As a writer, inspiration strikes hardest when I’m running or hiking . . . hence the name of this blog. Ideas also occur when my mind drifts during monotonous tasks, but calling this blog “In the Shower” would be misleading and probably inappropriate.
Weird things happen on the trail. One time a dead prairie dog fell from the sky and landed with a thud just a few feet in front of me. I guess the natural thing to do when such a thing happens is to look up to see if it’s raining prairie dogs. There, circling above was a bald eagle wondering what to do about his lost breakfast. I backed away and sat down, wanting to see what was going to happen next. The eagle landed on a fencepost and we watched each other for a while. Finally, he cocked his head as if to say, “You want it? I’m not that hungry.” But I’d already had breakfast, so off I went.
On lucky days, I find exactly what I need on the trail. Once, when I was in a particularly sour mood, I came across five bluebirds sitting on a barbed wire fence. Tiny as chickadees, their vibrant blue forms shone like DayGlo paint against the sagebrush and yellow grass of November. I stopped mid-run to admire them, half wondering if some talking field mice would appear and together they would whip up a dress for Cinderella. Rationally, I know that birds migrate in the fall and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. But still, it felt like a sign. I left those birds feeling all zip-a-dee-doo-dah in my soul.
It’s hard to say what’s going to happen on this blog. I’ll write about things I like: books, music, nature, quirk, serendipity, and living in the West. I have a soft spot for relics from the past, which is why I love my husband. KIDDING, Darrick! My two wild children might spark a post or two. And I’ll definitely write about writing! Thanks for stopping by!
Beth Christopher 
Thank you for starting to blog! I have had tremendeous joy – and professional success and help – from blogging since 2003, when I started my first attempts at it. You’re in my RSS feed from now on!
Thanks, Andy! I’m subscribing to your blog, too. Now I just have to learn Swedish so I can understand it. 😉
Beth: I too get my head and heart filled on the trail. Hiking is one of my favorite activities. Then I try to spill all the inspiration out in writing. And lots of strange stuff has occurred on my hikes too. But no prairie dog rain. I look forward to further posts. Eugene
I am entertained already…happy trails…! 🙂
Jeannie
This is going to add a smile to my day each time I can tell already 🙂 I am proud of you!
Paula
Hooray! I get to read Beth Christopher on a regular basis! Thanks for starting this blog, my friend. Excited to read more about your journey.
love your sense of humor – your post made me laugh out loud! Can’t wait to read more 🙂
Congrats on the new blog, Beth! Looking forward to your posts — you already got me laughing on the first one. 😉
Now I know why you are an author. You drew me in from the first few sentences. Can’t wait to see your next post. Keep puttin your feet to the trail…….
Woohooo!!!! So happy to see you on here!! 🙂
Best of luck with the blog, Beth. I know Disappear is going to be a success; I’ll look forward to reading On the Trail in the future.
Wow, I so admire your passion for writing. Your Montana sayings have always made me laugh too! I am very excited to follow your blog (a first for me). Keep it up Beth.
Always good to find a unique voice in the blogging wilderness – which you certainly are!
Hey MM,
You are a fabulous writer…hopefully I will be able to follow your blog without ditching my life in Canada for those fabulous hiking trails in Boulder…
Love to you!
Beth:
I really enjoyed reading your first blog. My very good friend Sherrie forwarded this to me today. You now have another faithfull reader.
Mark