Sun Rise

With the days becoming shorter the sun rises after I do.  This morning, with my cup of Java in hand I went into the office to do a bit of work.  Unable to do so because I had no internet access I shut off the computer and looked out the window.  It was about 6:35 am.  It was fairly light out and the sun was just beginning to light up the Sedona Red Rocks.  No matter how many times I get to witness a sunset or sunrise, I must always pause to take it in.  Hunny and I tease each other about living in a post card, but it's true, and my Wonder Filled Moment of the day.  (Next time I'll try to get a picture.)
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Fall is here!

Picture taken in Flagstaff AZ

Warm comfortable days in the mid 70's, cool nights in the low 50's perfect for an outdoor fire.  After a hot humid summer most of us love the temperatures of autumn.  Windy days, leaves blowing around, memories of a Minnesota fall, those are my Wonder Filled Moments.
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Moments in Nature

Because life continues I have decided that I will write in more detail about our time at the Hopi Harvest Festival with pictures of the dances (picture taking is not usually allowed at Hopi, I was so pleased to be at this social occasion where they are allowed.) on my Let Spirit Lead the Way blog.  It will be posted later today or tomorrow.

Yesterday was Hunny's official birthday.  We both worked in the morning and met for a simple but lovely lunch and ran a few errands.  On our way home we took a brief detour and spent some time in nature at a location I call Fairy Land.  I posted pictures of it last May.  We found space on some beautiful rocks to sit and Be.  It was so beautiful, listening to the sounds of the water rolling over the rocks and around boulders and the breeze blowing through the trees.  Watching the light reflect on the water creating sparkles of wonder dancing along the surface of the waves, was mesmerizing.  Then taking off our shoes and holding hands, we walked into the water.  The cool silky water rinsed our feet after rubbing them in the sand.  Ahhhh...

We ended our day with a beautiful little fire in our back yard.  Nature does us wonders and often brings me my Wonder Filled Moments, as it did today.  Spending them with Hunny, enhanced the experience and love felt throughout our day.
With Much Gratitude,
Linda G

Standing on the Corner...

It has been a busy week filled with wonderful moments that may never be shared, as life continues and wondrous moments are everywhere.   I was out of town for three days and would love to share some of those moments with you. 

Hunny and I went to Winslow Arizona on Friday.  Our first night we had dinner in the Turquoise Room at Winslow’s Historic La Posada Hotel.  We planned this dinner to celebrate Hunny’s upcoming birthday. We got all dressed up in are best duds and walked in like royalty.  They sat us in a beautiful table towards the back of the restaurant, smack dab in the middle, where it seemed like many people noticed us.  Jackson Brown, Singer/song writer, wrote the song “Standing on a Corner in Winslow Arizona” made famous by The Eagles, was sitting at an adjacent table.  I think Jackson checked us out, we were looking so good people wondered who we were.  It really was quite fun. 

After dinner we were going to take a walk in the park behind the hotel, along the railroad tracks.  We were stopped and told we are not allowed to go through this area.  When we inquired as to why?  We were informed Jackson Brown was having a concert the following night to kick off the, “Standing On the Corner in Winslow Arizona week!” and they were setting up. 

“Standing On the Corner in Winslow Arizona week!”  What a trip!  We had never been to Winslow, but La Posada Hotel, is a Mary Jane Colter building.  She is the architect for the original Grand Canyon buildings as well.  Big beautiful boulders are part of her design and we wanted to check it out, and we had heard about the Turquoise Room, so that was our reason for being there.

The next day we had to stop and get a picture.

 My Wonder Filled Moments were getting all gussied up to go out for dinner with Hunny at a beautiful restaurant with amazing food.  And Standing on the corner... Yeaaa Us!

In Gratitude,

Linda G

Natures Foot Massage

As I was deciding on what to write about I realized how easy it is to think of numerous wonder filled moments.  Then I looked back at my last few posts and I noticed I am spending a great deal of time outdoors, just being.  Nature always gives me wonder filled moments as it is then I feel most at peace.  The summer is over and it's cooled down a bit, so it's easy to hang out in the shade.  As I was watching the clouds in awe, I saw the shapes of numerous animals and all I could think about was how amazing the clouds have been this year.  I did not take any pictures I left the phone inside on purpose, so I could just absorb my experience.  It was beautiful.  There were clouds, and wind and as always the birds singing away. I took my shoes off and planted them on the earth.  I love the feel of the warm ground soothing and relaxing my feet.  Moving my feet around I used the sandy soil to massage and scratch my feet.  It was awesome and my Wonder Filled Moment of the Day.

In Gratitude,

Linda G

A bug with wings, an inch worm and a hole!

I watched this little creature run across the yard and jump over the edge.  I grabbed the camera and went to see where it went.  I saw it jump off the last step and go into the grass.  It looked similar to a winged ant, carrying a green inch worm.  I was amazed at how quickly it moved, while carrying the worm underneath it.

Then it came to a stop, put down the worm and began working in this hole.  This is when I turned the video camera on and watched it.  Below is a two minute video of this bug, the worm and a hole.


My Wonder Filled Moment was watching this little bug move.
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Rock Face

I was sitting on the ground in the center of the Medicine Wheel doing a meditation.  When I opened my eyes I saw this beautiful peaceful face with little yellow flowers adorning it, my Wonder Filled Moment.
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Quiet sunny morning

Finally a beautiful sunning morning in Sedona.  After weeks of unbelievable cloudy days it was nice to have the sun shining with fall temperatures in the 60's and 70's in the morning. 

I sat in our swing and looked out over the trees and toward the mountains, watching the birds and other critters that crossed the yard. 

I felt the calm and peace enter my body as I went into a meditative state, releasing any stress that remained in my body.

My Wonder Filled Moments were spent quietly in my mind, hearing only the sounds of nature.
In Gratitude,
Linda G

View of the backyard from the swing.

A Splendid Lunch

A few friends and I went out for lunch yesterday and had a splendid time.  The rain has stopped and the sun is now shining so we were able to enjoy our lunch alfresco.  It's difficult to describe what was different with our lunch.  I think it was more intimate.  And very enjoyable.  Thanks for Lunch Girls
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Lost in the Rain

What an interesting and wonderful week it has been.  I have experienced many wonder filled moments, however, I have not had the desire to write.  I think one of the most interesting things in the past few weeks has been the rain and clouds.

View of clouds from office window.

For almost 3 weeks now we have had cloudy skies.  This is very unusual for the high desert.  June through August are the normal times for monsoon season.  Monsoon season starts with extremely hot days in June building to afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.

The clouds and rain recently reminded me of living in Minnesota, where the clouds hang out for days with periodic rain showers through out each day and night.  It's been fun to see the bushes blooming with flowers again and the grass and weeds are getting super long. 

Probably one of the most interesting things about this rain is that I feel it has stopped me in my tracks.  I had numerous projects that I was working on but for some reason I found myself watching the clouds and rain and not getting a lot of other things done.  My Wonder Filled Moments have been allowing myself to relax into watching the rain and getting lost in it, letting go of the worries and concerns about accomplishing something, knowing that all will happen as it needs to.
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Feelings of Joy

Kitty Chula spent most of her summer indoors due to an injured tail.  It was quite the process of which you may have read.  In between the rain yesterday, Chula went out to play.  Sitting at the kitchen table I saw her in the driveway and thought I would go out front to say hi. :-)  She was so happy to see me she came frolicking up the steps, rubbed against me and went between my feet.  Then she turned and went into the house.  Once in the Fourier, she turned to look at me, realized she did not have to be indoors and took off running outside, not stopping until she was under the bush looking back to see I was smiling, and then on to watching the birds. 

My heart welled up with joy to see my kitty Chula full of life, running and leaping and enjoying herself.  That was my Wonder Filled Moment of the day. 
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Amazing Rain

Yesterday as I was in one part of the house I heard this loud noise coming from the other side of the house.  I stepped into the hall to see what it was and I realized it was rain.  I looked out the window I was sitting by and there was no rain.  Yet, I could hear this torrential rain hitting the roof on the other side of the house.  It took 30 seconds or more before I could see the rain on the north side of the house while the south side was shaking and rattling.  How amazing, and my Wonder Filled Moment of the day. 
In Gratitude,
Linda G

Trying out their wings

Look I made it!  Woo Hooo and a hackle too.  I was watching these teenage Quail flying from the fence up into the tree.  It was fun, the way they communicate with each other.  It was like they cheered each other on as they took turns flying.  Those were My Wonder Filled Moments.  Remember yours from the day, I'm sure you had a few.
In Gratitude,
Linda G

The Power of Love

I was in the mood to listen to music and as I was going through my list when I found a CD I had bought in Italy in 1998.  It is Andrea Bocelli.  He has the most amazing voice and I love the way he sings the Power of Love.  Here is the version I found on youtube, with the words.  My Wonder Filled Moment was listening to this song and sharing it here with you.  In Gratitude and with much Love, Linda G

Hunny is home.

Last Monday, the studio was full of Hunny's camping equipment.  He was gone for 7 days and just got home last night. Woo hoo.  I was so excited to see him. 

The equipment, now full of sand will be unloaded from the garage.  He had a great trip and I had a wonderful experience of knowing what it is like to see someone everyday for more then a few years and then to be alone.  It was a new and interesting experience.  I thought I would paint and accomplish so many things without any distraction, but instead, it must have been time for me to just BE.  Other then work and a trip to Flagstaff one day, I didn't do much.  Watched the rain, hung out with kitty Chula, listened to music...  

My Wonder Filled Moment was accepting I had accomplished all I needed to while alone in our home and being ready to welcome Hunny with open arms.  Yeahhhh Hunny's home!

In Gratitude,

Linda G