Tuesday, April 10, 2012

The Mountains We Climb


IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to appreciate the magnitude of a mountain at a distance. The coastal mountain ranges in BC as seen from Elgin Heritage Park are often veiled in a soft gray-blue haze and obscured by the cloudy weather.

It is only a few hours drive to reach some peaks available year-round for recreation. What looks harmless from afar has challenges when up close. Snow slides have occurred and each new turn can present a problem.

Mountain as a metaphor for the peaks and valleys that we all climb in life came to mind when searching for a word that begins with "M". Mental mountains are overcome daily in heroic fashion and valleys of tears have been shed. Sometimes we hit rock bottom and sometimes we reach the top.

Over the years I have had lofty dreams and ideals. Although I have not been much of a climber, I have soared over mountaintops in British Columbia and sailed the clouds in faraway Switzerland.

Along with the thrills, I have also made mountains out of molehills and can appreciate the sentiments expressed by writer Robert Service who famously said: "Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe." - Robert Service



Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

This post showcases the letter "M". If you think words are fun and enjoy playing with the alphabet, visit ABC Wednesday.

22 comments:

  1. the snow capped mountains are pretty. The higher you go, I could see the clouds floating and dancing. Nice contemplation.

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  2. I am calling by today as another Our World Tuesday participant, what lovely photos and accompanying words.

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  3. I love mountains so much and these shots were all so beautiful. I have been known to make mountains out of mole hills myself. Carver, ABC Wednesday Team

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  4. A lovely thought provoking post.
    Jane x

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  5. Thanks for sharing your photos. They are so beautiful and look like water colours!Have a great week!
    Wil, ABC Wednesday Team.

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  6. I loved your creative take on mountains and the letter M.

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  7. Really enjoyed the BC pix; thanks.

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  8. Great photos! Its very beautiful where you live! Wonderful lesson here and great quotes as well.

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  9. Loving the underlying message in this post. I think I'll print it out to remind myself about those quotes. Have a marvelous week! :D

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  10. Robert Service and my late Grandfather were good friends so many years ago, lovely photos!

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  11. What a wondeful post including the Robert Service quotes; so true that we can make a mountain or a mole hill out of a situation, all depending on our attitude and approach. Love your "m"'s today!

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  12. not only the mountain, but the message, are marvelous
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  13. why do people climb mountains? Because it is there. When Sir Ed Hillary climbed Mt Evereat, he said, I knocked the bastard down. accepted language in NZ.

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  14. What a creative writing regarding the alphabet M, penelope! Your postings are pleasure to both view and read. I prefer seeing mountains from the waterfront (like your fabulous photos) to climbing, though metaphorically I like the joyful moments during the climbing step by step and the sense of great accomplishment on reaching the top.

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  15. Oh I love your shots, such stunning mountains...

    and those quotes. That grain of sand truly does wear one out. LOL.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  16. Beautiful views of the mountain.

    Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

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  17. Lovely shots and wise words! I still struggle to keep my molehills under control, unfortunately, but am much uplifted by your post today...:)

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  18. Your words about mountains ring so true, Penelope. I've done some hiking with students in the Adirondacks, and although we made it to the top of the two highest peaks (neither require technical skill), it was the 2nd highest that was much more challenging. No way to know until you are right in the middle of the climb. And, those mental mountains and the sub-category of mole hills.. they sure can be as high and as challenging as the physical ones, at least in my experience :) I especially love the 4th photograph from the top. Just beautiful!

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  19. Wonderful shots to go with your wise words.

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  20. What a gorgeous pictures Aren't mountains majestatic but also tough to conquer. I know trampers who love every part of it I know for sure that one of them has also climbed many mental mountains. I think if you have the ability to hang in there and move forwards when the going gets though you can conquer life pretty much and enjoy the view in the end.

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  21. How did I miss this? I haven't been very "with it" lately, what with one thing and another.
    A beautiful and enjoyable post, my dear friend. Your photos are gorgeous and I had forgotten the Robert Service quotation until I re-read it. I wonder if I'll now remember it. LOL
    K

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