Colorado, Exercise, Meditations, Psychology, Thankfulness, Truth and Perception

MUSINGS FOR SUNDAY 30TH, SEPTEMBER 2018

September 30, 2018 teleskees Leave a comment

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

“Each moment in time we have it all, even when we think we don’t.” – Melody Beattie

Well it has been a good week. Getting back into running a little bit this week and still doing some bike riding. The weather has been beautiful. We do need rain but at the same time and I have to say it again, the weather has just been fantastic for getting out doors. Truly beautiful. Warm afternoons, with cool mornings. The sunsets have been stunning the past two weeks. And I really cannot complain. All the pictures below were taken in Fort Collins in the late afternoon/ early evening Monday though Thursday. I am fortunate to live where I do.

Lake Sherwood in Fort Collins looking West on Monday evening.

Spring Creek Trail in Fort Collins looking West on Tuesday evening.

Powerline Trail in Fort Collins looking South on Wednesday evening.

Poudre River Trail in Fort Collins looking West on Thursday evening.

It is that time of year again and I am starting the process of putting up firewood. Had two cords of pallet wood delivered this week. I have to say this stuff burns great. The trick to making it a lot less of a hassle to stack is to build your wood racks so that you don’t have to stack it. You can just throw the various pieces in the rack not caring how they land. Took me a few years to figure this out. Lol. This process makes it a lot easier to put it up.

Well on a different note, even though I have everything that I need and really want, there are days that I wake up thinking that I need something more, something different, something new, more money, a different car, a different bike, different running shoes, more this, more that, more, more and more. If you let it, the “More Virus” as I call it, will continue without end. A vicious cycle. Always promising happiness, but never delivering. Never delivering a lasting happiness anyways. This was one of those weeks were I was infected so to speak. First it was thinking that I needed new running shoes, then it was a different bike, next the “monkey mind” wandered on to a different RV (yes, I own an RV), and of course with all these new things, the next logical step was I needed more money, so then you need to work more, etc.… And I won’t bore you with the rest, needless to say this cycle went around and around in my mind for most of the week until about midway through I started to look at the above pictures. As I said before, I collected these over the last week during a run or bike ride and realized that the “More Virus” could jeopardize future moments like this. And that is all it took to comprehend, I was really, really happy this week. It was a very good week and nothing in the “material world” could have added to it. And that inoculated me from the “More Virus” for the week. For next week…Lol….

Well that is about it for me. Have a great week and I hope to see you out there on the trails!! Adios amigos!!

Art, Colorado, Exercise, Meditations, Psychology, Run Rabbit Run

MUSINGS FOR SUNDAY 23RD, SEPTEMBER 2018

September 23, 2018 teleskees Leave a comment

Plunge Your Whole Life into What You Are Doing

“Just as when you sit in meditation you just sit, when you sleep, be aware of the totality of your whole being going to sleep. When walking, you just walk. When you eat, you are right there just eating. Plunge your whole life into what you are doing at that very moment and live that way. So, we train ourselves to engage our whole being in what we are doing. Whether sitting or eating, you are not engaged in discursive, wandering, or deluded thoughts. All of you…environment, body, and mind…is right there. Whatever you do, whatever the task at hand, your whole life is there at that moment.

Some people may interpret plunging your whole being into the practice or into the task at hand as a very tense approach. This is incorrect. By putting your whole being into what you are doing, you are also being relieved from doing anything else at that moment. Therefore, when you are doing that one thing, that is all you have to care about, and you can do it in a very relaxed manner and attitude. In this light, you will better understand the meaning of engaging your whole being in the present task. This is a relaxed and reposed attitude to practice.”

Excerpted from: “The Method of No-Method: The Chan Practice of Silent Illumination, by Chan Master Sheng Yen

Happy Autumnal Equinox!! First day of fall?! Wow where did the time go?? Well….. it has been a good week. Still recovering from the attempt at the 100 miles with the Run Rabbit Run. It has been nice to just do some easy bicycling each day this past week. The temps are getting cooler in the mornings and you can tell that fall is in the air. Even with the unseasonably hot weather. The air conditioner is not running constantly, trees on the front range are starting to change leaf color, etc.… I am wondering what this winter will bring? Will it be non-existent so to speak with less snow and more rain? Or will it be like the winters of the past? I guess only time will tell.

Looking West towards the Foothills – Spring Creek Trail.

Prairie Dog (Colorado State Rodent) on Spring Creek Trail.

The bike riding in the afternoons has been fantastic. I am very fortunate to live in a city that continues to expand its trail system. If you really wanted to help your citizens with health care, then get them outside and walking, running, biking, skating, etc.… Whatever it might be. The trick is that you need easy and I mean easy access. We are all creatures of habit and we need that easy access to help with the “willpower requirement” of just getting out. We could prevent a lot of our health care cost just with preventive strategies like exercise. It is an old idea but still just as valid since time immortal.

I have been working on another “anatomical heart” picture. They do take time. I figure in this one I already have about 5 to 6 hours of drawing in place. And I am only about a 4^th of the way done. This is a smaller one at 7 inches by 10 inches. I will show more of it as the weeks go by. I usually get an hour or two drawing each day. This will be the fourth one I have done of the hearts.

I love the above quote from the book “The Method of No-Method: The Chan Practice of Silent Illumination.” Some days I am much better with this practice than others. Modern media and advertising does not help. Always wanting you to want more. Distracting you from what you are doing. I have found that doing meditation each day helps with this. Focusing me on what I am doing so that I can just be in the moment. Not letting my mind pull me in a thousand different ways. Just taking a deep breath and bringing myself back into the moment.

Monkey Mind – all the things I have to do – over and over and over and – I need this, I need that, I cannot live without this, etc.…

Realizing that it is OK, the “monkey mind” is going to wander… The trick is to realize that you will have to pull it back into alignment… a lot. Over and over until it become second nature. If you are like me, our minds really have the tendency to wonder and this is without the help of modern media. I wonder what it would have been like to live 150 years ago? Before radio, before TV, before cell phones, before the internet. Would it be a good idea to once a year go on a “modern media hiatus”, even if it was only for a week. I think that it would be even hard to do for a day? Or you could spend a significant sum on a Zen retreat where all form of electronic communication is forbidden? I have not tried either yet but maybe that is the next step? Well just some thoughts running around in my “Monkey Brain.”

The reposed and relaxed goal to shoot for. If Home can do it so can you!! Lol

Well on the above note, I am thinking that will be all for me this week. Hope to see you out there on the trails!! Adios amigos!!

Colorado, Exercise, Psychology, Run Rabbit Run, Trail Running

MUSINGS FOR SUNDAY 16th, SEPTEMBER 2018

September 17, 2018 teleskees Leave a comment

“Run for 20 minutes and will feel better, run another 20 and you might tire, add on 3 hours and you’ll hurt, but keep going and you’ll see and smell and hear and taste the world with vividness that will make your former life pale.” Scott Jurek

“It hurst up to a point and then it doesn’t get any worse.” Ann Trason

Life is good and I cannot complain too much at the moment!! Ed B.

Really love that quote. It is my own, but I am not partial. Just that, it is my reality. As I have gotten older everyday that I wake up and become mindful of taking a breath…well that is a good day.

Looking West towards Cameron Pass

I have been in Steamboat Springs since Tuesday Night. Nice place to just hang out. The drive from Fort Collins to Steamboat was beautiful. The Aspens are in their “changing color” mode and the views were a little extra special around Cameron Pass. Really hard to do it justice with the pictures.

Steamboat itself is an interesting place. After multi visits here over the years, you start to appreciate the “mountain towns” that were actually a thriving community before they became ski area destinations. There is a little more of a solid feel to them than just a tourist trap so to speak. It has the feel of a much bigger town in some respects but still, I think, maintains the small town atmosphere. By 8pm at night, most shops have closed up, except the bars. Which can be an inconvenience or depending on how you see it, refreshing. Even in summer it is a bustling place. Just the amount of traffic on highway 40 (Main Street in town) can be daunghting.

From the base of the ski area

From mid way up Mount Werner

Main Street in Steamboat looking East

Yampa River in Steamboat looking West

Well the Run Rabbit Run 100 went pretty well. We had great weather. A little hot at times, but clear skis for the start of the race. Not like last year with the smoke from surrounding wildfires. The Silver Creek fire did flare up again but luckily the winds were in the right direction to keep the smoke south of Steamboat this year for the 100 mile race.

Looking South from I-40/Hwy 14

From the bike trail in Steamboat

This year, the race for me ended at the 50 mile mark. I timed out. But even with this, it was a great race. This is only the second attempt for me of 100 miles. I timed out 2 years ago at the Leadville 100, again at the 50 mile mark. I learned a lot this weekend. Simple things like running through the woods in the night, staying warm after running 35 miles, what you can eat and not eat, and the proper utilization of drop bags. All of these things sound simple enough but when you are in the thick of things they can all add up to mean the difference from a “death march” type race, to one that is a lot more enjoyable. I have to say I felt pretty good after running the 50 miles. Sure I was sore but I did not feel like I needed the ER. Lol

Before picture!

After 50 miles and 18 hours of running!

I have now done the 50 mile distance 6 times in the last 5 years. 4 times for an actual race finish and twice while attempting 100s. I guess the 100 mile will have to wait another year. My wife Janet is always good to remind me that 50 miles is nothing to put down. As she has reminded me more than once. 50 miles is still 50 miles.

Looking down from Fish Creek Falls Trail during the run

Long Lake, second aid station on the run

This race is consider a “hard” 100 miler and I do believe that it lived up to its reputation. The added Fish Creek Falls Trail section was beautiful, especially the downhill section until the relization hits you that you have to turn around at the bottom and run/walk back up, add in alot of heat for the day and well… you get the picture. I believe I consumed about 10 liters of water for the day. During the night when the temps dropped into the 40s, the aid stations at Summit Lake and Billy’s Rabbit Hole were outstanding. Well organized and very helpful with a palpable energy from the volunteers. I can tell you they truly made a difference in my race. The “potato soup” at both stations was fantastic. All and all the race was what I expected it to be. A class act when you consider that it is all volunteers that are making this happen. I hope to be back next year.

Before I go I would like to give a big thank you to the Race Committee, and all the volunteers. Without you this type of event would not be possible. THANK YOU!!

And a reminder that without the support of the sponsors this event would not be possible. Thank you to: Altra, Honey Stinger, Black Diamond, IceSpike, Smartwool, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Tailwind, Ultimate Direction.

Well that is about it for me this week. Hope to see you out there on the trails!! Adios amigos!!

Art, Dogs, Exercise, Psychology, Run Rabbit Run

MUSINGS FOR SUNDAY 9th, SEPTEMBER 2018

September 9, 2018 teleskees Leave a comment

“Once you realize that the road is the goal and the that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy.” By Nisargadatta

“The goal is the road and the road is the goal.” – My understanding of Nisargadatta!

“The pessimist is not guaranteed a tomorrow. And, if tomorrow does come, the pessimist does not expect to feel better at the same point in the race…. indeed, it might feel even worse. So, the pessimist plugs on and accomplishes their goals today. And today is the only day that counts.” – Gary Cantrell

Well this week has been a better week. Compared to last week things are much better. Losing a furry family member was hard. Especially one like “dog-girl.” It is hard to put into words what she meant to Janet and I. I tried last week to do that with the blog post. Rereading that post this week, still does not seem like I did her justice. But not wanting to dwell on this issue in this weeks post I will move on. Of course, I cannot guarantee that it will not come up from time to time. Coming to grips with change (loss), any kind of change is hard.

Meeker and Longs from the West Side of Fort Collins

Tall Aspens off of Highway 14 in the Poudre Canyon

It has been nice running this week. Good to get out and clear my head after last week. The smoke from the wildfires in West has cleared somewhat and the running has been good. I am trying to get in as much trail running as I can before the Run Rabbit Run. Still shooting for that 100-mile distance. Not sure if I can do it but I plan to try.

I know the old Yoda Saying… “Do or do not, there is not try”. But I am still not that confident that I can do it. I really believe that I can get in a 50 miler this year but how much further can I get – can I do the whole 100? That is the thing that I want to see if I can do. I am anxious just thinking about it. Sooooo, to get myself to the starting line, I have told myself to look at it as “let’s just see how far you can get”, “run at your pace”, “enjoy the experience”, and “see where it will take you.”

Resident Deer on the Poudre River Trail in Fort Collins

I never thought of being “pessimistic” as a good thing. But when you see it in the light of the quote above by Gary Cantrell, it takes on a little different meaning. A little touch of “Pessimism” is really helpful in getting motivated to do things. Especially hard things. How many days have I just wanted to stay in bed because the day had something that might be consider tough to do? Way too many. The old saying “put it off tomorrow.” Just let it go. But the next day things actually might be worse. So, the idea is to buck it up and do it. Just like the Nike slogan of “Just Do It.” Get it done. I am still not very good at this but I hope that I am getting better.

Blooming Creosote Bushes in Fort Collins

On a different note, towards the end of August I finished a couple of new pieces of art work. I started to draw anatomical hearts after my son in-law suggested that my oldest daughter liked them. And he wanted me to do a few for her. So, I did. I might have to continue along this line for a while and see where it takes me. If you do a quick google search you will find all kinds of anatomical heart drawings and paintings.

Pen and ink – size is 11 x 14 inches

Pen and ink – size is 7 x 10 inches

Well I think that is about it for me this week. I will let you know how the Run Rabbit Run goes in the next post. Take care my friends, maybe I will see you out on the trails. Remember winter is coming and ski season is just around the corner!! Adios amigos!!

Dogs, Grieving, Life and Meaning

MUSINGS FOR SATURDAY 1st, SEPTEMBER 2018

September 1, 2018 teleskees 10 Comments

KNOWING

If I had known that on that day our time was near the end

I would have done things differently, my forever friend.

I would have stayed right next to you deep into the night

but I thought I’d see you in the early morning light.

And so, I said “Good night” to you as I walked in through the door

never thinking of the time when I’d see you no more.

But if I had known that on that day our time was at the end

I would have done things so differently, my forever friend.

Sally Evans (written for Shoo-Fly)

I usually start off a blog with this has been a good week. After all we really don’t have much control whether the week is good or bad. Just how we respond to it. But this week has been especially bad. We lost our best buddy for the last 12 years. Our beloved white German Sheppard, Neige (French for snow) had to be put down on Tuesday. And I am telling you, that was hard. She had developed a condition known as Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. I guess in some ways it is similar to MS or ALS in humans. There is no cure for it. Since her diagnosis in May she had become a “housebound dog.” Prior to that point she had been taking her usual 5 to 6 mile walk several days each week. So, we had a little bit of time to realize and to come to grips with, the fact that the inevitable was coming.

But your never ready for that moment. Janet and I were not ready. How do you accept and express overwhelming grief when it comes? Neige was our forth Sheppard in the last 35 years. She was our touchstone. No mater what kind of day it had been, you could always depend on “dog-girl” being there to give unconditional love and affection. To say that she had become a part of the family was an understatement. Even when she became house bound, she was always there wagging her tail, happy to see you, giving you the thumbs up in “dog speak” when you got home.

A true snuggle hound at times.

A hiking buddy.

A skiing companion.

The listener.

Her passing has left a large gap in our lives. Right now, I am not sure if it will ever heal, and that is OK. She will always be a part of us.

I have heard that the emotional wounds that are the deepest, are reminders that you need to take a moment to slow down. To not be in a big hurry. To be mindful of what is going on around you. I find myself thinking back about all the “Neige Moments” that I would like to relive with a new appreciation. But I can’t… I can only go forward.

Good by Neigie, you were much, much more than a loyal and faithful companion. If I had known that our last time together was near. I would have done things so differently……

Damn this has been a tough week. I know things will get better. And I need to give myself time. Maybe a little more running on the trails this next week well help to lessen the grief. Take care my friends, slow down and savor the moments. Until next time, adios.

Struggling Protoplasm

Monthly Archives: September 2018