But today (and mind you, it isn't even Tuesday), the boys and I ventured out! The sunshine beckoned me to come out and so she could kiss her warmth against my cheek . The trees lining the street were gently waving their upraised branches in gestures of encouragement, "Come and visit with us!" When I cracked the front door open, the gentle breeze whispered my name, "You. Come out, please. I want to tickle you and see you smile!" Who was I to deny such temptation, regardless of how I was still feeling?!?
With the temperature a little above 40 degrees and snow on the ground, this girl put her boots on. I grabbed the leash, keys, wallet, the movie to return and my camera. Donned my hat and gloves and walked out the door...
“When you see
someone putting on her Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is
going to happen.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
I don't know if it's just me, or if this happens to everyone, but sometimes it seems like when I get sidetracked or derailed during my daily life, I forget all about the little things that bring me joy. Those little things that refresh the soul. Close your eyes for a minute... What the little things are that refresh your soul? Today, after being locked up inside for so long, I was reminded of all those little things that I love... those things that make me smile and rejuvenate my psyche.
- I love being outside. I love the fresh air. The coolness of the slight breeze that makes my cheeks turn pink, and the warmth of the sun beating through the thickness of my coat. I love the feeling of my heart beating faster, the adrenalin beginning to flow. I love the sounds that echo throughout the valley... birds chirping a winter melody; the squirrels chatter of annoyance for disturbing their current mission; the catchy tune drifting across the alley from someone's favorite station; the sound of the compression brakes from the 18-wheeler gearing down as they are coming into town on the interstate; and the sounds of laughter and animated conversation from the porches of surrounding neighbors.
- I love the Rio-Grande Trail. I love the shadows that play across the trail in different ways. I love all the different people who journey up and down the trail... walking, running, biking, or skateboarding... and all the laughing, crying, hugging, holding hands, talking, and silence that follows each person's trek.
- I love seeing the unique colors that decorate the buildings Glenwood Springs. Unusual architecture spanning over a hundred years collides in a strange symphony of visually stunning designs mixing the old with the new and the new with the old.
- I love the trees along the river. I love the way their branches reach up, out and over. I love the way it looks to peer through the branches and see the sun glistening off the water and ice in the river below. I love the way it creates the stark contrasts between shadows and the brightness of the sunshine.
- I love the railroad. Along this section of the trail, the old rails and ties lay spent from years of use. This 40 mile stretch of the Denver & Rio Grande's Aspen Branch of the railroad was opened in 1887, allowing train travel from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. I love that the Rio Grande Bike trail was constructed in honor of this now defunct railway line. I love that along the trail, you can still spot some of the old railroad signs and the way the wild grasses and flowers now decorate the railway, embracing it with their beauty.
- I love my bike. A lot. I love that most people in this little town have a bike. I love seeing families riding bikes together. I love seeing couples riding bikes together - old, young and in between. I love that so many people ride their bikes to work. I love sheer joy you see on the faces of those that are out riding their bikes. I love that Spring is just around the corner and soon I will be pedaling my bike again down this path daily.
- I love the crisp beauty of these daisies still standing proudly along the river bank. Basking in the afternoon sunshine, the essence of their strength, fortitude and grace is displayed to those who happen to notice as they pass. I love their silent dignity.
- I love the wall flower. Or, in this instance, the fence flower. The one who does not seek out attention, but the one who is quietly at peace where they currently are. This little flower, nestled against the fence post and wire seemed so content... I would swear she smiled ever so demurely as I snapped her picture, nodding her acknowledgement of my presence.
- I love the valley. I love that within the one glance your gaze can take in the beautiful flower, the powerful river flowing majestically below, and the magnificent peaks of the surrounding hills. I love the depths and contrasts. I love the beauty that unfolds within the valley.
- I love the river. Oh, how I love the rushing, pounding, surging waters that flow... I love the sound she makes, much like the gentle heartbeat one hears when nestled against your Mother's breast. I believe the sound of water is the Earth's pulse...
“ Oh! How I love to be surprised!”
 I came around the bend in the trail, and what to my wondering eyes should appear but the most extraordinary creature... An Ice Monster under the bridge! |
 I snuck in close to see if he was asleep or awake, and was momentarily lost. I was mesmerized by his beautifully sculptured body, enraptured by his ethereal coloring, and in awe of his sheer size. He was both awake and asleep... Meditating, I believe. Meditating on the path he will follow in a few short months, or possibly even weeks, along the banks of the Colorado River. Meditating on those he will splash; the life he will bring to those that are thirsty; and the thrill of being united, being one again, with the rushing Water. |
I love being delighted. I love finding unusual things. I love the magic of it all. I love stories and the excitement they create. I love this Ice Monster, magically sculptured under the bridge by the thawing waters from the street above.
- I love the old, rugged lamp posts that are along the sidewalks of town. I love that the birds nest has not been destroyed by the winter storms, and is patiently waiting for the birds to return soon. I love that, in my odd-off-beat way, knowing that this lamp will serve as the porch light for this little bird home...
- I love the whimsical and playful. I love that these giant daisies grace the northern edge of town. Seeing this giant daisy field makes me smile... And if given half the chance, I want to kick off my shoes, dawn a sparkling tiara and a tu-tu and twirl my way through this real-life make-believe land of giant flowers!
- I love the signage found throughout town: From the old street signs to the vintage store fronts. There is such an eclectic mix of old and new that I find myself quite charmed by the way the past continues to have such an impact on the present. I love the way "Riviera Supper Club" is boldly displayed in retro red neon high above their building, reminiscent of the 1950's era. And the way that Doc Holiday's Saloon sign is actually a six-shooter pistol! (Click Here to see the picture.) I love the way the past is not forgotten.
- I love that the way home is just a short walk away from downtown. I love being so close to downtown and the unique proximity I am to both where I work and where I love to play. I love that my friends live so close, just a few blocks away. I love that the river, the mountain trials and paved bike trails, and the Hot Springs and just outside of my front door. I love that it is as if every street, every sidewalk, every path echos, "Come and see what Adventure lies ahead today!"
- I love the circle of life. I love how nature provides for itself... The seeds of this sunflower, found along the fence of a neighbor's home, is surely a delightful treat for the birds. I love that these people did not pull down the sunflowers to harvest the seeds, but allowed them to stand tall through the winter months, feeding the little mouths in need.
- I love the winter landscape. I love the way there were previous footprints in the snow, and how the recent snowfall covered them partially in. I wonder who ran across this field, who played in the snow... Was it a child, a dog or perhaps both? I love the way it makes me feel. Reminiscent of the days of childhood snowball fights, hot cocoa and frozen fingers warmed under cool running water.
- I love the vibrancy of the brisk winter sky. I love the withering berries, holding on tightly to their precarious perches. I love the way the Moon is gently gazing down upon me as I am gazing back upwards at it. I love the vivid colors that surround me.
It was good to walk, breathe and be outside today. It was good to take the time to nurture my soul in the way it needed to be. It was refreshing and exhilarating... It was beautiful.
Soulfully Delighted,
-Cheryl
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