Earlier in the week, I cross country skied for the first time this season. I was amazed at the hundreds of deer tracks crisscrossing the forest. I've never seen so many tracks along with scuff marks in the snow where the deer paw to get to the grass.They're probably on the move because it's hunting season. Since I've never seen a hunter in this area of the forest, perhaps they instinctively feel safer here. They were Ghost Deer, their tracks the only proof of their existence.
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| Deer Tracks in Forest |
My destination on this day was to the "altar stump." I check it periodically to see if the treasures are still there: 3 pieces of quartz and a blue Stellar's Jay feather. It's deep in the forest. Most wouldn't give it a second look. In fact, each of us has our own special places that bring us peace or energy or resolve.This happens to be one of mine. I pause while looking at the stump and quiet my mind. I sometimes focus on a certain person, hoping for their strength and resilience, sending them good thoughts.
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| Barb's Altar Stump |
My friend, Mary, is leaving today on one of her jaunts to other parts of the World. So, on the day I skied, I focused on her well-being as I stood amid the deer tracks with the wind gusting through the tops of the towering pines. Then, I thought of each of my Grandchildren, sending them love and confidence to bolster them as they meet their everyday challenges.
Do you see the many faces on the stump? Your eye probably goes to the cat-like one at the top, but there are several more if you look closely, some upside down or sideways. The snow inside the stump is covering the quartz and the feather like a fluffy white hat. The treasures will be safe through the season of snow.
Is there a place you like to go to count your blessings and to think positive thoughts? For some people, it may be a religious sanctuary, for others a place in their home or an outdoor space that quiets their spirits, and for some, Nature might offer a catalyst for spirituality. I believe that anytime goodness flows outward, an energy is created that makes the World a better place. Even in the middle of a snowy forest, a feeling of warmth enters my heart and calms my mind as both best friend and family occupy my thoughts.
I hope all who celebrate an American Thanksgiving find much in their lives for which to be grateful. I'm already counting my blessings. Family and Friends (including many Blog friends) are on my thankful list. I hope wherever you are in the world, you take time to count your blessings, too. Think of all the positive energy we'll create!
41 comments:
Ha, you are updating your blogs simultaniously. I am surpirse of the shape of the deer tracks.
Greetings,
Filip
Barb, this is such an uplifting post. Thank you so much. Sometimes I feel like I'm all alone in this universe and then I read something like this and realize I'm not. I thank God for friends like you. Take care and have fun in the snow and mountains gal. Carol
A lot of us know about Barb's Treasure, you had better watch out. I see five faces, is there more?
Love your stump! I see the cat and two other faces. . . quite interesting! Most of all, I enjoyed seeing the SNOW! Thank you!
To read your post and be lifted into a state of gratitude and thankfulness is a great way to start my day.
Thanks Barb
How lovely to have a special place you get to by cross-country skis!
I remember your "altar stump" well, Barb. It's taller than I realized, the snow has always been much deeper, I guess! While on a walk Tuesday I took photos again of the hollow Treasure Tree Stump in my woods and the Large hollow Beech, where I once placed a stone heart for a dear friend. The heart is still there, Barb. It's a ritual to take a photo of them at each changing season and recall memories.
A wonderful and interesting post, Barb. If one can make an altar of a stump, one can make and altar of anything, and perhaps we should. It's all about attitude, gratitude, and faith.
Everything about this post was lovely. I saw the faces. I love using my imagination. I love that you take the time and energy to send positive thoughts to others.
a nice, thoughtful post. the outdoors is my church, and the hush and clean beauty provided by snow is always an extra reason to pause and be thankful. happy turkey day- i, too am counting my blessing- and there are many-
I remember your post about the stump, your friend traveling to NZ.
May you and your family have a wonderful and blessed holiday celebration.
Don't cook too much, but if you do, pot pies are great!
I go down to the river to restore my soul. Love your altar stump.
Really lovely and loving. And I may just drag out the X-C skis if we get some snow. We are having an unusually warm November so far.
I think alters made by nature and God are much more powerful than those made by man.
I don't have a particular one, but am often struck by a moment where peace and power reside.
You always know how to uplift! Such a lovely stump. Apart from trying to follow the religion of kindness, my main place of contemplation are the woods.
hello Barb,
lovely to see your stump again. i love picturing you there with serenity in your heart and mind. we have some snow, though it shrunk yesterday and it would damage skis at this point. I look foreword to the quiet gliding. lovely day to you.
Hi Barb! ahhhh I counted and recounted and I came up with 7. I wonder how many others tried to count the faces. It is like looking for Waldo! I love it. And I love your post! Have a great weekend. Stay warm!
Beautiful post, Barb, - you inspire me with your insight and your wonderful buoyant spirit.
Barb, yes, yes, this is a definitely altar stump! I see so many different faces, species and more. The stump is embracing beings like their mother. To me the stump itself looks like an old wise owl too. Thanks a lot for taking me to such a mysterious trip!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Keiko
I love your altar stump and yes, I can find many faces. I must share this with Rick. As soon as it starts getting to rugged to bike (he'll go when it's cold, not icy), he's gnashing at the bit to cross country. I'm afraid he'll bolt and head to CO when he sees this!
The first photo evokes a feeling of journey, Barb. Well done, my friend.
And I often find feathers on the ground and when I do, I poke them in fences, stumps, farm machinery... for someone to find another day. :)
I'm thankful for you, Barb. And for your friend, Mary. And for the delight that you have an altar stump with hidden treasures. (Have you heard that sometimes the wee folk or spirits will take one of our offerings as their own?) I have many special places like this in the woods. I give thanks that they exist. Beautiful post!
I can see why you feel at peace there Barb. Snow is peaceful and I'm sure it's very quite there as well. Perfect. I do find my peace in church but also outside. Especially on a snowy evening or in the summer while gardening.
Thank you for sharing your "special" place with all of us and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with grandchildren hugs!
Gobble, Gobble!! Love Di ♥
Hullo Barb!
Just coming over here to see you, is like a peaceful trails...they lead my mind and certainly my heart to deeper perspective.
Your x c skiing is much like my solo riding adventures...it is restorative healing and full of nature's gifts.
That stump is very neat. My mare would not be alarmed with it , it doesn't crouch like a hidden cougar, it stands tall.
I had fun looking/seeing faces! 9 all together. Including Albert Einstein's, Charlie Chaplain's, a fish, puppet and more!
You dear heart, have a gloriously fun Thanksgiving!
XO
Kacy
How wonderful to have your own quiet place. Not having a personal place in nature, I guess I still my mind through music. It is amazing what they are discovering about music. I recently read an article that said that music may have come before speech. Next time I play, I'll send some notes your way. I think of you perched in your mountain paradise.
I see hands lifted in prayer above the cat face. You are fortunate to have your special place available in all four seasons.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
What a beautiful post! There is so much for us to be thankful for!
I like to think of you standing on your skis before that altar and sending love and positive thoughts radiating out to the world. What a sweet post.
OK, for the third time I will give blogger a try! I do hope you don't receive my three comments all at once. I loved reading of your special place in the beautiful forest. Mine seems to be in the silent woods whenever I can snowshoe or I will find something special on a regular hike that inspires me to think deeply and let the cares fall away.
Beautiful words, Barb, precious. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a warm and positive Thanksgiving season.
I can see the faces! Hope you have a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving!
I'm visiting new blogs today for the first time, so i also thought id wish you a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your readers. And i hope that the day is spent generating positive memories for years to come. Richard from Amish Stories.
A beautifully written essay on the strength of love and the power of all that is good. At least that's what I got out of it! Have a happy Thanksgiving, Barb.
Barb, this is yet another fantastic post. I love the altar stump -- there is something magical about those little, otherwise unnoticed spots in the woods that bring us peace and feel like "ours."
Barb, I’m a little relived to know there is a place where deer can feel safer from hunting. The holy nature spirit must be residing in the “altar slump” guarded by the burdock-root-looking trees. I see the faces of animals and people including Santa Clause and Betty. I think I know how warm feeling enters your heart even in the middle of the cold, as my heart is warm when walking in the bitter cold since I know I’m heading somewhere warm where loved ones are waiting.
Wish you a happy Thanksgiving with the warmth of family and friends together.
Yoko
Hi Barb,
Thanks for stopping by & wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving, I wish the same for you. I was actually thankful for working today as it kept my mind off missing my family :)
I do remember that stump! It seems you spoke about it maybe another time Mary was out on a trip.
Yes, I have one certain trail I love to go out on... I don't know what it is about it, but even if I'm feeling down, or maybe not thinking so positively, it always adjusts my attitude. ( I always think if there is a God, well, he must live on the Chamisa trail!)
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Barb.
I adore your altar stump. Besides friends, cross country skiing is one of the few things I miss about Wisconsin winters.
thanks for all the possitive nergy and thoughts! I am sending you some from the Netherlands back...
your special palce looks very cozy, you are right when you say everyone needs/sees different things:-))
all the best+sunny smiles!
So lovely Barb. My positive thoughts were added to the atmosphere (even before I read your beautiful post). I believe in that positive energy
Beautiful. Just beautiful
It really is magical to have a place like this to return to, and reflect on life. I do not have a place like this, but I think that is perhaps I live such a nomadic life. I believe if I were settled, my surroundings might present me with a few magical places such as yours to return to. Enjoy your beautiful Altar!
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