July 15,

When we traveled to Colorado for pleasure, especially in the summer, the smell of the pines, moist forest floor and the fresh air was intoxicating to us flat landers. We wished we could bottle some and take it home with us. We never forgot those smells, and surely that is one of the many lures that finally brought us here. These smells are especially fragrant after a mountain storm. Currently we are in what is known as monsoon season. The afternoons bring stormy skies with threats of lightning and rain. This summer is especially wet and provides a welcome break from forest fires like those experienced from the previous years.

The love of mountain air is a priority for me. In this image we were at the summit of Beckwith Pass. The only manmade noises were those of nearby hikers passing by. The air was still, sweet and cool. The sky ahead promised a change in weather. Everything seemed good from this viewpoint. It was hard to imagine anything bad happening to anyone anywhere. It is good to getaway and feel God’s peace even for just a bit. I am grateful for places to commune in the beauty of nature and breathe the sweet clean air. I wish every child in the world had this opportunity.

I like this quote from Anne Lamott.

“Sometimes grace is a ribbon of mountain air that gets in through the cracks.” ~Anne Lamott

Peace.