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.

Contemplating Easter In My World

THE EASTER STORY can be viewed as a time of completion so that something new can be born. As the holiday approaches, the theme that struck me was the ease with which miracles of transformation happen in the natural world.

Somewhere in the quiet corners, off the pathway, new life is creeping.

Ponds hum with life moving through different phases of existence. Some will cast off their outer shells, gain wings and fly ... others will jump or crawl.

Flowers sprout out seemingly from dead twigs to become berries. Most transitions are natural but some at my house were staged for the holiday. Although the carrots (below) with umbrella handles for tops were only planted in the creative minds of marketers, real gardens are starting to grow.

The season morphs into symbols of spring that involve painted eggs and chocolate bunnies but at its core it is a Christian celebration.

The supernatural Biblical interpretation of the death and resurrection of Jesus represents forgiveness, healing and the idea that each life comes prepackaged with whatever it needs to bloom to its brightest potential. At the end of the day, Easter invites all who seek change to resurrect their own innate abilities to transform.



To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms