnedest to be selective, but many of those rocks are just to beautiful to leave behind............



Hmmm, I’ve just left a note in the mail box and asked the Post man to leave a couple of “Large” flat rate boxes the next time he delivers the mail!

October 3rd, 2009

October 3rd, 2009

Here I sit at the dining room table in Paxson, AK. I’m gazing out the window as the snow is pouring down. Tiny light flakes coming to rest on the evergreen branches. I can see and hear a huge black raven clucking and cawing, I also hear hooting? I just got up and opened the door to see if I could find where the hooting was coming from. I’m still trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive owl that lives somewhere here in the trees by the river. The complete silence makes your ears attune to the slightest sound. To my amazement, it was the raven that was hooting! Native folk lore calls the raven “The Trickster”, he certainly is, he mimics what he hears! I wish I could have had the room in my suitcase to bring my movie camera. I would have loved to catch that on video. He sat on the branch high up in the spruce tree, bobbing his head up and down, hooting and clucking. I watched for 30-40 seconds and as soon as I raised the camera, he flew off to who knows where.......... I stood for a moment wishing I could follow him just to hear his story again.
It was time to check for eggs. Entering the chicken pen and walking towards the coup, I startled the Magpie as he flew out, egg yolk dripping from his beak...GGGRRRRR. Two of the six eggs had been pecked open and their contents devoured by the insidious magpie! He had not gotten to the lone cold egg that was in the farthest nesting box. Thank goodness, one of the hens is very protective and pecks at anyone or any bird, that tries to remove the eggs she's sitting on, three to be exact! I pulled my sleeve down over my hand and endured the multiple sharp pecks as I lifted her and quickly grabbed the three warm eggs that she was keeping under careful watch.
I retrieved the two dogs from their pen, covered in a blanket of white, back to the house. Much to their dismay, they are blockaded in the entrance way until they dry off. I play the harmonica (very loose term) to entertain myself, both dogs sit, stick their noses in the air, and howl along. I’m not sure if they enjoy the sound or are begging me to stop the painful noise! I think it’s the latter.....poor things!
Looking out the window toward where the mountain was out in a beautiful display yesterday, with the caribou grazing everywhere, all I can see is a curtain of white. Everyday is a different palate, a tribute to Mother Nature and her magnificent power.
It’s a good day to cuddle up next to the wood stove, read a book and keep a sharp ear out for the trickster.

My Happy Place

My soul is feeling the peace of getting back to my happy place. Just now, settling in to my new environment, just as the frost is settling into the ground.
Leaving family and friends is always difficult. Leaving my folks, who aren't getting any younger is the most difficult of all. Not knowing if I'll see them again before they depart this earth. I expressed my love for them and told them I'd be back for the holidays, part of my heart was left with them.
My children and grand children know that I come and go like the wind. They know how much I love them and miss them but they also know that I need to be in the Great Land to experience the joy that the wild outdoors brings to my soul. I'll bring back stories and rocks, lots of photos and a ton of love when I go back east.
My friends don't know what to think of me, some say I'm totally crazy, some think I'm adventurous and some wonder if I'll leave one of these times and never return. Some ask what my plans are.......all I can say is, I just don't know! I'm not a planner per say, I have no idea what I'll have for lunch or dinner, never mind what I'll be doing tomorrow, next week or next year. I take each day as it comes. They ask, "What about your retirement?" WHAT??? I'm living an awesome life, and I wonder, retire from what? You only get one life and I don't want to grow old and say, golly, I wish I had done this, or traveled there. I'm living and enjoying new experiences, everyday! I never know what day it is, or what time it is, nor, do I care.
I learned to live without"things", they are not important. There's so much more to life and living, and with fewer belongings, there's a sense of freedom to come and go. There are so many interesting people to meet and share stories with. That's one of the reasons I love it here in Alaska, people enjoy life everyday. They are not caught up in what they own or worrying how they'll pay for things. Yesterday, I met a woman from Juneau, originally from Pennsylvania, who moved here in 1995 with her teenage daughter, who by the way, thought she was nuts! An attorney, she started mushing dogs in 1999 and has decided to try racing in the Iditarod. She ferried her truck, dogs, snow machine and four wheeler and is spending the winter in the mountains, alone, training for the last great race. She's 58 yrs old, put her practice aside and is living life. Can you imagine? I wish her well.
Hopefully, in this quiet place with stunning surroundings I'll be able to put my thoughts to paper. If I can inspire one person to seek their dreams, my ramblings will not be in vane.

Summer fleeting away.......

How quickly time flies when you are so busy! Work, play, sleep, visiting, hiking, swimming, playing nursemaid, building, cleaning, repairing, chatting, driving, so much to do, so little time.
Here it is the middle of August, the nights are getting shorter, although not as cool as I'd like them to be. All the fun ideas for the summer, camping, hiking, playing didn't happen, somehow time passed in a blur without those thoughts coming to fruition.
I think in terms of years now, not weeks or months. Life seems to be spinning faster and faster. Children are growing older, getting taller, much smarter and I'm loving them more each day. I miss the babies I get to see oh, so infrequently. I miss the smiles, the new accomplishments, the cute phrases that come from their innocent mouths. I miss their tiny chubby legs and puggy fingers, and inquisitive bright eyes.

Getting older is not it's all cracked up to be.......all the wishes in the world can't slow down the aging process, much to our dismay. I savor every day and thank the power that is, for all my blessings. I'm so very lucky! Healthy, loving family, great friends and incredible jobs that seem to fall in my lap. I believe everything happens for a reason and you must take advantage of every opportunity, no matter how strange, or far fetched. Life is here to be lived to the fullest, it's such a short ride!

The Morning Light

Woke up this morning at 4:15. After making a pot of coffee and checking email, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, the sun making it's debut. They say "red sky in the morn, sailor be warned." It is one of those mornings. I sat in awe as the sun lit up the clouds with bright red rays, and thought I should go out to the car and get my camera and take some photos, but... I was too lazy.
The rays were getting brighter and brighter and I couldn't turn away. Hurrying, I put my boots on, thinking I've missed a great opportunity. I got the camera out of the car and headed up the back hill. Of course, by this time most of the red had disappeared, a reminder that minutes truly count. The sun was rising above the clouds. The smell of the cool morning air is so invigorating. I headed up over the hill and into the pasture. The morning dew on the hay field was seeping through my sweat pants up over my knees, and felt really cold on my legs but I didn't mind. It's all part of the big picture and I just breathe it all in, and thank the powers that be, for allowing me to be "in the moment."
As I turned to head back to the house, I noticed the neighbors out in their garden, enjoying the predawn air, coffee in hand. I'm not the only early riser!
It is the start of a great day!

Photographs and Memories.......

Photography is not only a hobby, but my passion. Photos help, along with stories to share wonderful times and places with family and friends.
On Friday, June 5th, 2009, my Grand daughter Anna and I spent the morning hiking at Moose Point State Park in Searsport, Maine. It was a glorious day, and with a little chill in the air, it was perfect. Anna and I wore our wind breakers, and arrived at the park by 9:15AM. We pulled up to the toll house at the park entrance and the Ranger asked if we were Maine residents, yes, I said. She then asked if Anna (who just turned ten) was under the age of five. Oh boy, that was not cool! I told the ranger that Anna was very proud to have just celebrated her "10th" birthday. The charge was two dollars for me, and one for Anna.
Three dollars, a bargain as far as I was concerned. To have a day walking through the woods, along the Maine coast with my Grand daughter was heaven to me. Anna was totally insulted that she would have been mistaken for someone under the age of five! After all, she was closer to being a teenager than a "kid" under five years old. "Did she look like a five year old" she asked? I explained that they asked all children their age ........She didn't buy it. It seemed to be on her mind for the rest of the day.
After loading my backpack with water, camera lens, and snacks, we headed down the path to the point. It's not a very long walk, but a truly beautiful one. The park is meticulously kept by my good friend, Julie, who works endlessly to keep the park looking pristine. Wild flowers are everywhere, including Lady Slippers, one of my favorites. Anna spied the flowers first and asked what they were. The flowers were shielded by a wire cage and Anna asked why? I explained it was to protect the flowers from being trampled or picked. She bent down to examine them closely and quietly as if the flowers could hear, proclaimed "they were the most beautiful". I wanted to take a photo and carefully lifted the chicken wire over the flowers. I snapped a few pictures and carefully replaced the wire and Anna told me she would replace the sticks that were securing the cage to the ground. She was so gentle.....I could tell the memory of that flower would remain with her for a long time.

Next to the Lady Slippers were some tiny yellow flowers, they almost looked as if they belonged to the orchid family. I'll have to look them up.

We walked on, Anna kept peeking through the trees at the water below, just itching to get down to the waters edge. We walked past the largest tree in the park, listed as over one hundred years old, Anna stopped to admire it. I truly believe Anna is an "Old Soul", appreciating with her entire being, the truly beautiful things in life.
As we walked past two trees that were close together, Anna stopped and said, "Look Gram, this tree is hugging the other, it's holding it up." I filled up with tears.......

We came to the point, there's a huge granite outcropping that cascades down to the waters edge. Anna exclaimed, "I love this place, look at all the rocks!"


As we climbed down the rocky ledge, Anna asked what the pink flower was that was growing out of the face of the rocks. I told her it was a beach rose and that we would be seeing a lot more of them as we walked back along the rocky coast.

So many things to see, like the lobster boat that was chugging by. I told Anna to wave to the folks and they returned two handed waves, much to Anna's delight.

The water was so calm and Anna's eyes were darting everywhere. She found a tidal pool and schooched (I know it's not in the dictionary) down to see what she could find. Snails, seaweed, a few small dead crabs and small chunks of granite that glistened in the water, Anna picked them up to show me.



She was so excited about finding "pretty rocks"and filled her pockets until her pants started to fall down. She asked if she could put them in my backpack and I knew what this would entail. (Anyone who knows me, knows that everywhere I go, I bring back, bags and bags of rocks. I must have at least a ton stored at different locations.) At least Anna was choosing marble sized rocks, they wouldn't be so heavy. She also asked if she could bring her Mom a prize, a small smooth piece of driftwood the size of a twelve inch ruler. Yes, she's a collector. It is in our family DNA. My Mom, both sisters, one of three brothers and I, collect rocks, driftwood, shells, salted sea glass, etc. Anna was hooked and I can proudly say, I didn't pick up even "one" rock! I was having so much fun watching and photographing Anna that it truly never crossed my mind.


As we walked back along the water, the rocks became more jagged and stepping from rock to rock was more precarious. Anna and I were a little concerned about slipping and falling, especially with Anna's broken arm. We glanced up at the cliff side and decided that climbing up the rock face would not be prudent, and carefully made our way around the next bend. The tide was going out, at least we didn't have to worry about that. The rock formations were amazing, we took our time and talked about each design, and how amazing Mother Nature is.


As we came around the bend, Anna got all excited and said "Look at all the driftwood", I started to laugh. We sat and had a snack and some water and talked about how lucky we were to be able to enjoy our surroundings. Anna loves being outside and wonders why some people stay in the house all the time. I agreed, there's just too much to see!
Anna spied designs someone had meticulously carved into one of the driftwood trees. I asked if she'd like to put her name on it also. I gave her my car keys and she sat and worked for quite a while. The smile on her face when she was done was priceless! Some people may not approve of me letting her carve her initials, but it's driftwood, and the next high tide will roll the log around and the carving will slowly disappear. We would never think of carving anything into a live tree, so not to worry.

After sitting for a while, we decided it was time to head back home. We hiked up over a few huge rocks and made it back to the trail. After a short walk, we made it to the car. Anna unpacked her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and shared it with me, it's been a while since I've had peanut butter and jelly. I have to say it tasted pretty darn good! A stop at Dairy Queen on the way home topped off a wonderful day, out in the sunshine with my precious Grand daughter, enjoying all life has to offer and making precious memories that will last a lifetime.