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13 September ~ 2007

Today at work was sort of tough. I have been there such a long time, and get a little disatisfied because I feel like I deserve a last promotion instead of being dead-ended these remaining few years of work. It doesnt help to see that the people who have that promotion don't have skills any greater than mine. (understatement)

When I feel like this its a good time to step back and take stock at what else in my life is so good. A case in point was that I took a couple of hours off this morning to lead a nature walk up at Lair of the Bear park. The kids were very attentive and the group of mothers and one Dad who came along were nice company. When the 2 hour walk was over one of the mothers remarked that I obviously have been around 2nd graders a lot, since I relate to them so well. It pretty easy, I just am sort of a big kid myself, just one with a few more stories and facts. When we find the green caterpillar on the trail, or hear the chickadees sing, or take a good look at how gorgeous the chokecherry leaves are in their early fall colors, there is not a lot that separates those kids and me.

Tonight I took Ben down to the Greenbelt for the first time since he fractured his paw. He didn't limp at all, but I made sure not to let him run. When we got to the top of the ridge at solid dark, Ben and Maggie went ballistic. A fox must have just run through there, leaving a strong trail from the scent glands on its paws.

In a few minutes I will get read to go to the Grizzly Rose, for ladies drink free night. It is usually more crowded than Saturday, and I always get to dance a lot. Twirling a slightly tipsy hard-muscled young lady around the dance floor will be a good way to forget about work.

Tomorrow morning I have my first Spellbinders story this school year for each of the three third grade classes at an elementary school. I have been practicing this story for a week, recording it one or more times a day. I am ready to go, and expect to have a very good time. I have incorporated a couple of quick harmonica tunes in my story, which is about how Pecos Bill was raised by Coyotes. The story has my own slant to it, especially about the West and Coyotes and being out in the Wilderness.

Yes, stepping back a little bit when your problems seem to be overwhelming is always a good thing. I know my life is positive and spirit-filled, and I am grateful for it. How many people get to share what you love with children on a nature walk in the morning, then go dancing until late in the evening? You can bet I think of these things when I offer my prayer of thanks at my bedside before sleep.

(to see a 700 pixel wide image of the above collage, click here; to see a 1400 wide pixel image of the above picture, click here.)