Painted rocks are popular. I'm not talking about naturally artistic geological formations - I'm referring to rocks that have been painted by humans.

The thrill of finding a painted rock is hard to describe. Painting and leaving rocks for random strangers to discover is an act of kindness. Sharing anonymous art with the world is an act of selflessness.

I paint and leave rocks, always wondering if they give the receiver the same thrill of discovery as I have when I find painted rocks.

These mini works of art are painted by amateur artists. The goal is to spread happiness. If they are on private property, I admire them but leave them in place. If they're in a place of business, ask first before taking. Rocks in parks and on walking trails are there to be shared.

Painting rocks is inexpensive. A set of hobby paints, brushes, and sealer are all you need. You don't need skill. Painting on the uneven surfaces is difficult. Leaving little messages of hope, or silly images meant to make a person smile, can bring a smile to your own face. Here are some that I found on recent walks. 

This article tells about the Colorado Springs area rock painters.

My daughter is encouraging me in my attempt to resume running regularly. Last weekend she took me to a place I have seen a thousand times from the highway, but never explored on foot. 

Pulpit Rock is a pocket of rugged inside the city of Colorado Springs. Popular with hikers, I was curious to discover the appeal of this pile of rocks.

I didn't run much, as the trail was steep and rocky. The hike was wonderful. The weather is changing from an unusually lush, green season to a hot, dry, get-ready-for-fall phase. The vegetation was beginning to dry up. Still, there were flowers hanging on. 

This weekend we ran with the Women's FIT Team on a paved walking trail. I did actually run a bit.

The last year and a half have been challenging for everyone, and knocked many of us off our routines. I hope you are regaining your balance, and reconnecting to what you love.

Earlier this month, my husband and I enjoyed a rare camping trip with our adult children and their families. We met up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Even my grand-cats Yakumo and Tenma came along. We did all the silly tourist stuff like the Cosmos Mystery Area, Wall Drug, and Storybook Island.

I was born in Sioux Falls, so I had already experienced most of the amazing scenery and national treasures contained in western South Dakota. One of my favorite moments was leaving the crowded main street of Keystone and taking the self-guided walking tour.

Revisiting Mount Rushmore was particularly inspiring. My husband and I enjoy historical biographies, and had read books recently that covered all four presidents carved on the mountain. The program before the lighting of the monument was thoughtful, and included honoring all veterans in the audience.

Our visit to Crazy Horse began with a film on the history of the continuing project. Without seeing the film, the rest of our visit wouldn't have had the same meaning.

We tackled too much in too few days, rushing through some experiences that deserved more time. We all agreed that the Black Hills deserves a return trip.

Even with all the touristy bustling about, I still had moments to catch my breath and reflect. This is an amazing country we inherited from our predecessors. I'm inspired to learn more about the great men and women of the American past.

I recently completed a cozy mystery for the new Annie's Museum Mysteries series. My novel will be number three in the series, and has a pirate theme. 

Since beginning to write the novel, I have seen pirates everywhere. On Pirate's Booty snacks. On International Talk Like a Pirate Day T-shirts. Hiding in a corner at Hillside Gardens in Colorado Springs. Even in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

We went to Storybook Island in Rapid City with our daughters and their families. Yes, there was a pirate ship. We took turns at the wheel.

Storybook Island has exhibits based on childhood favorites like Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann and Andy, the Three Little Pigs, the Wizard of Oz, and on and on.

I'll admit, the Peter Pan pirate ship was my favorite.

While completing a novel is a welcome closure, I was a little sad to reach The End on this one. I'll let you know when the series becomes available.

I wasn't going to make more jam. Seriously, I thought I'd sworn off canning. But when the fruit is free...

One Sunday, a friend noticed the wild currant bushes on our ranch had produced a crop of berries. They were a bit sparse, but there were several bushes. We picked a hat-full. 

I brought them home, and thought about how to use them. This same friend had gifted me with a bag of frozen clove currants from her garden. 

I still didn't have quite enough currants, so I threw in a cup of frozen cranberries.

I pulled out the canning recipe book, and got to work.

​Photos, from currant bush to finished product.

Last year, the annual summer  Shakespeare-in-the-Park was cancelled due to COVID-19. This year, with uncertainty about the possibility of an in-person event, the UCCS Theatreworks tried something new. And yet as old as entertainment from ages past.

Theater in-the-round, and outdoors. A Midsummer Night's Dream has been performed in multiple venues. There are still a few shows left! We caught the performance in the park behind our local library.

Quite a crowd showed up, some with umbrellas for shade. The actors tolerated the heat well, and gave a lively performance. We were all grateful when clouds provided some relief from the afternoon sun. 

Although Theatreworks may move back into the large tent and folding chairs next summer, I think I might prefer this casual arrangement. Kudos to the troupe for bringing entertainment to the masses. It was a wonderful experience.

The days are now getting shorter, but the weather is warmer. I'm not sure how that works. I'm enjoying being outside at night without being dressed for an arctic expedition.

For over a decade and a half, we have been fixing up our outdoor living space. That included replacing our deck after I put a foot through a rotted step. 

This summer, we've reached a moment in time where our deck, flower beds, and the patio under the deck, have achieved a pinnacle of beauty and utility. 

I'm trying to make the most of it, because Colorado's summer season is short.

This weekend, we're going to a free play in a local park. Theatreworks is presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's an afternoon performance, but I expect to spend evening time on our deck afterwards, discussing the highlights of the play.

I hope wherever you live, you are able to enjoy free, or inexpensive, local entertainment this summer.

Working a full-time day job and writing fiction in my off hours presents challenges. The main one is getting stuck on a hamster wheel of activity. My attitude was going sour earlier this month as summer began, and I felt trapped in routine.

My husband came to the rescue with his suggestion we attend a local concert. I was not interested. Too tired. Not in the mood to be around a crowd. He persisted.

We went to Hillside Gardens to see the B. J. Estares and Route 61 blues band. 

First, the garden setting meant you could find elbow room in the audience. Second, the roses were in bloom. Third, the band was great.

If you're feeling stuck, check out your community's summer activities. Arts & crafts fairs, concerts in parks, open air plays, and other events may be on the calendar.

​Hillside Gardens summer concert schedule. 

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While I don't condone defacing public property, this was pretty clever.

You just don't know what you'll run across on the trails.