Look up to be inspired. Look down to be grateful.

Every autumn I drive up to the north country for the chairlift ride on the western slope of Mt. Humphreys. This year we were too early for the colors.

Or were we? Rumors told us of a super bloom of sunflowers, and they were right. Flagstaff was blanketed with yellow, beautiful, sunshiny yellow.

And the lupines underneath the birch trees gave a good showing as well.

Today? That wasn’t the goal and we were pressed for time, so we couldn’t lollygag too long in the forests.

It is interesting that this faraway view is often our inspiration. And to think the chairlift/gondola will carry us to 11,500 feet, the top of Humphreys, is amazing. Today we know we will be on top of a snowless mountain, but it won’t be long before we see Humphreys like this again and the skiers will be the ones celebrating.

So up we went to where it seems there isn’t anything higher.

And then we are reminded of the clouds. And I didn’t want to leave.

Sometimes I just look up, smile and say…

I know that was you.

Thank you for reminding me to look up, and keep up in this ride called life.

And now that I think of it, there is something special about sliding down that mountain too.

Wind Kisses, Donna

PS. Something else got you down? Chin up, there is always something to look forward to.

#lookingup/down

RDP: Vista Lollygag