Our First Snow~!

A great time shared with these two...they stayed around instead of flying or swimming off, when I began to talk to them, and take their picture about 20 times. I loved the light changing so rapidly in sky. This is right before the snow began to fall. A few steps farther along the path, and the flakes began to get bigger, fast~! What a wonderful way to enjoy a morning in mid November~! A bit early for the season in the lowlands but a real eye opener for us as we continued along our path. The river otters didn't let it bother them either...they played, rolled,and dived along the rivers current and flow, as we walked  along the edge of the action above on the paved path of travel...not the natural of the area...as you can see... water is the mode of transportation...for the life in the river; or the life on the river, fisherman, loggers, and the like.  We didn't take time to sit and view the others we could have seen along the way. As we were leaving, the regulars  begin to show up for their strolls and letting their animals walk them around the park.

As we rounded the corner the view became less to see, and we were in the moment with the weather, the river and the day~! I am so very fortunate to have my friend and Earth Angel to accompany me on these outings. We are able to let the inner child come out to play and it is a special and magical time for the both of us...connecting to the nature around us and sharing in a slower pace than  many in today's fast paced world.Looking out at the River View...examining  my opportunities and knowing the Universe is with me and I am one with all...I will achieve my goals...maybe like the snail instead of the  crow. And I am in awe of this time of seasons changing, in my life.

"Peace and happiness are available in every moment. Peace is every step. We shall walk hand in hand. There are no political solutions to spiritual problems. Remember: If the Creator put it there, it is in the right place. The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears." — Native American quote

Native American Appreciation Month

This is the first time that I have known our Federal Government to set aside a formal time of Recognition, as a National time to Honor the First Nation, and it's members~! Thank YOU to the administration for doing this~! Native American Appreciation Month is a great statement...I would like to see more action accompany the words~!

Many of us have never had to live in the conditions of the Reservations...we have had a soft and comfortable life, with many amenities not known to the Reservations, or the homes there. We take so much for granted in this life...I think everyone should have to live for  a time during each season with the Native Americans and learn about their lives,and hardships.

Many think the government programs furnish so much...what that furnish is minimal and basic, but not nutritious for health and growth of the youth and maintenance for the adults...if so, there would not be the need for so much dialysis treatments, and diabetes education, on the Reservations here in the United States~!

I would like to see a day when all American's in need would be given healthly information and provisions to grow and share in the community. This is one reason I believe in what National Relief Charities, through AIRC and AIEF are doing for all Native Americans on Reservations through out the US~!
These 'Peoples" of the Various Tribes, are strong and filled with resilience...they have been given the worse conditions, and made the best of them for more than 200 years~!

 I personally have seen, and learned from Elders and the Youth, what is important to them for the future of their People...no different  than want you want for your family and loved ones. Comfort of a warm home in the Winter, Clean Water to drink without having to haul it many miles, to ration and use with great care; and to enjoy a meal of healthy live food instead of heavily processed, boxed ,empty, nutritionless carbohydrates~! And over processed  hydrogenated peanut butter~!!!  I get sick thinking about the provisions they are expected to eat~!!!

I would love to bridge the gap with understanding and compassion for all~! The importance of education, communication, and compassion are surely needed for the perserverance to grow into health for all communities.
I have a dream to see all given a chance of education and knowledge of health; to grow in strength, and to return to community to share with others to strengthen the lives of the youth... the ones to carry on in the future.

So, I will close with a thought...Transition is huge for one that leaves the Reservation and the steps out to take the chance, for the cultural, spiritual, nutritional, ecomnomic, and lifestyle shifts that far exceed that of other cultures.
 May we all work together to Raise Awareness and Compassion for those we have in the past ignored, forgotten,  set aside, and thrown to the wind~!
Empowerment comes when we are all proud to be in our own skin...and follow our path...feeling good about our Spirit ~! May you feel good about your Spirit and know we are all one with  our Creator~!

River Life

 Today along the river walk, I was in awe of the sights and sounds of 'River Life'~! When arriving there in the parking lot a little after 9AM,this morning, was a treat I haven't had for a couple of weeks....

It was if I was returning home...to a peaceful hamlet... away from the concrete jungle; and all the traffic, and people in such a rush...this was like walking into my backyard for a time of exploring, not just exercise, to improve my health. There were so many sights to see, and sounds of the life there...otters, playing in the currents of the fast moving river...bobbing up and down...splashing each other in glee; and calling out to each other, as they headed back out through Puget Sound...and then on to the sea.

There were Cooper Hawks and Cranes, that were sitting in the trees, and when approached...they took flight before us, at low levels to let us see their colors; and hear them 'speak', before heading on down the river, to fish elsewhere. A beautiful sight when they all took flight, together... at one moment in time...like a band or drill team, in precision drill~!

Rock Statues, along the way looked like protectors of the trail...artfully displayed at the rivers edge. Centennials ready to defend the path; and the life around the water. I love to build rocks; and the zen moments I feel when they are in place,are calming ot the soul...nice to see others have the 'same mind' of connecting energy to form a new life, as such, for others to share.

There were Otter Dam's... strategically placed, to work the rivers path in a new direction at various places...a couple of them had been broken, and were under repair~! The Otters work so hard...it is a shame the construction crews and engineers along the interstate, and in our county couldn't take a lesson or two from them~!

We walked farther today than we usually go...almost double the length of the walk...so much to see~!!!

When we came to the bridge and decided to turn around and head back...the rain came down heavily, and I didn't have a care in the world at that moment...
I was one with nature; and it felt so right~!!! I am thankful for the time I have, and places I have a privilege to view...it keeps me grounded in knowing there are lessons to learn from the life of 'others' I see~!  The many locals that come here are a peaceful lot, and for the Northwest...most are friendly...if spoken to first...others are in their own world, and pass you by with a dazed faraway look...maybe this is their only haven of rest, from the busy world of today.
This is one of the few places of which I feel I am back in the 'South'...it is a slower pace than anywhere-else  except the mountains, or the small lake where I reside.
                                                                
 On the way back down the path there was shaggy manes; which I didn't see when starting out... a prized find this time of year...one of the most delicate of all mushrooms in the wild~!!!I had to have a few...so I very carefully, chose a few of the finest ones I found, leaving others for the spore...to come and visit again; for the next 'stand' and visitors like the deer, to have as a treat, as well~!

Then...after all the fun and curiosity  the walk brought, as we headed to the car...a train came along to remind me... I had not gone away from reality...just sidestepped it a while. The river flowing fast headed to the sea, and the train pulling a heavy, long load headed to the big city of Seattle, and on down south... 'It' seemed to say...I will tell the stories of my tracks; along the path of the river, and Puget Sound... the same as you ...to whoever will listen; as I blow my warning, and  pick up my speed~!

The beautiful colors of the trees in the parking lot welcomed us back with bright colorful hues...and the light was much brighter as we approached to leave, than when we first came...like a smile from nature to say...thanks for taking the time to care~so glad you were here to share~!

After getting in the car and leaving, driving down the road...a Heron was standing in a swampy field...fishing~! He paused and turned to look at us, then gave us a sideways pose...I felt him say it was okay to sit and watch the view. He never budged...and I was pleased to share that moment with him...in his backyard...with the wonderful view~!

                                                                                                                                                                     

A very Spiritual Expereince, shared with my walking buddy and 'Earth Angel' friend, Lyndee...who appreciates nature as much as I do~!We take the time to appreciate and explore with reverence  the habitat of the area.  Lyndee also protects me, and helps me stay balanced as we are  walking...as I regain my grounding, I am finding a part of myself "growing in the right direction"... as my Grandpa would say~!

Many need a formal place to gather and to share the beauty of God's Handiwork...not me~!!!! I only need to step into Nature to know I am One with God, and my soul smiles~!

The Song of the River

                " The Song of the River "

The snow melts on the mountain, and the water runs down to the spring,

And the spring in a turbulent fountain,With a song of youth to sing, Runs down to the riotous river,

And the river flows to the sea,

And the water again Goes back in rain

To the hills where it used to be.

 And I wonder if life's deep mystery

Isn't much like the rain and the snow

Returning through all eternity

To the places it used to know.

For life was born on the the lofty heights                                                   And flows in a laughing stream,

To the river below,

Whose onward flow

Ends in a peaceful dream.

And so at last,

When our life had passed 

And the river has run its course,

It again goes back,

                                             O'er the selfsame track,                                              

to the mountain which was its source.

So why prize life

Or why fear death.

Or dread what is to be?



The river ran

It's allotted span

Till it reached the silent sea.

Then the water harked back 

to the mountain-top...to begin it's course once more. So we shall run the course begun, Till we reach the silent shore.

Then revisit earth, In a pure rebirth, From the heart of the virgin snow.

So don't ask why We live or die, Or whiter, or when we go,Or wonder about the mysteries That only God may know~! 

                                                            ---W.R. Hearst