![\"image\"](\"https:\/\/fromabirdseyeview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image-3-185x300.jpeg\")
<\/a>Turning leaves in Sun Valley<\/p><\/div>\n
Fall <\/strong>is my favorite season. \u00a0After all, it’s the time of year when you can get a Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Starbucks<\/strong> and Costco<\/strong> offers their manhole-sized pumpkin pies. \u00a0This year Dairy Queen<\/strong> in entering the fray by offering a dessert consisting of vanilla ice cream, bits of pumpkin pie, topped with nutmeg and whipped cream. \u00a0No wonder I gain weight every October. \u00a0I come by my love of fall naturally – 20 years ago I had my colors analyzed and it was determined I’m a “Autumn”<\/strong>, meaning I look best in the colors found this season. \u00a0But mostly I love this time of year because this is when we make our annual trek up to Sun Valley, Idaho<\/strong> where the air is fresh and the leaves are turning. \u00a0And, not by coincidence, the kids are back in school so it is also quiet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Redfish Lake<\/p><\/div>\n There is something very peaceful about being in the mountains. \u00a0I’ve read some recent articles about how people who reside in the mountains live longer<\/strong>. \u00a0The research indicates that it’s because of cleaner air, more outdoor activity, and increased aerobic function due to the altitude. \u00a0I don’t know about all that – I suppose if the researchers say it then it must be true. \u00a0But this week as we drove up to Redfish Lake<\/strong>, near Stanley, Idaho<\/strong>, I thought back to a study that I read years ago. \u00a0I have searched the internet to find it again but it’s probably too old even for Google’s capabilities. \u00a0The essence of the thesis was this: people who reside in the mountains live longer because they see themselves in perspective<\/strong>. \u00a0It went on to theorize that it is hard to take our human problems and even our very existence too seriously when staring at the magnificence of high-peaked mountains. \u00a0In other words, when we view ourselves in relation to nature we gain a greater realization that we are only a small cog in a much larger scheme.<\/p>\n Snow in September<\/p><\/div>\n That feeling has certainly been forefront in our trip this year. \u00a0We have marveled at the vibrant colors of leaves turning and the first dusting of snow on top of Mount Baldy<\/strong>. \u00a0When we are outdoors experiencing this magical place, it seems as if all is right with the world. \u00a0When we drove home from Redfish Lake<\/strong> the other day, with no satellite radio and no cell service, we had only the glorious scenery, the Salmon River<\/strong> and some antelope to occupy our thoughts. \u00a0We were both filled with an overwhelming feeling of peace. \u00a0But then, as we returned to “civilization” reality crashed down on us. \u00a0A basket full of deplorable candidates for President, racial strife across the country and more terrorist attacks. \u00a0I certainly don’t have the first clue as to what the cure is for our collective problems. \u00a0All I do know is that \u00a0John Denver<\/strong> had it right when he wrote the following lyrics:<\/p>\n “Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams<\/em> We’ll be leaving Sun Valley<\/strong> this week and I will miss this beautiful place more than ever. \u00a0Am I escaping reality here? \u00a0Probably. \u00a0I am just sorry that the whole world cannot feel the peacefulness of the mountains. \u00a0God knows we need it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Suzanne Sparrow Watson Fall is my favorite season. \u00a0After all, it’s the time of year when you can get a Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Starbucks and Costco offers their manhole-sized pumpkin pies. \u00a0This year Dairy Queen in entering the … read more![\"Redfish](\"https:\/\/fromabirdseyeview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image-5-300x153.jpeg\")
<\/a>![\"Snow](\"https:\/\/fromabirdseyeview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/image-4-300x233.jpeg\")
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\n Seeking grace in every step he takes<\/em>
\n His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand<\/em>
\n The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake”<\/em><\/p>\n