Foto Friday: American Lakes Hike

Just over a month ago my sister and I had two days together where we could hike with no restraints, other than what our bodies could handle and what the weather would allow.  We visited trails that we had hiked on several other occasions, seeming to be seeing old friends from the past.  However at younger ages then and, for me, in a bit better shape.  But we totaled 20 miles that weekend.  Our final trip up to American Lakes in Colorado which is pictured here.

Several lessons were learned over that time we spent on the open trail.  One being how alive I felt as we moved through forests and past wildflowers, standing above timberline looking across valleys towards mountains that were massive and overwhelming and yet more majestic than I have words to describe. 

Life will always become too busy, too occupied.

I was reminded to be alive while I'm here.  That's what I think of when I see this photo.

Full Moon

Last night was a full moon.  The light illuminated all of the night and, like the moon, my mind was full of thoughts. 

The thoughts moving across my mind went back and forth over the busy summer that has been passing all to quickly, the upcoming events in August, always having been the final month and last hoorah before back to school, on and on until I wished I could just fall asleep.

I had heard of others not sleeping on a full moon, and now I know it's true.  Will I forevermore be sensitive to its timing?

I wondered, as I looked out across the prairie grass glowing under the moon, how distant we humans have become from nature.  Even I, one who tries to pay attention to all of the beauty surrounding me can be quickly distracted by my cell phone beeping to tell me I have a new e-mail, text message, or voice mail.  All of my attention becomes diverted, often unnecessarily.

It's quiet I want to get back to, focus on.

Perhaps it's a good thing to be kept awake at night by the full moon.