Absorbed By Olympic Valley

"There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star." ~ Henry David Thoreau

It wouldn’t make much of a difference if the road were paved with yellow bricks. Olympic Valley has an allure, a seduction of the senses. It pulls you in like a Venus flytrap and all at once you're immersed in its splendor.

Shortcuts to Happiness

A walk through the Valley, or a hike through the mountains are just two shortcuts to happiness found in Olympic Valley.

A contagion of curiosity, you just can't help wondering what's past the next tree, the next waterfall, the next vista. It makes you want to walk or hike a little further, like turning the page of a great story.

Spring

The heavy snows of Winter bring forth their own melody in the form of rushing creeks and waterfalls of Spring.

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There's no cure for curiosity." ~ Dorothy Parker

Summer

Even the sky comes alive with its own enchanting reality, an evolving masterpiece morphing with the wind and light.

"Remember the feeling as a child when you woke up and morning smiled?

It's time you felt that again." ~ Taj Mahal, Take a Giant Step

“Curiosity is its own reason. Aren't you in awe when you contemplate the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure behind reality?” ~ Einstein

“The sun, the leaves, the shade, the warmth, are so alive that they lull the senses, calm the imagination. This is perfection. There is no need to portray, to preserve. It’s eternal, it overwhelms you, it’s complete.” ~ Anaïs Nin

Fall

The forest colors of Fall inspire with their own artistic expression. Fully immersed, you feel a sense of the ultimate, as if there's some form of cosmic and colorful fun at play and you're a lucky participant.

The Trees of Olympic Valley

It's hard to imagine these trees overlooking Olympic Valley were once just twigs. Their struggle, their suffering, their sickness and all their happiness and prosperity they've experienced through decades and centuries growing up in the harshest of conditions.

And yet here they stand, tall and proud, the attacks endured, resolute in this vast tranquility as if eternity lay before them in the Valley below.

"They are like lonely persons. Not like hermits who have stolen away out of some weakness, but like great, solitary men, like Beethoven and Nietzsche. In their highest boughs the world rustles, their roots rest in infinity; but they do not lose themselves there, they struggle with all the force of their lives for one thing only: to fulfill themselves according to their own laws, to build up their own form, to represent themselves. Nothing is holier, nothing is more exemplary than a beautiful, strong tree." ~ Hermann Hesse

Winter

Winter is a whole other animal.

"The power of nature is what all art strives to be. The more we can get in tune with the harmony of the planet, the more our art can benefit from the relationship." ~ Rick Rubin

Other Animals of Olympic Valley

High on the hill you may encounter a Black Wolf, as I did on June 17th, 2019 at 7:25pm. Where? Of all places, near the Red Wolf Lodge at Olympic Valley.

But more common are the bears making their way, opening car doors, front doors, and visiting grocery stores (like our local 7-Eleven), and other "private properties."

And coyotes, hunters of small mammals, insects, grass and berries found in the meadow in any weather condition.

And of course, the pets of Olympic Valley with their own swagger and wisdom.

"Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development," said Edgar Allen Poe,

"invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.”

Life is about sharing what makes you come alive with others...

For me, it's about sharing my view of our home and neighborhood here in Olympic Valley through visual storytelling.

The truth is, the awe of Nature is not just up here in Olympic Valley, although there's plenty of it. It can be found anywhere if you're open to the marvel around you. It doesn't need ink or a page to put it on. It doesn't need thoughts, photos, words or expression. What it does require is imagination and attention... and a love for wonder.

Never lose your childlike sense of marvel, of wonder. Question the familiar, the things you see every day - the ordinary stuff adults dismiss.

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Hello! I’m Michael Kennedy, Olympic Valley, CA resident. I’m a premium ghostwriter and photographer. Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed it, please share with others. I value your attention, it means a lot to me and it helps others see the story. If you're interested in any awe-inspired photos in this post, or in my gallery: click here, or just call or text at 530.608.9150. Let me know what size you want, and I'll send a quote. My email: michael.kennedy999@gmail.com.