I have written in varied formats, for varied audiences, for varied reasons. I can write in technical voices from academic echoes of grants and publications. I can write in teaching voices that, even on assignments and exams, might have amused and taught as well. I can write in flowy, descriptive voices, influenced by my grandparents’ subscription of National Geographic. I can get so deep in pondering voices, a stanger just has to stop and think, “huh!?” I can’t guarantee humorous voices, though I try (Sharon may call it ‘trying’).

In fond memory, I bring you back a few years. I have another blog, and I looked back to light upon some favorite photos and excerpts. Feel free to visit that blog at thoughtsalonglifetrails (wordpress.com)

I focused on just a couple of years in succession. This was a time that I found followers adventuring in Southeast Asia for months at a time, or others resident in Australia. On the other hand, I was rewarded one trail day, when two local women caught me on a familiar trail and recognized me, just right here, asking, “Are you the trail blogger guy?”

Up and down. Temperatures and winds are just playing with us here in the Ozarks this Sp-wint-sum-tumn.  Since a devastating deluge late in December, the atmosphere has been playing a teasing veiled dance.  Cold days with no wind.  Warm days with blow-me-over winds.  Cold, blustery days.  Aaah, but then we had a warm and pleasant day.  My wife joined me on two walks, while our daughter joined us on one.  (Feb 25 2016)

Not every trail leads into wilderness. This trail to the spring, some one hundred yards from the house, was probably a dependable, familiar and daily work of passion; a friendly and necessary relationship between wildlife and domestic needs must have existed. (Nov 2 2015)

My life trails have come through intersections and taken on and off ramps that may be similar to yours. At one point I had a moped, and adapted Joe Walsh’s lyrics to “My little moped does just 35 …” Life has gone on. Kids grew up, needing rides to everything from the doctor, to school, to dance and wherever our family passions were shared.  (Sept 14 2015)

What caught my attention this day? I heard rustling near the trail, indicating something was happening. Then I caught sight of this armored fellow looking for a meal under all the leaf litter. It was oblivious to my presence, however, failing to notice me and only narrowly focused on its task. (Aug 28 2015)

There are times when the trail has us moving forward. Our steps are steady and careful, because there is some need for us at the other end. Still, as I walk life’s trails, I have always been inspired by and lived kind of like Jeffy, the curious and exploring boy of Bil Keane’s Family Circus comics for decades.  (Aug 26 2015)

When you walk along roadways and trailways, you encounter – shall we say? – wildlife?  (Aug 20 2015)

I hope you like some of these “Thoughts Along Life Trails” that I shared from the past. Sharon and I will keep thinking of new memories we capture and present. I wonder how many of you can find peace and joy in little events and moments of encounter? I hope everyone.