Flame Skimmer

Magic is seeing wonder in nature's every little thing,

seeing how wonderful the fireflies are and

how magical are the dragonflies.

Ama H.Vanniarachchy

While hiking I noticed an abundance of orange dragonflies or Flame Skimmers.  They hovered in front of me and when I reached for my camera they darted away.   So the majority of my photos of these colorful creatures are blurred.

A dragonfly symbolizes transformation and renewal, and is even associated with spiritual renewal and self realization. In Native American legends, the dragonfly is a symbol of resurrection, and renewal after hardship. The dragonfly is a carefree insect that symbolizes free spirit, swiftness, and activity.  Dragonflies live a short time, they live a complete life in just seven months.  Let the dragonfly be a reminder to you to live life fully.

Trinidad Lake State Park - Photos part two

No more glory years Kicking back and killin' fears
Everything I need's right here The road is open wide
We'll drive through the badlands The Great Plains and Midwest winds
Head through the Rocky Mountains Across the border line
Austin Plaine

Trinidad Lake State Park - Photos

Take a ride with me Live it up and livin' free
Fill the car with gasoline And head out to the coast
We'll drive to the canyon America is born again
Close your eyes and count to ten We're there before you know
Austin Plaine

 

Trinidad Lake State Park

Bette Davis said, “Growing old isn’t for sissies.” 

The person who check me in yesterday, July 27th, was a young man who was very considerate. I was interested in the Reilly and Levsa Canyons trail. The trail will take you to a semi ghost town of Cokedale. I know my limitations because of my back... I never thought of my age as a limitation. This man did and he did his best to dissuade me from taking it. I realize he saw Grandma when he saw me. He just kept repeating "it's a strenuous 8 mile hike."

I did my research. It is an 8.6 mile trail which starts at the campground. It goes through meadows and through juniper and cedar forests. It is considered a moderate hike. I manage 4 miles. My back said "home." I listened.

Camping Fees:
Additionally, a Parks Pass is required for each day of camping.

Basic Campsite: $28
Electric Hook-up Campsite: $36
Full Hook-up Campsite: $41

Modern facilities at this campground include:
Centrally-located water hydrants;
50–amp electrical service at all sites;
Full hookups at seven sites (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 62 and 63) during April through Mid October;
The camper services building with coin-operated showers, laundry and flush toilets is open from mid March to mid Oct. and is only available for camping guests. During the winter season, the family restrooms are available for camping guests only.
24-hour restroom facilities just outside the campground--open year-round also; and
A dump station located near the campground entrance.

Description:
Trinidad Lake State Park is a state park 4 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado, United States. The park protects Trinidad Lake, a dammed reservoir. There are hiking trails, and camping and boating opportunities. The park features historical attractions such as the coal mining ruins at Cokedale. An exposure of the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary is visible in the southern part of the park.

Fine and Dandy

“Gaslighting are lies with a purpose to confuse and control.”
Tamara

I have met people who claim to be a spiritual leader. In the beginning you are encouraged to speak, express your ideas, your beliefs, your truths. Slowly their words are injected into your thoughts, your words - at first a melding of ideas. In time your words, your thoughts fade then disappear and only their words, their truths remain. 

 
You wonder why you didn't see this when everyone else did....

It is so hard to break away and find yourself again. To find your heart that you foolishly gave away.

But my friend, you will

The Art of Seth

The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

“When we connect with our ancestors and put their wisdom into action, we are evolving our collective consciousness. We are transporting the ancient truths of our collective past and birthing them into our future. What we create out of those truths extends the wisdom of all those who have gone before us, and it provides a guide for all those who will follow.”― Sherri Mitchell Weh'na Ha'mu Kwasset

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site contains over 21,000 petroglyphs, including masks, sunbursts, wildlife, handprints, and geometric designs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs make this one of the largest and most interesting rock art sites in the Southwest. A 0.5-mile trail begins at the visitor shelter and links many of the most interesting petroglyphs. Another short trail begins on the east side of the picnic area and leads to a partially excavated prehistoric village.

Fees
Day Use (per vehicle): $5
Camping (per campsite) $7
RV Hookup (per campsite): $18

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site 

It Is Not Happening - Yet

Milarepa, a great Tibetan yogi and enlightened being, 

was asked about enlightenment. He said, 

“It is the space between thoughts.” 

The interlude of the breath is the way to discover this. 

Enlightenment is a particular neutrality that is lived within each moment.

Traveling at this time is not happening - but soon.  My back should be stronger by the end of the month.  This evening I sat on my pillow and meditated.... more important I got back up.  Exercise will keep the back limber and on the road to healing.

My back will be on the road....

I will not.  So not fair.

Meanwhile I will post pictures of random 2020 travel photos for entertainment and talk about my everyday life.  

It is going to get interesting.

Learning to Transition...

...and suddenly you just know it's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.

Update on the back. X Rays were done, I should hear the results this morning. I am going to physical therapy to learn how to do exercises without causing more damage to my shoulder and back. It takes less than a hour to learn the new routine and I am excited I can get back to exercising. My shoulder is really doing well.

Not from my doctor, I received the usual lecture about doing things alone at my age. Sometimes a person doesn't need to hear those words especially when they are physically and mentally in a vulnerable place because sooner or later out of the ashes a very pissed off old fart will arise. When it is my time I would rather die doing what I love than sitting on the couch scared shitless that something bad is going to happen.

Talk about chicken little.

I haven't been able to make my bed, sweep, mop, vacuum...since I hurt my shoulder so I am going to surface clean today, figure out how to do laundry and then I am calling a housekeeping service and a plumber. I can't fix the toilet either - it requires being a contortionist.

This morning I grabbed my pillow, went outside, managed to get seated and sit cross legged. A few deep breaths. Meditation lasted 10 minutes with minimal pain. I was able to pull myself up and walk in the kitchen.

Every day I will continue to pull myself up, be it physically or mentally. Eliminating negative people from my life has become mandatory. I will not be "Chicken Little."

I will be picking up my van Thursday to get it packed.  Friday I will be driving down the road.  

Why go out like tears in rain?
Water curling down a drain
Courage, love, and dry your wings
Fly like a butterfly in Spring
Don't ask why, just do something and fly
Why not?
You're a butterfly

-Butterfly- deb talan

Hillsboro Cemetery, Hillsboro, Sierra County, New Mexico June 23 2020

"Darling daughter how we miss you, none but God alone can tell, but in heaven we will meet you, until then, farewell."

Hillsboro Cemetery,
Hillsboro, Sierra County, New Mexico
June 23 2020

Famous Burials -

Eban Stanley Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Private in Company A, 5th U.S. Cavalry. On March 25 and 27, 1873, he showed gallantry in action against hostile Indians near Turret Mountain, Arizona. His Medal was issued on April 12, 1875.

Charles Cotilda Crew - Civil War Confederate Army Officer. A practicing physician in Cuthbert, Georgia, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant of Georgia Cavalry in October of 1861. He was elected Captain of Company C of the 2nd Georgia Cavalry on May 7, 1862. He fought in all of the battles of the Army of Tennessee and was severely wounded in the hip in the attack at Dover, Tennessee in January of 1863. He personally accepted the surrender of General George Stoneman at Macon, Georgia in July of 1864. As commander of his Georgia cavalry brigade, he fought in Wheeler's raid through Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama and was in numerous skirmishes in an attempt to stop Sherman's march through Georgia and the Carolinas. He was severely wounded in the Battle of Monroe's Crossroads, North Carolina and was paroled as colonel on May 3, 1865.  After the war, he became a railroad agent in Georgia and eventually relocated to New Mexico for health reasons. He practiced medicine and was the part owner of a local mine until his death in Hillsboro in 1887.