Rocky Mountain High, California

*songs for this post were "Rocky Mtn. High", "Country Roads" and "Rhymes and Reasons" by John Denver on the Playlist*

No, this isn't 'Rocky Mtn. High, Colorado' or the 'country roads of West Virginia', but this is the California mountain I've lived on for the past 10 years and respect it's nature in all it's forms and cherish it's beauty every day. The first 3 songs on the Playlist are by John Denver, in honor of my mountain memories (turn your speakers on). I'd forgotten how much I love John Denver. I grew up with his voice, over the 8-track stereo, riding in the top bunk of our well-travelled camper. I saw the beauty of the Colorado rockies and experienced the fiercest of storms while there and roamed lush meadows once the storm cleared. I fished in streams in the Sierra Nevadas, walked in the mountain moonlight in Wyoming and hiked mountain desert trails in Utah. I can't listen to a John Denver song, these 3 especially, without tears streaming down my face, unable to sing the words. I don't know if it comes from a longing of my childhood, a celebration of it maybe? My childhood was full of fun, wonderful memories, the way childhood should be. It was also filled with an equal amount of dysfunction and dark times. Camping is one of my most cherished memories, where life was happier, simpler. And that was probably my foundation for my love of travel and nature; the seed planted for a nature lover and an a clear understanding of Paganism. I felt safe in nature , even alone as a kid as I wandered because of a strong connection. Even growing up in suburban Orange County, one of my favorite places to escape to was up on our roof, with the towering Sycamore tree above me, under the moonlight, feeling the breeze. Here are some of my mountain and nature pictures from the past few years...I hope you enjoy them...
~ER~
On up to the Sierras
Misty-topped San Bernardino Mtns., Ca.
March Morning, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

June Morning, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

Rocky in the Oak

Grass Valley Fire, taken off our deck, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

December Morning, Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

San Bernardino Mtns., Ca.

Lake Arrowhead, Ca.

Above the clouds, San Bernardino Mtns., Ca.

My 2 loves; nature and my husband, Sierra Nevada Mtns., Ca.

Sunset view off our deck, Thanksgiving, San Bernardino Mtns, Ca.

My husband next to a 'small' Sequoia in the Sierras

Our favorite 'secret' spot up the Sierras

Picture of a picture; Daniel and I atop Dome Rock, Southern Sierras, Ca.

I also wanted to include this video my friend, Sharon sent to me from YouTube. She sent me this during all the turmoil of my grandma Fino's death and amidst family disfunction (siblings, parents, etc.). She sent this to me, not knowing the scale of turmoil in my life and it hit the nail on the head in so many ways. This video made me cry because it struck such a powerful chord in me of my childhood, my grandmother passing, my daughter...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3SlsP130xY&feature=email