Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. Last week I left Nederland Middle Senior High School after a basketball game and was greeted with a sky full of pink, purple and blue hues. I stopped and told my kids my look up at the beautiful sight. I am sure they tire of me saying that, but this time they were just as impressed as I was. My daughter said, “It looks like someone painted the sky.” Her description was spot on. It really did look like someone had painted the sky. 

In my rush to get home, get the kids fed and in bed so I can put a few more hours of work in, I almost ignored the painted sky. Instead we all paused, despite the cold, and took in its beauty. 

A couple weeks ago a herd of elk blocked the road to the elementary school near Mud Lake. I had no choice but to stop. The excitement of having over 30 elk cross the road in front of the car sure woke us all up in the morning. We slowly opened the windows so we could hear them. The kids made more noise telling each other to be quiet then the elk did as they slowly made their way into the woods.  

People come from all over the world to see the area we live in. They come to see the stunning mountain views and the aspens glowing in autumn. They come hoping to catch a glimpse of the wildlife and see snow in the summer. 

Do you notice the snowcapped mountains on your way to work? Are you ever a local leaf peeper enjoying the change of seasons in your own backyard? Do you ever drive toward Gold Hill and walk along the Switzerland Trail? 

The natural beauty around us begs for our attention. Look up, slow down, listen. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and your life in the mountains. 

(Originally published in the January 23, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)