Friday, September 13, 2013

See Beautiful "Just Breathe"

 It has been a very busy busy
summer for Bert and I.  Between the
loss of loved ones, family illnesses,
working two full time jobs and still trying
to be sure that we keep up on our volunteer
work at the hospitals and such, it has felt
like we are on a spinning Ferris wheel,
and it is speeding up faster and faster.
 Finally one day this last week,
I could take it no more.  John and I headed
 up the mountains for a day of hiking, riding and
moose hunting.  I had really missed the moose
this year, I had missed the feel of the forest
breezes, the silent evenings, the gentle
saunter of the great giant of the mountains.
 
I am sorry to say that I left my buddy Bert
behind on this trip.  I tried to make it up to
him by taking him swimming the next day and
I think he has forgiven me.
 
John and I were so fortunate to find
five of our old friends before the evening
sunset started to spread across the sky.
 
They are starting to rub the itchy velvet
off their antlers and preparing for the
rut.   Still in a bit of a lazy summer mood
they allowed us to watch them from a
distance for hours.
 All of the pictures on this post were taken
by John.  I was so involved in watching
and sharing space with them, I rarely took
out my camera.  These great beasts
were allowing me to be a "Watcher".
 
I stood some 100 to 200 feet from them while
they swam, ate and even sparred with each other
until the sun started to sink behind the mountain.
 
John and I moved on, making our way
back to our vehicle as we thought we had
seen all we were going to see.
 
On the way back, we came across two huge
bulls that we hadn't seen before.  Both
walking around in a small pond nibbling off
water greenery.  They were magnificent.
 
I found myself almost in a trance as
I watched them peacefully enjoying their
evening.  The sunset sky was a brilliant
fluffy pink, the air was crisp with a chill
from the oncoming storm.
 
Unbelievable.
Lost for a time in this world of the giants,
I didn't realize that one of the big
moose was now leaving the pond.
 
I was focused on the beauty of the sky for a
moment, but then turned back to
see how "the boys" were doing.

Much to my surprise and shock one of
"The Boys" was approaching me.  He was
about 40 feet in front of me and still
ambling in, straight to me.
 
 
I wanted to be afraid as I looked into his
eyes, realizing I had placed myself in an
unprotected situation.   There was nothing to
hide behind, no trees, no boulders, just me,
in the middle of a big sage brush meadow.
 
As he continued to shorten the space
between us, 15 feet, 10 feet......
I realized in stead of being
afraid at that moment, I was actually
"Breathing"  "Just Breathing"
deep, long lung filling breaths.
 
Something I hadn't allowed myself
to do all summer long.
It was a "See Beautiful" moment.
 
I figured it was my last "See Beautiful" moment
and I stood in awe waiting for  the great animal
to tromp me to death.
 
Obviously he didn't, because I am here
now, writing this.   It was a truly
amazing moment as he walked up to
about 5 feet from me, then looking me
in the eye, he sidestepped me and casually
walked on by. 
 
And what did I do.
 
"Breathe, Just Breathe"
and thanked my Father in Heaven
for such a beautiful experience.
 
join me now as I celebrate this
"See Beautiful Friday" 
 
 


33 comments:

  1. Oh wow. What a magical experience. We admired the moose greatly when we lived in Maine. Majestic creatures. Mesmerizing story of a truly beautiful moment. I'm glad you were given this gift of nature and that you found the peace you sought in the wilderness. I'm reminded again of the power of nature to heal us and the connectedness of all life. This is a fantastic post. Thank you.

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  2. OOOOOOOH BEEEEEEEERT AND MISS VIIIIICKIE, oh how I has missed ya'll! Dang is I evers happy to read such an incredible post. Sometimes it is much betters to just leaves da camera and fully engage yourself in da experience...and what a freakin' awesome experience it was.
    And please tell Jofn his fotos were just incredibly fabulous.

    Puddles

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  3. Wow! Up close and purrsonal with a moose! What a beautiful moment. Hope you have a great weekend. Wonderful to hear from you. XOXO

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  4. What a beautiful and amazing experience to be so close to such grand animals. So glad the moose felt the same way and just walked on by.
    Oz

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  5. Miss Vickie that was a beautiful story indeed and outstanding photos. Mom saw her first Moose in 2005 on as the special bus she was on turned into Denali. The driver told us just two days before the mama moose was pregnant...that day she was teaching her twins to eat willow and lichen. Most amazing up close.
    hugs madi and mom

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  6. WOW Dude first Miss Vickie would let you come with me to Wyoming then she leaves you behind. Yep through it all buddy you always have a smile on your old snooter. Glad things are easing up for ya buddy.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  7. Wow, what a beautiful story of an amazing experience! Gave me a tingle up my spine, really!
    I think it was a blessed reminder that in all your busy-ness... to just slow down, stop, and breathe.
    So glad that your husband was able to take all these fantastic(!) photos while you just took everything in.
    Thank you so much for sharing this experience!

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  8. I had to reminds myself to breathe just reading this! What an experience!!! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  9. Hi Y'all!

    So glad y'all had a moment of Internet to allow us to savor this once in a life time moment of unbelievable beauty that we'd never otherwise been able to enjoy. Thank you so very much!

    Y'all come by now!
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  10. Oh Miss Vickie, we almost couldn't breath reading your story! What stunning photos and wow what a once in a lifetime experience with such a grand animal. We look forward to See Beautiful Friday cause we know we will get hear from you and Bert.
    love from your little buddies
    Bailey, Hazel & Greta

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  11. Wow Vickie, what a post! You are so lucky to have experienced such a close and amazing encounter! Moose here are very curious and sometimes playful. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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  12. OMD what an AMAZING and EXCITING Once in a Lifetime Experience THAT was. THANKFULLY he didn't charge or trample you. Perhaps he thought HE was the one Seeing Beautiful!!!!

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  13. SHE is so jealous....SHE wants to see a moose in the wild....even went to Alaska and Canada, didn't see one.

    You need to slow down!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy






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  14. WOW Breathing through the beautiful photos. Unbelievable to Experience such Beauty. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  15. We were holding our breath reading this post. The pictures are just amazing too.

    Millie & Walter

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  16. A great post! But what finally happened that you weren't trampled to death?

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  17. That is so cool! And, it sounds like it was just what you needed too.

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  18. Wow... you told that story so well that I felt like I was there. I am so happy that you had that experience, and that the moose didn't trample you!

    I've had experiences like that with bears, and they leave me "breathless". I think I need to learn to breath like you do!

    I forgot See Beautiful today, in our immersion in the destruction all around us... Maybe I'll do a See Beautiful tomorrow, even though it's the wrong day.

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  19. My heart was in my throat as I was reading this! What a scary situation! Your pictures are magnificent! So very glad that you got away for a short break. What an awesome Seeing Beautiful post!

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  20. that is one thing I have never seen - yet- is a moose. Would love some magical moments like that to add to my memories. What a fantastic time you had and yes - you are blessed

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  21. Awwwww....I bet that guy just wanted to say hello and assure you he meant no harm. Wonderful pics!

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  22. OMD!!!! How FABulous! This was such a great postie, it's like I was right there with you with that big arse Moose headin' straight for us!!! BOL
    Beautiful....
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  23. Great post! And John has taken wonderful shots! They are beyond beautiful!
    Thanks for sharing them with us!
    Nellie's Mom

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  24. I'm sure Bert will forgive you if you take him swimming every day!

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  25. That is one AWESOME experience! I cannot imagine being so close to such a magnificent animal!
    Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your remarkable experience AND John's photos with us!
    KZK

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  26. Now THAT is getting in touch with nature. I might have hyperventilated rather than breathe and no doubt would have done something girly like scream. Not good.

    I'm really glad to see you're still blogging! I haven't been doing so myself for 3 months and am very out of the loop. Perhaps you got your connection issues fixed? I think of you guys often though. Please give the furry one a big hug for me X

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  27. Wow. Just wow. I found myself holding my breath while reading and noticed when you wrote, "Just breathe" I needed to myself. I cannot imagine how inspiring, empowering and down right humbling it must have been to stand in awe of such beauty and strength. This was gorgeous. Seeing beautiful with you.

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  28. When I think that some people go into the forest simply to kill these magnificent creatures. Thank you so much for sharing your friends with us.

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  29. Oh very nice! I'm so glad you got a much deserved break!

    Sam

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  30. And I thought being chased by a snek was eggsiting - this do be way better! What pawsome mooses!

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