I tumble like a weed across The Painted Desert and come to a position of repose at sunset, on the cusp of the Grand Canyon. The incredible, heart-stopping view is gliding in and out of isolated snow storms and the golden tusks of sundowning seem to pierce the cold with molten warmth. Every color in the rock is rippling fire under the strokes of sun slant. I stand with my toes curled around the rim of the magnificent abyss and dare the wind to set me spinning, like a seed, into the great snaking green that is slowly and meticulously chewing the canyon deeper as the years drift by. I am gladly alone, again, for a miraculous display, for another promise fulfilled. I stay there. On the edge. As long as I can bear it. The wind is bitter. I am hungry. My fingers numb. And still I stay. I want the final strains of daylight to resonate in my heart and mind (like a horsehair bow drawn eternal and slow across a violin string) as long as possible, past the darkness of night and into a great beyond.
Stunning! I was last at the Grand Canyon when I was 15 and did not appreciate it as much as I do now. The southwest part of the country is beautiful though. Several years ago I visited Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas and will never forget the gleaming sunlight against the crimson cliffs with an unbelievably blue sky as a backdrop. One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
I wonder if I would have appreciated it at 15?
I think I would have.
Red Rock is beautiful. It’s the only part of Vegas I like. 🙂 Special spot.
Agree! Most people thought I was nuts to go to Vegas and only visit the natural areas and not gamble or hang out on the strip!
Simply glorious. That third photo is utterly breathtaking.
xxx
Thank you, Ash. All credit to the river. 🙂
I miss the Grand Canyon in the way I’d miss my own bones.
Oh.
Sister.
I know what you mean.
I have to say that heart-stopping is what I have felt each and every time and promise-fulfilled was indeed what came to mind…how is that really possible? x
I know! What a massive rift in our earth. How. How! HOW???!!!
Breathtaking views, wonderful photos! What is that castle-like structure – an old observation post or what? Thanks for sharing!
It’s the watchtower on the South Rim! Look up Mary Colter — wonderful southwest architect.
Heart-twinge
Soul-boom
xx
XX
One of my most favorite places. I could sit and stare out at that great divide all day.
It’s a wonderful way to squander a day. I agree.
Oh. This post resonates with me.
Thanks!
Thanks for being here, Julie!
These are the most beautiful pictures ever….
🙂
You’re too kind.
X
while looking at your photos and reading your words, I had a thought… I wonder what God must be thinking as He watches you while you are having this moment. I wonder what words He would write to describe you and this moment. I bet they would be pretty astounding and full of love. every time you’re out in the wilderness with your thoughts, He’s there too with His thoughts. for all of us in our moments, He’s there.
Dana.
DANA!
My gosh.
I read this comment of yours and my breath caught in my throat. Of course. You’re so right. Just gorgeous and true, in every way. XX
Wow!!! What a view! You must be filled to the brim with nature beauty love inspiration…Thanks for sharing this, it makes my eyes happy!
Always. I am. Filled to the brim. I go to great lengths to be so. 🙂 It makes me a terrible business woman, I’m afraid, especially when I shuck computer work for being outside. It’s a good thing you’re all such patient people! Love having you here, beauty. XX
i am there with you
standing at the edge
looking upon the magnificence of it all
wanting to remain in its essence forever…
knowing I can’t
I store bits of all the senses inside…in a place where I can access them when I need to
heaven
love and light
As always, love to have you by my side, pretty baby. XX
lol
is that a lens cap in you back pocket???
xo
Lens cap! I was trying to figure that one out too. It looked a bit like a can of copenhagen- but that doesn’t fit the scene. 🙂
A M A Z I N G
XOX
Staggeringly beautiful, Jillian!! I am so glad you are out in all of this glory! And how you soak it all in, revere it and share it back with us. Beyond words!!
I do my best!
Sometimes when I am experiencing something in nature, or traveling to some beautiful place…I think to myself, “Some people never get to feel this or see this…” It just makes me want to share all that I can. I love to have you here. X
mrs, is that place real?
truly, a burst of magnificence,
of grandness, shade and colour –
I feel my littleness when I look upon it,
a humility and an awe…
xx
Trust me, I pinched myself all day long. 🙂
I feel my littleness, too, and my belovedness…all of nature is a glorious gift from the father of lights. We belong in it. XX
….did you hear the angels singing?
QUITE!!!
…actually I didn’t.
The wind was really howling like a banshee.
Seriously. It was sheer violence out there.
🙂
AWESOME!!
XXX
The third photo makes my heart go pitterpatter.
🙂
It’s a beautiful place.
XX
These are gorgeous! We just went in December and these make me want to go back!