Sunsets

Living in Idaho I have really come to love watching the sunset. My backyard is the perfect place to watch the sun set behind the western mountains. Luckily, in Mudlake the tallest things you see are either trees or stacks of hay, so nothing really blocks your view. The mountains always add interesting colors to the whole scene. Through late spring snow can still be seen on the bold mountainous peaks. The ever changing weather often supplies clouds for the fading sunlight to paint such brilliant colors. I love how so many pictures can be taken of a sunset because of the way the clouds' colors change. Once in a while the moving clouds that are glowing pick remind me of the northern lights. Their patterns moving and the colors changing. If there is smoke from farmers burning or a forest fire aways off the valley is usually filled with it. No one likes the overpowering smell of the smoke, but it usually provides some brilliant orange sunsets. I'm glad that I live in a place where colorful,calming sunsets can be seen.

Sidewalk Chalk

Whenever I think of sidewalk chalk, many good memories come to mind. During early grade school a treasured piece of chalk usually allowed for several games of hopscotch at recess. The color never really mattered as long as it showed up on the ground, and there was plenty to make a long game. When chalk couldn't be found pieces of bark or even rocks sometimes were used to mark the lines. Nothing could quite compare to a colorful dusty piece of chalk . One of my favorite things to do with chalk is to draw. There is so many possibilities of what can be done. A little kid with a piece of chalk is like Van gogh with a paintbrush. They may not create the most amazing pieces of art, but they use their imagination which opens many doors and opportunities for them to be creative. I have learned that sidewalk chalk is not only for children, I have seen many adult chalk artists create masterpieces on sidewalks, walls or even buildings. I have seen pictures that actually look 3-D which are really amazing. Using chalk to draw pictures can be really entertaining. I know for me it is a great way to release my stress and help me be more creative.