Mountain Man Mondays; Mountain Woman Takes Over

Mountain Man is busy staining boards for the barn so instead of showing you picture after picture that looks like this:

I’m taking over.

I’ve been struggling lately with many life issues as all of us do. Nothing critical but instead those nagging problems that can sap energy and make you second guess yourself. And, when I get overwhelmed, I tend to forget that which keeps me centered. Prayer and gratitude for all I have. So easy to dwell on the “don’t, can’t and not” but how that attitude of pessimism seeps into every pour and makes the slighest task seem monumental.

Yesterday, I decided that it’s enough to be doing the best I can at any given moment and while I can’t control other’s actions or their negativity, I can control mine. Such a small thing, taking a breath, saying thank you for the opportunity to be here in this moment but it is the smallest of changes that create a groundswell. And as so often happens when I renew my commitment to gratitude, wonderous things happen as it did on my walk to the top of the pasture.

It was a day of disparities.  Clouds overhead so low, I could reach out and touch them yet a glimmer of sun on the far off mountains.

 
 
The beautiful low lying cloud turned everything dark but then I looked to my right and here’s what I saw:

I stayed for a while savoring the beauty and the joy of being alive and then I began the descent down to the bottom of the meadow.  The vista always takes my breath away. 

At the bottom of the pasture, I once again looked back to see a ray of sunshine illuminating the barn.

I started to walk towards home and as I turned and faced the mountains one last time, they were awash in light.

And, there it was, off to the left where the low lying clouds had been, a rainbow and next to it a mysterious, beautiful shape.  Not it’s not a cloud, at least it’s not to me, but a symbol of hope and eternity.

And there you have it, a microcosim of life in one walk, darkness, light and the beauty of a rainbow.  We are where we are meant to be at any given moment.  Open your eyes, delight in it all.  It’s transitory, precious.

It’s a gift.
(36) Comments
Flat Creek Farm said:

What a beautiful post… in both words and pictures. Thank you for sharing your beautiful day! -Tammy

Date: October 05, 2009

JW.BW said:

Wonderful post and amazing pics!! Thank you so much for sharing!! I cannot get enough of the views of your spectacular farm.

Date: October 05, 2009

Poetic Shutterbug said:

Your photos are stunning and bring forth a beautiful message. Thanks for sharing the photos and a bit of you.

Date: October 05, 2009

Haf Dozen Reasons....... said:

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! Wish I was on that walk with you!!

Date: October 05, 2009

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said:

Life is the best gift of all! I like you view to the right much better than the one on the left. Also like you you keep changing your header picture! I don't know how to make my own headers so that's why mine never changes!

Date: October 05, 2009

alessandra said:

Thank you for sharing the beauty that surrounds you, and the one inside of you!
You know … all the sorrow comes from thoughts, and you definitely know how to change them.

Date: October 05, 2009

Chris said:

It seems no matter what challenges life gives us, there is always comfort to be found in our faith. Such beautiful pictures – thanks for sharing them.

Date: October 05, 2009

Carol @ TheWritersPorch said:

Gratitude is a wonderful word, feeling and action! I am grateful for the life I enjoy, for the chance to view the life you enjoy and for reconizing that being aware of the blessings that surround us, is a real true gift!
LOVED THIS POST !!!!! :)

Date: October 05, 2009

Shinade aka Jackie said:

What a magical post! I felt as if I were lost in a dream world the entire time!

What a great gift you gave us to start the week with!!
Hugs,
Jackie

Date: October 05, 2009

ga.farmwoman said:

I understand so well. The words and the pictures!

Just beautiful. The leaves here haven't turned yet so it was wonderful to see your views!

Mountain Man…great job on that barn!

Pam

Date: October 05, 2009

Oz Girl said:

Your hills are gorgeous, so vibrant and alive with golds! Our leaves haven't really begun to color up just yet.

Your words are oh-so-true. It is so easy to think of what we don't have, or what we need (a tractor. LOL). But I find living away from urban areas gives a person many opportunities to be thankful for life and everything they DO have.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Date: October 05, 2009

ethelmaepotter! said:

It's not Austria, but your hills are alive…
A true artist finds beauty in all things, whether it be fall leaves, mountain vistas, or storm clouds. Your beauty and artistry are shining brightly today.

Date: October 05, 2009

Cedar ... said:

Your closing words are so true. It IS a gift.

Date: October 05, 2009

tahtimbo said:

Thank you so very much for that inspirational message. I too, seem to get so caught-up in my problems that I forget to step back and take a look around me. There are so many things that I take for granted, and I don't think about them until they are gone. I think that I am going to take a moment and thank God for everything He has done for me.
Thank you, I needed to see this today.

Date: October 05, 2009

Mother's Moon's Message said:

As always… beautiful..

Date: October 05, 2009

Mieke said:

Thank you for sharing these stunning photo's and your beautiful vision on life !

Date: October 05, 2009

from our front porch... said:

Oh, you are so right. It it is a gift!
Blessings, Misha

Date: October 05, 2009

Deborah said:

I was just going to say the rainbow was "a gift", but you beat me to it! It was a gift. The pictures are beautiful.. To make you smile, my follower with the white snake, loves the name "White Snake"..He said he loves that band. I have never heard of it! Thanks! Have a nice night!!

Date: October 05, 2009

Martha said:

Thank you for reminding me of the gift. Also for your beautiful pictures and kind spirit. Blessings to you and Mtn Man. Your horse looks sassy, always a flicking tail…

Date: October 05, 2009

Mattenylou said:

Thank you for bringing us on your walk… so enjoyable!

Date: October 05, 2009

Alan said:

Good post, I've been hoping you would do more like this again.

Date: October 05, 2009

amelia said:

just what I needed to read today- being the control freak that I am, I forget that I can't make the world a better place by trying to control those around me- I have to let go and let God- isn't it amazing how we can let negative feelings take our focus off of gratitude? Thank you for the reminder today- today I am going to choose to enjoy this moment!

Date: October 05, 2009

Robynn's Ravings said:

The lighting in that picture is so rich I can feel it in my chest. Wish I was RIGHT in the middle of it!!!

Date: October 05, 2009

Luke Sidewalker said:

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Your blog is my little escape from my daily urban existence.

Simply, thank you.

-Luke Sidewalker

Date: October 05, 2009

Holly Ann said:

I always feel at ease when i look at your pictures… today i needed it…

Date: October 06, 2009

3 dogs said:

Great post… I've been in the same funk lately- it is great to really look at life in perspective and focus on the positives because, let's face it, there are so many positives for us to savor. Thank you!

Date: October 06, 2009

Thistle Cove Farm said:

Our attitude is just about the only thing we can control yet, too frequently, I/we forget. Remember the old hymn…"count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done!"
Lovely photos this post.
BTW, congrats on being in Better Homes and Garden…that was you, right? If not, put it down to a senior moment on my part -smile-.

Date: October 06, 2009

Jen Chandler said:

Beautiful pictures! You have such a lovely place to stroll. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jen

Date: October 06, 2009

Knitnut,Karen said:

Lovely pictures, and lovely thoughts! Thanks for sharing!

Date: October 06, 2009

Summer Gypsy said:

Fantastic post! Thanks for sharing such beautiful imagery in pictures and inspiring words.

:) Marilyn

Date: October 06, 2009

Rural Revival said:

Beautiful and thank you for your gentle reminder.
Be well! ~Andrea~

Date: October 06, 2009

DayPhoto said:

I love looking a the sky. I love the clouds and the sun and the rain and the wind and I love RAINBOWS. We had a rainbow in a snowstorm yesterday. Now was that ever cool!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Date: October 06, 2009

Dori said:

Your beautiful surroundings surely renew the spirit :)

Date: October 06, 2009

Mother's Moon's Message said:

I nominated you for the Over the Top Award. Head on over to my site for the details… Love your blog by the way…

Date: October 07, 2009

Split Rock Ranch said:

Beautiful photos and so very well said. Attitude and Gratitude can change our lives dramatically. What a beautiful place you live in!

Date: October 07, 2009

Raising Z said:

You live in such a beautiful place. What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing!

Date: October 10, 2009