A young girl and her enchanting companions explore the Colorado Rockies on a quest of a lifetime.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Thursday, January 25, 2007
THE CATS WHO'VE COME TO STAY
THE COMPLETE PRINT, COLOR VERSION OF
THE CATS WHO'VE COME TO STAY
IS NOW AVAILABLE AT
Thank you, and many happy journeys. Robyn Anne. I WOULD ENJOY YOUR COMMENTS AT rob.appsgirl@gmail.com.
The Cats Who've Come To Stay Chapter One
The Author's Preview of:
The Cats Who've Come To StayCopyright 2001©
Ode to the power of the Earth
Oh, to its rampant Glory.
Ode to the glow of the Gems of the Earth
As they catch and hold the Suns Beauty.
Hey Lea, Hey Loa In the Land of Gold
We find the Bright of Life In the glow of red, yellow and White.
Hey Lea, Hey Loa let the Aura of It be Great
That We might be Inspired to Find the Best of Our Being.
****
The cats who’ve come to stay have been quite a number.
Various visitors, in a herd of different colors, started when I was quite young. The visitation to me was not always clear as to their helping me or my helping them, but it seemed that both benefited.
The Cats Who’ve Come To Stay Chapter One
The first to come was a sleek black, well-defined young male when I was only 7 years of age. I met him while I was on the mountainside of the Rockies on a spring afternoon; picking wild flowers the small bluebells and the blue bachelor buttons were my favorites. I came especially that day to bury my treasures collected in my youth.
He sleekly walked to where I was sitting and came into view. As he approached the sun whisked off his shinny coat revealing the tips of silver from his head to his toes.
“I have been interested in watching you from the rock precipice that protrudes near the ridge of the mountain, up there,” he pointed. I’ve watched over you before and thought it was time to meet. My name is Shadow.” The Spirit of the Keanutes (pronounced as Kē-ăn-utes) whom had once inhabited the land had told him to come.
He was very curious what I was burying amidst the wild flowers that grew so tall. I told him, “I did not know how long I would be here and that I want to leave behind, in this land that I love the objects that I cherish most.” He felt interested as to what might take me from this land.
The first to come was a sleek black, well-defined young male when I was only 7 years of age. I met him while I was on the mountainside of the Rockies on a spring afternoon; picking wild flowers the small bluebells and the blue bachelor buttons were my favorites. I came especially that day to bury my treasures collected in my youth.
He sleekly walked to where I was sitting and came into view. As he approached the sun whisked off his shinny coat revealing the tips of silver from his head to his toes.
“I have been interested in watching you from the rock precipice that protrudes near the ridge of the mountain, up there,” he pointed. I’ve watched over you before and thought it was time to meet. My name is Shadow.” The Spirit of the Keanutes (pronounced as Kē-ăn-utes) whom had once inhabited the land had told him to come.
He was very curious what I was burying amidst the wild flowers that grew so tall. I told him, “I did not know how long I would be here and that I want to leave behind, in this land that I love the objects that I cherish most.” He felt interested as to what might take me from this land.
He could not find a way to ask. He said instead, “I and my ancestors have lived amidst the mountains for many generations--dating back to the time the Katz first befriended the Keanutes. I personally, am not acquainted with this strong force of life, once so prevalent in the mountains. It was my Great-Uncle Zeb that spoke of the experiences of the Katz and the Keanutes together over the many centuries.”
Shadow spoke with the ancient spirits, how exactly no one knows, but his great-uncle Zeb considered it to be powerful. Shadow continued, “The Katz and Keanutes had a strong connection with the mountains, and their love of them ran deep”.
The warmth of the sun and the dry smell of sage growing wild in the mountain meadows and the blue- blue sky with the white cumulus clouds above making forms to day-dream upon. These are the things I remember along with the lake, the long lake with the deep blue waters, and many an interesting cove for a secluded look at the lake, known today as Horsetooth Reservoir. You see it was the Keanutes that inhabited the land before the lake was formed.
Dams were built between the hogbacks of the mountains to hold the waters from the valley below. A total of three dams were built at the east of the large mountain river valley and one large dam at the north to close the exit of waters as they fed in from the river from that direction.
Shadow spoke with the ancient spirits, how exactly no one knows, but his great-uncle Zeb considered it to be powerful. Shadow continued, “The Katz and Keanutes had a strong connection with the mountains, and their love of them ran deep”.
The warmth of the sun and the dry smell of sage growing wild in the mountain meadows and the blue- blue sky with the white cumulus clouds above making forms to day-dream upon. These are the things I remember along with the lake, the long lake with the deep blue waters, and many an interesting cove for a secluded look at the lake, known today as Horsetooth Reservoir. You see it was the Keanutes that inhabited the land before the lake was formed.
Dams were built between the hogbacks of the mountains to hold the waters from the valley below. A total of three dams were built at the east of the large mountain river valley and one large dam at the north to close the exit of waters as they fed in from the river from that direction.
The Cats ... Continued
The Meeting Room
“You know Shadow the tallest part of the house in common, the spire can still be seen at the low waters of harvest season. They say the cart paths throughout the town can be seen when diving,” I stated simply.
Shadow wanted to share with me the wonderful mystery of the water covered community known as La Poudre, as he had heard it told to him.
He started by saying, “It was a delightful community built of all the natural surrounding materials such as wood, and stone, and clay. The largest structure, the community hablo had a huge potato shed, as wide as five carts that are drawn by a team of horses, side by side, hewn in the earth to keep and protect the potatoes from the cold of winter.” He continued, “Through a large door from the underground cavern one entered the adobe and immediately was aware of the smooth curved interior walls that had the most soothing appeal.”
“The main front entrance mirrored this entrance however, this entrance was sheltered from the high winter winds and drifting snow.” He paused, “I guess you’ve been here through the toughest winter storms?” “Yes,” I said, “last winter dad would have to light a fire under the oil pan of the car just to warm it enough for it to start.”
Interested, Shadow went on, “The receiving room for guests, a high vaulted area with an open hearth of a great fireplace greeted one as they entered. All foot coverings were left here. Entering a circular hall to the right, the ceiling lowered to created a special pathway around the perimeter of the structure. All meeting areas were within this passage, as one entered the gathering place for the Keanutes.”
“Who do you suppose used this room and what for?” I asked.
“The meeting room was for the entire community to use and for meetings of the council.
It was a huge oval with a high ceiling. The walls were lined with curved shelves, row upon row, opposite the hearth of the behemoth fireplace, opening to this room as well. Above the rows of curved shelves hugging the walls, windows of various color prism glass were above all the books up to the ceiling. The sunlight flowing into the room cast streams of pinks and greens, yellows and purples, and blues and bright white to the objects below." Shadow said knowingly.
Shadow wanted to share with me the wonderful mystery of the water covered community known as La Poudre, as he had heard it told to him.
He started by saying, “It was a delightful community built of all the natural surrounding materials such as wood, and stone, and clay. The largest structure, the community hablo had a huge potato shed, as wide as five carts that are drawn by a team of horses, side by side, hewn in the earth to keep and protect the potatoes from the cold of winter.” He continued, “Through a large door from the underground cavern one entered the adobe and immediately was aware of the smooth curved interior walls that had the most soothing appeal.”
“The main front entrance mirrored this entrance however, this entrance was sheltered from the high winter winds and drifting snow.” He paused, “I guess you’ve been here through the toughest winter storms?” “Yes,” I said, “last winter dad would have to light a fire under the oil pan of the car just to warm it enough for it to start.”
Interested, Shadow went on, “The receiving room for guests, a high vaulted area with an open hearth of a great fireplace greeted one as they entered. All foot coverings were left here. Entering a circular hall to the right, the ceiling lowered to created a special pathway around the perimeter of the structure. All meeting areas were within this passage, as one entered the gathering place for the Keanutes.”
“Who do you suppose used this room and what for?” I asked.
“The meeting room was for the entire community to use and for meetings of the council.
It was a huge oval with a high ceiling. The walls were lined with curved shelves, row upon row, opposite the hearth of the behemoth fireplace, opening to this room as well. Above the rows of curved shelves hugging the walls, windows of various color prism glass were above all the books up to the ceiling. The sunlight flowing into the room cast streams of pinks and greens, yellows and purples, and blues and bright white to the objects below." Shadow said knowingly.
more to come
The Cats .... Continued
A Towering Form
Shadow remarked, “Great planning for the community would take place here with the council. It held their reference works, and artifacts.”
“On these shelves could be found volumes of ancient wisdom from the elders and generations long past. The shelves also contained articles used by the ancients, such as handcrafted bowls and spoons and cups and garments to fit their large forms; and many rocks of different colors, shapes and powers were placed there for safekeeping. There are stories of the relative of the great Mammoth that once roamed here,” Shadow finished proudly.
It was apparent by the fossil impressions left in the sandstone cliffs that a great, large animal form was once here. Some of the community structures with large rock-lined lower levels were constructed on such sites.
Shadow emphasized, “The Keanutes towered over most other forms of life of their day, except for the Wooly beast. The Wooly beast was nearly the size of its cousin the great Mammoth. Its coat was one of the finest strains of wool to be found on any continent. These large beasts roamed freely and befriended the Keanutes. In many ways they helped the Keanutes to become the strong society that they were. On display, as well was the wool that was trimmed from their coats once a year. Dyed in a splendor of colors of blues and purples, gold and yellows and reds. Some strands of wool were kept in their natural color of ivory white, and spun and woven, along with the other colors, into beautiful garments, wall tapestries, and bed coverlets, all of a gorgeous texture”.
more to come
“On these shelves could be found volumes of ancient wisdom from the elders and generations long past. The shelves also contained articles used by the ancients, such as handcrafted bowls and spoons and cups and garments to fit their large forms; and many rocks of different colors, shapes and powers were placed there for safekeeping. There are stories of the relative of the great Mammoth that once roamed here,” Shadow finished proudly.
It was apparent by the fossil impressions left in the sandstone cliffs that a great, large animal form was once here. Some of the community structures with large rock-lined lower levels were constructed on such sites.
Shadow emphasized, “The Keanutes towered over most other forms of life of their day, except for the Wooly beast. The Wooly beast was nearly the size of its cousin the great Mammoth. Its coat was one of the finest strains of wool to be found on any continent. These large beasts roamed freely and befriended the Keanutes. In many ways they helped the Keanutes to become the strong society that they were. On display, as well was the wool that was trimmed from their coats once a year. Dyed in a splendor of colors of blues and purples, gold and yellows and reds. Some strands of wool were kept in their natural color of ivory white, and spun and woven, along with the other colors, into beautiful garments, wall tapestries, and bed coverlets, all of a gorgeous texture”.
more to come
The Cats ... Continued
Meeting The Ponies
The Keanutes, a strikingly handsome people with alert features were meticulously groomed. The Keanutes once could be found in other regions of the Rockies, far to the North and to the South, however this particular location was their greatest stronghold and community.” Shadow's telling of this story made it evident he knew his family’s history and the past days of the Keanutes quite well.
“Let’s walk to explore other of the many mountain valleys,” Shadow encouraged. We were at the South Bay end of the lake after leaving the mountainside to the East. This was a gently sloped region of water marsh and grass. As we rounded the Bay we headed northwest to the first cove. The mountainside rose to protect this cove from view. As we continued upward, I commented on Shadow’s agility, “It is a delight to behold. I’m doing my very best to keep up with you.” We had a fun time of follow the leader.
We climbed to meet with the old cart path that rounded the mountain to the inner slope of the cove. At this distance the water appeared azure blue and crystal clear. The spring runoff had just started and the lake was still two feet below its peak level.
I saw the cart path that crisscrossed the opposite mountainside, and wondered how long since it had been used. Shadow told me he was two years old and had not met the Keanutes himself. The mountainsides were green with grass and we could hear a meadowlark singing his trill atop an old fence post. Sunset was just peaking in the West and I told Shadow, “I must head back toward home at the South Bay. What direction do you live?” He followed in the same direction as I, “Not far from you my friend,” his sparkling dark silver-gray eyes acknowledged.
When we reached the foot of the mountain and rounded the curve we stopped at the roadway that led back to the cabin where I lived. “I’ll watch for you tomorrow, sleep snug,” was his goodbye.
It was so delightful having a new friend, and made the worries of being at home less frightful and the nightmares not so large.
The next day Shadow was watching for me, “I packed us a lunch so that we might travel farther and have a longer day of it.” Shadow never seemed to tire. We started out on the path as yesterday, and continued down the mountainside to the water's edge. We saw small fishes swimming up to the bubbles formed in the water from a small underground stream. “I wish we could swim with them, it would be fun.” But this time of year the water was too cold. They were having a time of it chasing the bubbles.
We followed the shoreline a ways and then turned to follow a path around the mountain into a large meadow. We saw cows grazing and two beautiful mares with their colts. The young ones were happy to be in the meadow on such a lovely spring day with the full sun upon them. They asked their moms, “Can we go and play with the two visitors?” Their coats were gleaming and they were smiling. As they neared they whinnied their greeting.
Shadow graciously introduced us and we could tell this would add to our wonderful day of adventure. Scout and Sosh had newly arrived, and said, “this is our first day in the meadow with our mothers.” Scout motioned to Shadow to hop-up for a comforting ride. We traveled through the meadow with Scout in the lead and with Shadow’s help as guide."
more to come soon
“Let’s walk to explore other of the many mountain valleys,” Shadow encouraged. We were at the South Bay end of the lake after leaving the mountainside to the East. This was a gently sloped region of water marsh and grass. As we rounded the Bay we headed northwest to the first cove. The mountainside rose to protect this cove from view. As we continued upward, I commented on Shadow’s agility, “It is a delight to behold. I’m doing my very best to keep up with you.” We had a fun time of follow the leader.
We climbed to meet with the old cart path that rounded the mountain to the inner slope of the cove. At this distance the water appeared azure blue and crystal clear. The spring runoff had just started and the lake was still two feet below its peak level.
I saw the cart path that crisscrossed the opposite mountainside, and wondered how long since it had been used. Shadow told me he was two years old and had not met the Keanutes himself. The mountainsides were green with grass and we could hear a meadowlark singing his trill atop an old fence post. Sunset was just peaking in the West and I told Shadow, “I must head back toward home at the South Bay. What direction do you live?” He followed in the same direction as I, “Not far from you my friend,” his sparkling dark silver-gray eyes acknowledged.
When we reached the foot of the mountain and rounded the curve we stopped at the roadway that led back to the cabin where I lived. “I’ll watch for you tomorrow, sleep snug,” was his goodbye.
It was so delightful having a new friend, and made the worries of being at home less frightful and the nightmares not so large.
The next day Shadow was watching for me, “I packed us a lunch so that we might travel farther and have a longer day of it.” Shadow never seemed to tire. We started out on the path as yesterday, and continued down the mountainside to the water's edge. We saw small fishes swimming up to the bubbles formed in the water from a small underground stream. “I wish we could swim with them, it would be fun.” But this time of year the water was too cold. They were having a time of it chasing the bubbles.
We followed the shoreline a ways and then turned to follow a path around the mountain into a large meadow. We saw cows grazing and two beautiful mares with their colts. The young ones were happy to be in the meadow on such a lovely spring day with the full sun upon them. They asked their moms, “Can we go and play with the two visitors?” Their coats were gleaming and they were smiling. As they neared they whinnied their greeting.
Shadow graciously introduced us and we could tell this would add to our wonderful day of adventure. Scout and Sosh had newly arrived, and said, “this is our first day in the meadow with our mothers.” Scout motioned to Shadow to hop-up for a comforting ride. We traveled through the meadow with Scout in the lead and with Shadow’s help as guide."
more to come soon
The Cats ... Continued
A Day Of Adventure
I said to little Sosh, “I’ll follow by your side.” They were amazed at the enormity of the moose meadow with the small stream meandering through it first here and then there. “We don't want to get too far out of site,” the ponies said, in unison. We were delighted to be in their presence.
As we headed North the Red Sandstone Cliffs rose layer by layer out of the mountainside, pushed up millions of years ago from beneath the surface of the earth.
We thought it would be an adventure to see the formations up close and search for fossils.
As we gradually climbed walking upon a layer of sandstone cliff, a deep narrow ravine appeared. As we neared we saw three great crevasses in the earth. “Gosh, the slashes drop four or five feet. Look, there’s another set just beyond that ridge.” Sure enough another set of deep claw marks in the earth. “Each set of depressions in the rock are at least three feet in length, and each set has a great talon slash at the end of that triangular shape in the center,” Shadow saw this well from above on Scout’s back. We walked on the ridge of ground left between the great imprints. “This is fascinating, what a find!” Scout said.
We stepped down into the fossilized print at the most shallow point of the single talon and walked towards the point of the long outstretched appendage. We were in awe of the varying densities of rock layers that were exposed in the depression.
As we headed North the Red Sandstone Cliffs rose layer by layer out of the mountainside, pushed up millions of years ago from beneath the surface of the earth.
We thought it would be an adventure to see the formations up close and search for fossils.
As we gradually climbed walking upon a layer of sandstone cliff, a deep narrow ravine appeared. As we neared we saw three great crevasses in the earth. “Gosh, the slashes drop four or five feet. Look, there’s another set just beyond that ridge.” Sure enough another set of deep claw marks in the earth. “Each set of depressions in the rock are at least three feet in length, and each set has a great talon slash at the end of that triangular shape in the center,” Shadow saw this well from above on Scout’s back. We walked on the ridge of ground left between the great imprints. “This is fascinating, what a find!” Scout said.
We stepped down into the fossilized print at the most shallow point of the single talon and walked towards the point of the long outstretched appendage. We were in awe of the varying densities of rock layers that were exposed in the depression.
"I hope you have
enjoyed this preview of The Cats Who've Come To Stay.
It is now published in its entirety, full with character color, available at http://www.amazon.com/"
Best Journeys, Robyn
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