To say the first time I saw George my heart skipped a beat would be an understatement….He had a smile that was very true to how he was feeling at that moment. No faking it. And of course if his smile lite up his face his eyes would sparkle like the stars on a dark clear night. A moment that relayed to me “That life does not get much better than this.” This never wavered in the 34 years I would be blessed to have him in my life. This photo was taken when he was courting me!! As time went by I would tease him he had not changed at all. He still dressed in cloths that made him feel comfortable . Only wore this hat when it rained. Still loved dogs and a good scotch at the end of the day. And he would still give me this smile that told me he was happy. This photo I treasure……
A Story From the Heart...George F Ainslie III
To write the story of some ones life I have learned is a journey in itself . For me my journey would take five years, four summers and three National Parks . Today as I began to sort through the many notes I had taken over these last five years I realized they were written from the heart. Not only my heart but from the hearts of many who knew him…I have grown to realize that to make our way through great loss and grief is very different for everyone. For myself I had made the decision after the loss of George to follow my profound grief where it may take me. Time has now taken me full circle back to our home and to the task of organizing heart felt words into a story. A story that I hope will tell of the life of a very special man. Special to me and many.
A Dream....The Cabin.....
The “CABIN” is a very special place to the Ainslie Family. It was a dream of a little boy sooo many years ago. A dream that never left the heart of this little boy as he grew into a man. As this young man became my soulmate and husband I would be able to witness first hand the long journey to making a dream come true. This happening still inspires me today! A joy I have is to share this special place with special people in my life.. Sandra I am so joyed you were able to experience this very special place. It was truly my pleasure !!!
The Arch...
My first time to travel through this famous Arch would be at the young age of 19..I could never have foreseen what a part of my life Yellowstone National Park would become. Over 25 years George and I would be involved in some amazing projects here in the park. Such and honor to know George’s work will be enjoyed for generations to come. I am so proud of him…
Focus...Toward a goal...
As this year (2019) is moving forward at what feels like a faster than normal pace I try and stay focused. Focused on the writing of a story that is ready to be put to paper. But I want to enjoy the journey that means so much to me… This message came along at the right time. And I love what it has given me… I’m right where I need to be…Onward….
Blank??
Today is one of those days when I don’t think 24 hours will be enough time to get done what I have planned.. And on top of all the errands and travel I have to Blog! Get use to it!!! I have found that my mind is blank..I never did work well when I put to much on my plate!! So todays Blog will be from the cuff. Sandra my friend from Alabama is flying into day. She has come to experience Winter here in Montana….Plans are a trip to Yellowstone, (where we met four summers ago) a horseback ride in the snow (no snow ) and a trip to the cabin. Together we have shared a lot of windshield time. I will say several times when I got in the riders seat with her behind the wheel this quote came to mind.!! Of course I’m positive she never felt this way with me behind the wheel !! I’ll ask her today as we begin another adventure.. She always makes me smile.
The Story...
The story would begin in August of 1957…Ending in September of 2013…So I thought. Over five years have passed since that September day. A day that would make me a very different person. Different in so may ways. So as I struggle and grow (these two go hand in hand) to put to paper this story I have realized the story of myself is part of his story too. Hand-in hand…
Two a Day...Day one (1)....
My son Kit has been an angel to help me set up a website .. Through this site I will be able to blog. Why blog you may be saying…? I have received such encouragement to write from those of you that followed my facebook postings over these last four years. So please feel free to follow me as I begin my journey to write a book . I can’t think of any one I would rather have with me on this next adventure than you all… George was the writer in our family. NOT me…I would witness him first hand accomplish so much… Such an example for me…So here I go with my best foot forward and my CAN DO IT attitude….And advice from Kit ..”Two posts a day a day Mom”…..Here comes “Day 1”…….
Test...
One..Two..Three..Testing
Sunrise ...
The Christmas holidays are officially over at our home. Today I make my way to the Billings airport to help Kit catch his plane back to California . This airport run is very different for me. Our son is now a college graduate . The door to his future is wide open and ready for him to step out. What advice do I give to him? Advice that will help him make his way in the world we live in today? A world so different than mine was at 23 years young..So exciting.. For me the morning is one of my favorite times of the day.. This AM as I watched the sun peak its way over the horizon I realized what I wanted him to leave here this day with.. May each morning gift to him the heart to feel the warmth and opportunity in a morning sunrise. And always surround himself with people that give this same heart felt light. Christian Kelly Ainslie go shine…. LOVE Mom…
January winter afternoon...
Montana’s big skies take our breath away in all her seasons. Batman and Marvel pause to look my way.
Each Day
Each morning I rise and welcome another day. The small things I have found bring me such joy !!!
Friends.. AG..
Time pulls a person forward …And the gift is those we meet along the way….
