Little Cottonwood October Love

Tonight I had a moment with the earth. A moment where I felt like I could hear what life is all about if I just listened carefully with my heart. I love little surprises like that. I like to think of them as gifts from God. Small glimpses where life feels full of possibilities and the simplest things make my soul rise up and smile. I never know when one of those moments will surprise me and perhaps that is why I love them so much.

Little Cottonwood Canyon was a regal place tonight. The fall colors are simply brilliant right now. I think I nearly drove off the road just trying to take it all in at one point. Did I mention I love this time of year? After roughing my hands up on some granite I had some time to take in the atmosphere of my canyon nook while my friend climbed and I belayed, below, in the dark. To the right was the silhouette of a large stone cliff, gleaming softly in response to the moon. There's something about granite that is simply majestic. Something that makes me feel small and big all at the same time, and really happy. Off to the side was a single, bright star leading the first path across the night sky. The air was cool but surprisingly pleasant with a hint of movement that was somehow satisfying. Off to the left the canyon walls converged to reveal a triangular slice of the shimmering Salt Lake Valley as people turned on their lights and began their evening routines. If only they knew what they were missing as I sat spying on the twinkling lights of their city. If I didn't have to work tomorrow I'd probably still be there. Leaning against my favorite rocks, smiling at the crickets, sharing gratitude with God for the abundant life I live.

Catching Up

I have been a bit of a slacker with posting my "September Favorites." Part of the problem was that my computer crashed and oddly enough it may take 30 days to create a habit but it certainly only takes one or two to destroy it. So here I am trying to catch up. I think some of these shots are worth the wait though...

Why I love September Reason #5:

The weather is perfect for biking in the mountains. That would be a picture of us driving down the mountain with our lovely two wheeled companions hitching a ride on the back.

Why I love September Reason#6:

Things that look drab from a distance are actually quite interesting and beautiful up close. I found these lovely "weeds" on the side of the road and I couldn't get enough of their shape and color.

My roommate and I were talking about how sometimes the weeds in Utah are kind of like people. We think we know someone, perhaps we even pass judgement on them as someone who will never amount to much or whatever. Then you get to know them and realize just how extraordinary they are, how brilliant their spirit shines when someone believes in them and loves them for who they are. I love things like that because I have a lot of "drab from a distance" qualities. I always enjoy the moment when that surprising discovery presents itself whether it's someone I come to know better or someone that discovers something likeable about me.

Why I love September Reason #7:

Fall Leaves. As I mentioned in a previous post. I am a fanatic about the fall leaves. I can't get enough of them! Look at that blazing color!

Why I love September Reason #8:

Dahlias. I see this marvelous sight every morning on my jogging route. I never get tired of rounding the corner and coming upon these cheerful, bright, packed in color flowers.