One of my favorite destinations in neighboring Teller County had been beckoning for several months until I could wait no longer. Arriving at Manitou Lake at 7 AM on a weekday in early June, I shared the parking lot with only a few other early risers, most of them here to fish.
My goal was to get away for the day, to this marvelous setting, where Pikes Peak’s north face looms large, to allow my soul to “dangle its legs,” in accordance with the lovely German saying “die Seele baumeln lassen.” After an extended stroll around the lake and the adjoining woods, both replete with animal encounters, I searched for a solitary spot where I could read and write.
As the sun moved across the sky, so did I across the earth. Different picnic tables served me for a while, as did a soft spot on the ground covered with pine needles, next to a flat slab of rock, which became my writing desk. Eventually I found my refuge at the far end of the recreation area, away from the growing crowds which included not only anglers, but also kayakers, and a large group of people who preferred to listen to music, instead of the birds and the wind in the tree branches.
Canopied by Ponderosa Pines that were bearing their sexual organs without shame, and pollinated by a yellow powder each time a breeze breathed on their boughs, I listened to the whistling of Red-winged Blackbirds, the humming of myriad insects, and the buzzing of hummingbirds, while the man-made noises receded into the background.
On a bench in the shade of the venerable pines that provided respite from heat unseasonable and folks unreasonable, I was able to let my actual and proverbial legs dangle.
What a lovely place to feed one’s soul.
Shame about the music and noisy folk who don’t know to be silent in the quiet of the natural world.
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In some situations I wish I could say something to make people think, but based on previous experience, most people are not open to criticism, even if it tries to be constructive.
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I agree, Tanja. There’s just something special about being in the Moment and listening to the wind and sounds of nature. Pure magic.
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Exactly. This was also in my mind: what a lovely place! And what a nice saying: “dangle its legs” I like it 😉 Warm regards Ulrike
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The image of my soul dangling its legs was very appealing, Ulrike. 😊
Best wishes,
Tanja
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Thanks for all the beauty you see and share ❤️
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Thank you, Dwight, for enjoying it with me. 😊
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What a beautiful place, and I will never understand why people leave their cities to enjoy nature and then bring their noises with them ! Why not just enjoy the stillness and the peace that surrounds them!
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Exactly my thoughts, Christa. At times all I can do is shake my head and walk away!
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Wonderful … a wonderful place to be!
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Thank you! 😊
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Tanja – Once again, you have such beautiful photos of the place and the animals. I was particularly drawn to the family of ducks and geese. What a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing it. -Jill
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Thank you, Jill. I think nature is so beautiful, and so therapeutic, and I am convinced that we are hard-wired to interact and benefit from it. Our modern lifestyle creates the illusion that we can do without it, but I think something gives.
I hope you are well.
Tanja
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I couldn’t agree with you more. There are two places where I feel the most at home and happy: creating art in my studio/space and hiking on the trail. Hope you have a wonderful day!
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Oh ja, ein Platz für die Seele, Tanja!
Danke fürs Teilen, Brigitte
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Danke fürs Lesen, liebe Brigitte, und fürs Mitfühlen.
Herzliche Grüße,
Tanja
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Hi Tanja. It really looks like a great place to be. I can imagine nothing better for the soul than nature. You have such a sharp eye for birds and other creatures in your surrounding! 🙂 The blackbird is so pretty. And the squirrel hehe – the squirrels here are red/orange but in Nepal where I am from they are more similar in color to the one from your photo.
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I agree that there is no better place than nature for the soul, Pooja. I think the squirrels in Poland are probably the same as in Germany, so I know those pretty reddish ones. They are just as cute! 🙂
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Beautiful!
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Thank you very much! 😊
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Wunderschön gesehen, wunderschön beschrieben, liebe Tanja. Ich habe gerne bei dir gelesen und bin mit dir eingetaucht in dieses idyllische Plätzchen! LG, Almuth
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Das freut mich sehr, liebe Almuth. Herzlichen Dank! 😊
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Do you know what species of bird is in the bottom right photo? It’s a good-looking creature.
Hi Tanja, and bye till next time.
I enjoyed this story.
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Thank you much, Neil. The bird is a Red-winged Blackbird. If you hover your mouse over the photo, the name should show up, at least that is the plan, and it does for me.
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I read the story originally on a PC. I’ll have to go back to see about the mouse thing. But I’m now looking at it on an iPhone. On the phone version the identifying words are fully on each photo.
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Glad to hear it. Thank you! 🙂
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Each time you post, you entice me to visit and maybe even move to Colorado one day! 🙂
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That makes me happy, Nirmala. Please let me once when the time comes, we will need to get together and I can show you around! 🙂
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That sounds nice! I’ll definitely let you know. 🙂
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What a beautiful spot for the soul to “dangle its legs”, Tanja. I love the expression!
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Hi Jolandi,
I agree on both counts. 😊
Best,
Tanja
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I just nominated you for the Sunshine Bloggers Award because you bring Sunshine into others’ lives with your blog posts!
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Teller County looks like a beautiful place. A good place for the soul to relax.
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I am glad you are sharing my impression, Otto. 🙂
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To allow my soul to “dangle its legs” – what a lovely saying! Wonderful post, Tanja, I can imagine you finding your spot to dangle! 🙂
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What a beautiful place (and beautiful photos!). I agree with everyone else that the expression ‘to allow my soul to “dangle its legs”’ is a wonderful saying! I think it perfectly describes the feeling. 🙂
-Emma
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Wonderful pictures and a great place to visit!
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Thank you, Diane. It really is!
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[…] Lake in neighboring Teller County (also the topic of several previous posts: Dr. Bell’s Retreat, Soul Time, and Serenity Lake). I enjoyed watching what appeared to be a family group comprised of 4 to 5 […]
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