Painted Skies
11/06/13 01:45 PM
From: Ann Morrison
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 10:38 PM
To: Friends & Family
Subject: Painted Skies
So…. when was the last time you took time to step outside, found a place to sit still, relax and take in your surroundings; where you let the noise of the day simmer to a light hum and you stopped moving, long enough at least to breath deep and look up at the sky? In the busy busy world of family, work and organized play it is sometimes easy to forget to take a time out, to indulge the senses, to appreciate this wondrous, vibrant, vastness of space that we live… to let our minds flow free.
I am one of the lucky ones, in recent months I’ve had the chance to step away from the noise, the typical day-to-day responsibilities of life in the fast lane and spend a little more time than most contemplating my surroundings; but it has me wondering, why didn’t I do this more often? It only takes a moment and if one surrenders oneself completely, the effect is often one of awe, serenity, a momentary calmness and tranquility of mind and soul; even in the most tussled of days when the wind blows strong and the earth shudders as she gives way to energies being spent from the sky.
Today it is a Fall sky that presents; I find myself marveling at the effects of the waning sun; the hues match the season, ribbons of red, yellow and gold painted in dramatic staging across the horizon, silver lined clouds lend texture to the visual as colors are reflected and bounced off the sand and sea beneath. The effect on my mood is tangible… I feel a lightness and warmth grow within and I am suddenly overcome with a desire to hug those close to me and tell them how much I love and appreciate them. You should try it… you might be surprised at the perspective found by taking a few moments to indulge in those things that typically add only a backdrop to your day. The earth has her moods to be sure but the sky is our first clue on how our day will be influenced. Today, for me, the fullness and splendor of color was a reminder of the harvest life has bestowed on me, friends, family and fortune … all very appropriate to consider I guess given November brings us a day of Thanksgiving.
Life stays busy on the road. We are currently parked at NAS Pensacola… one of my favorite RV locations given we are literally steps from the beach. This is also the home of the National Museum of Naval Aviation, the Blue Angels and the Pensacola Lighthouse. We visited many lighthouses on the west coast but this one is the first that affords the opportunity to step outside onto the narrow overhang surrounding the light, offering a view from 177 (see through) steps high above the ground. Pensacola’s historic downtown is an interesting visit too… love the old Floridian style homes, the waterfront restaurants and let’s not forget the Pensacola Brewery. We plan to tarry here a while.
Alan, pup and I have recently returned from a quick (car) road trip to Texas (TX). It was a USMC reunion that pulled us to San Antonio but it also provided opportunity for a quick visit with son John and his fiancé Cynthia in the small southern TX town of Beeville. Time with family is a rare treat. So looking forward to Thanksgiving when all the ‘boys’ will be here together in Pensacola. San Antonio is familiar to us, we have visited many times before, but the opportunity to catch up with the VMA 331 group is always special. Never get tired of hearing those stories… young fighter pilots… the adventures… the imprudence of youth, the bravery… and the ‘I’d rather be lucky than good’ on any day landing on the Indy. Such fun! Special wishes of a speedy recovery and well-being to you Mike. We missed you at the reunion.
Well, dinner is almost ready, the nighttime is settling in … time to refocus on the day-to-day.
Love and hugs to all. May you all take time to enjoy your own painted sky sometime soon. Happy Thanksgiving… by the way.
Ann
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 10:38 PM
To: Friends & Family
Subject: Painted Skies
So…. when was the last time you took time to step outside, found a place to sit still, relax and take in your surroundings; where you let the noise of the day simmer to a light hum and you stopped moving, long enough at least to breath deep and look up at the sky? In the busy busy world of family, work and organized play it is sometimes easy to forget to take a time out, to indulge the senses, to appreciate this wondrous, vibrant, vastness of space that we live… to let our minds flow free.
I am one of the lucky ones, in recent months I’ve had the chance to step away from the noise, the typical day-to-day responsibilities of life in the fast lane and spend a little more time than most contemplating my surroundings; but it has me wondering, why didn’t I do this more often? It only takes a moment and if one surrenders oneself completely, the effect is often one of awe, serenity, a momentary calmness and tranquility of mind and soul; even in the most tussled of days when the wind blows strong and the earth shudders as she gives way to energies being spent from the sky.
Today it is a Fall sky that presents; I find myself marveling at the effects of the waning sun; the hues match the season, ribbons of red, yellow and gold painted in dramatic staging across the horizon, silver lined clouds lend texture to the visual as colors are reflected and bounced off the sand and sea beneath. The effect on my mood is tangible… I feel a lightness and warmth grow within and I am suddenly overcome with a desire to hug those close to me and tell them how much I love and appreciate them. You should try it… you might be surprised at the perspective found by taking a few moments to indulge in those things that typically add only a backdrop to your day. The earth has her moods to be sure but the sky is our first clue on how our day will be influenced. Today, for me, the fullness and splendor of color was a reminder of the harvest life has bestowed on me, friends, family and fortune … all very appropriate to consider I guess given November brings us a day of Thanksgiving.

Life stays busy on the road. We are currently parked at NAS Pensacola… one of my favorite RV locations given we are literally steps from the beach. This is also the home of the National Museum of Naval Aviation, the Blue Angels and the Pensacola Lighthouse. We visited many lighthouses on the west coast but this one is the first that affords the opportunity to step outside onto the narrow overhang surrounding the light, offering a view from 177 (see through) steps high above the ground. Pensacola’s historic downtown is an interesting visit too… love the old Floridian style homes, the waterfront restaurants and let’s not forget the Pensacola Brewery. We plan to tarry here a while.
Alan, pup and I have recently returned from a quick (car) road trip to Texas (TX). It was a USMC reunion that pulled us to San Antonio but it also provided opportunity for a quick visit with son John and his fiancé Cynthia in the small southern TX town of Beeville. Time with family is a rare treat. So looking forward to Thanksgiving when all the ‘boys’ will be here together in Pensacola. San Antonio is familiar to us, we have visited many times before, but the opportunity to catch up with the VMA 331 group is always special. Never get tired of hearing those stories… young fighter pilots… the adventures… the imprudence of youth, the bravery… and the ‘I’d rather be lucky than good’ on any day landing on the Indy. Such fun! Special wishes of a speedy recovery and well-being to you Mike. We missed you at the reunion.
Well, dinner is almost ready, the nighttime is settling in … time to refocus on the day-to-day.
Love and hugs to all. May you all take time to enjoy your own painted sky sometime soon. Happy Thanksgiving… by the way.
Ann