Flying Across the Colors
…a Bluebird Appeared Out of Nowhere…
Colorado hikes are never routine because the scenery changes. What I remember from the last time I visited looks different now. In fall, Colorado aspens have an explosive color change. It happens first on the highest peaks and slowly invades lower altitudes. The cycle is complete when the leaves fall and scatter across the forest floor.
This particular fall day was nice and warm and held great promise. It was late enough in the season that everything had started to turn in the foothills west of Denver. The birds were going crazy with desire, especially for the seeds that were plentiful. I don’t see a sight like this very often. I was facing an array of colorful leaves when a bluebird appeared out of nowhere. It flew right in front of me. “Now that’s a painting,” I said to myself. I couldn’t wait to get started on the project. As an artist, I consider moments like this one as “God moments” and they come when I least expect them.
I have learned so much about inspiration, focus and exercise and how important it is to keep on keeping on. It is such a smile to see other people on the trail enjoying the same thing as I am. Their faces show it. This time of year, I experience peace, at least in these moments and places. As soon as one hike ends, I begin to think about the next time out. What will happen then? What will I see?
