Tag: travel

Documenting

On By Piano girl3 Comments

Gathering
Some carried flags
Others held carefully crafted
signs clearly expressing their purpose

People from all walks of life
Chants steady and strong
No troops, no ICE
No troops, no ICE

The message filling
every ounce of space
between the buildings
that lined the city streets

A continuing steady march
toward freedom for all
No troops, no ICE
No troops, no ICE

Weaving our way through
the crowd, there was no
fear- only strength and unity,
magnetic and memorable

Gathering
The words continue ringing
Faces captured in my mind’s eye
A grateful observer documenting truth

We were guests, visitors to the city. And though not participants in Chicago’s No Kings rally and march, we stood in agreement, willing observers.

Understanding the importance and power held within peaceful protests. And it was peaceful. And it was powerful.

Thank you, Chicago, for allowing us to take in your beauty, character, food, and history. ❤️

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl8 Comments

After Careful Consideration…

I study the image, moving
past flashy first impressions
to the combination of
smooth surfaces and fine lines.
Flecks of light reflecting
from the deepest crevices.
Curious about what events
heightened these characteristics.
Both the expected natural
occurrences and
the unavoidable extremes.
Relief in a cool breeze.
Peace glistening in the snow.
Heartbreak felt in a flash flood.
A grief-induced drought.
Passion flowing from a waterfall.
It’s curious how the
careful consideration
of an unusual pillar of rock,
sitting peacefully
in the middle of rushing water,
gently nudged me to consider my reflection more carefully.

Riverfront Park-Spokane, Washington

Highly Recommend

On By Piano girl6 Comments

Circus-like music follows
a brief safety announcement.
Like magic, the ride begins to spin.
Music fades as laughter grows.
Waiting in line, I notice
Intricately carved horses,
ornate benches, a tiger,
even a whimsical giraffe!
This rider is not a child.
But for a few minutes, a child at heart.
Temporarily transported to childlike days.
Days when playful innocence
served as a protective shield
against the weight of the world.
If you happen to pass by
a carousel, hop on!
And if it happens to have
your favorite animal,
no other choice will do!

When researching things to do in Spokane, Washington, the Looff Carousel caught my eye. Dating back to 1909, its beautiful wood-carved animals stand in a perfect circle. Patiently waiting for their next rider.

When the opportunity arrived, I hesitated. Would I feel silly riding a carousel by myself? Maybe a little, but it was worth it! And by the way, the giraffe is my favorite animal. 😉🦒

Where am I?

On By Piano girl4 Comments

Above or below, a scene unfolds.
Questions are a necessity.
Are those white frothy peaks
On wind-tossed waters?
Is that a tundra covered in snow?
Are those mountains in the distance?
Or simply a bank of storm clouds?
I see them from below almost every day.
Viewing from above offers new perspectives.
It requires engineering and mechanics.
Logic combined with wonder and awe.
Below, I stand firmly on the ground.
Above, I fly, unsure of my place.
Above or below, a scene unfolds.
Questions are a necessity.

Somewhere over the PNW. 💙🤍✈️

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl6 Comments

Around Here


Welcome! Have you visited the park before?

Oh, yes. I grew up around here.

Well, welcome back!

Kind words, friendly smiles.
Surrounded by nature.
Glass walls for viewing.
Birds flitting from tree to tree.
Squirrels scurrying across rocks.
Giant pines swaying, drawing eyes
toward slabs of slate lining the mountain.
I remember the views from above.
The world below seemed smaller
and bigger at the same time.
Perhaps I need to experience
that view again. An observer,
with added wisdom?
But for today, I’ll simply
enjoy the memory of
growing up around here.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park 💚

Smiling Blue

On By Piano girl7 Comments

A patch of baby blue
Cheerfully smiled, Good morning
A welcomed greeting
Following recent gray
Heavy-mist days-
Even the sun
Attempted a greeting
But its rays produced only
A white glow behind
The lingering clouds-
An overcast day lay ahead
But one glance in the rearview
And there was that smiling
Patch of baby blue-
Reminded me of you
Your brief smile in passing
Always a welcomed sight
Remains close by-
Whether the day is long
Whether the day is gloomy
Whether I’m simply wishing
For more time with you

Simply Sunday

On By Piano girl6 Comments

A Favor

Short drives
Long drives
Dropping off
Picking up
To the airport and back
Or a two-hour road trip
To a chosen halfway
Meeting spot-
Each path is an opportunity
Not simply a destination-
A choice to spend
A little extra time
Together-
Have a great trip!
We will miss you!
Welcome home!
Until next time!
A simple favor?
Perhaps
But sometimes
The simplest of gestures
Connect our hearts with
The strongest of ties

One week ago, we celebrated our daughter’s wedding. Yesterday, we picked up the newlyweds from the airport. Friday, we drove my mom halfway home after a sweet visit. Her sister met us and drove Mom the rest of the way home. Today, I will pick up my friend from the airport.

Each instance subtly reminds me of the importance and the passing of time. It is a sacred space not to be taken for granted.

Simply Sunday

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Rocks and Trees

A highway lined
With Aspen groves
Their golden leaves
Smiling golden smiles
Covering me with affection
A winding road lined
With massive boulders
In their current state
Of stacked strength
Covering me with shade-
Different, yet each
Conveys the feeling
Of being snuggly wrapped
In my favorite blanket-
Warmth and security
Sometimes come from
The most surprising places

Yellow Ribbon

On By Piano girl5 Comments

Perfectly content
Exploring the peaceful valley
From my seat on the rock
I glanced up, noticing
Bright yellow ribbons
Winding their way
Through the mountains
As if a painter had chosen
Just the right brush
And gently dabbed
Contrasting colors
Behind the evergreens
Creating a trail that
Graciously called out –
Don’t stay in the valley
Come to the mountaintop
Follow the yellow ribbon
Until the trees disappear
Then look back
To see how far you’ve traveled

Yesterday, Gart and I traveled the beautiful roads of Rocky Mountain National Park to the Alpine Visitor Center, elevation 11,796 feet. The views were stunning. And seeing the valley we had explored the day before from above was humbling.

Traveling on high, curvy mountain roads is a challenge for me. Just the thought of it puts a knot in my stomach. In recent years, I’ve come to understand the roots of this anxiety. And I’m grateful to have someone beside me who understands, challenges, and encourages me. Oh, and also takes some amazing photos! ❤️

Photo credit Gart Morris 3 & 4

Seeking

On By Piano girl9 Comments

There is no denying
It exists in every
Corner of our world
Brokenness–
Most days, it lives
In my periphery
On the news
Down the street
Other days
It parks itself right
In the center of my heart-
The same is true of love
Whether noticed
Around the edges
Or in the center
Love holds the ability to grow
From the tiniest bits of joy-
The first chirp of the
Robin’s morning Hello!
The yellow-gold leaves
Of mountain Aspens in the Fall
The evening whisper of the wind
As it says Goodnight! to the pines –
Listening causes me to look
Seeing causes me to smile
Feeling causes me to
Open my window just a crack
So joy can find her way inside-
Do you hear the birds?
Do you see those trees?
Did you feel that breeze?
They may sound like
Unimportant things to ask
But what if those questions
Are the first notes in a
Song of hope for the one
Seeking a hand to hold

A few images from Rocky Mountain National Park today. 💛 Soaking in each little bit.