"Further Mystery & Magic Of Mixing In..."

The higher and farther we go, the further we seek it seems, within our wanderings and the fun of our adventures. As have I too these last long seasons, and especially within the mystery & magic of 'mixing in'... I've written briefly about this before as it has become a wonderful part of the gathering, then particularly the painting, and finally in the sharing of these little gifts I call Summit Stones.

Many elements have called to me within these last long seasons, among so many wild places, wandering solo and with others out there. I have journeyed so much further and higher along these adventurous paths than ever before in search of certain kinds of selected stones and elements to 'mix in' with them.

There were deep canyons where I collected the seeping moisture of desert tears and sand crystals never likely touched before.

Out among a few secluded valleys too where at the ends of these, I discovered very old rock fire rings, and the remnants of weathered charcoal under those stones there.

I sought these elements upon one of the most elusive summits I've yet shared in, where that unique powder of rocks can be found hiding among the crevices up there.

I gathered other elements as well near such distant coastal islands, whose grains of sand and shells are so rare, and whose ash from fires there is so welcoming and warm.

There was also the elemental waters from snow fields, some glaciers too, from last years sun and wind dried alpine flowers, and the aged old pine needles and leaves found near our northern lakes.

Then when ridge walking, as I so love to do, I found that distinct high point of stone, with markings upon it that could only be from multiple lightning strikes, and the scrapings of this I was able to gather up as well...

Now, here, I sit quietly, with the window open slightly, listening to the soft music of snow gently falling. In front of me are quite a number of small Nalgene containers. Each has one of these gathered up elements within it. I know every one well, for the precious gifts they are, from such far away wondrous wild places. I will spend endless hours this winter, learning and practicing how to mix these in with the paints utilized on these Summit Stones - the techniques, the swirling in, the composition, and how this then will dry, all intrigues me greatly. Some selected stones absorb them well, while others need to be coaxed along.

Particles of each element, maybe the tiniest drop of moisture too, may be ground up or simply will be mixed in with the images of mountains, the alpenglow and fires, the flowers and trees, and the sun, moon, and waters that become part of the face of these painted cobblestones.

I so hope this then all blends together to further reflect the mystery we all sense from out there, those energies which resonate and emanate for each of us, and that which supports our intentions and feelings within our adventures. All of which may 'mix in' to call us further, farther, onward, upward, and inward...

Many seasons of gathering, so many hours of mixing in and painting, then sharing with my Friends & Partners In Placing, all blending now together during this wonderful sharing season as gifts for you Dear Finders.

Enjoy the wonder, mystery, and magic of it all.....

DSD

Mixing In Link: http://summitstonesadventuremusings.blogspot.com/2010/01/mixing-in.html

Partners In Placing Link: http://summitstonesadventuremusings.blogspot.com/2009/10/partners-in-placing-summit-stones.html