My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
Thought I would post an image of clouds over the front range for those who like clouds. 🙂 We have had temperatures in the 90’s the past three days so it’s been hot out here. We have tow forest fires burning north and west of us. One is a controlled burn and the other is one set by lightening about three days ago and is not a major problem. I imagine those of you in Charlotte are not seeing these sort of clouds.
Surrender is a gift that you can give yourself. It’s an act of faith. It’s saying that even though I can’t see where this river is flowing, I trust it will take me in the right direction.”
“Surrender is the ultimate sign of strength and the foundation for a spiritual life. Surrendering affirms that we are no longer willing to live in pain. It expresses a deep desire to transcend our struggles and transform our negative emotions. It commands a life beyond our egos, beyond that part of ourselves that is continually reminding us that we are separate, different and alone. Surrendering allows us to return to our true nature and move effortlessly through the cosmic dance called life. It’s a powerful statement that proclaims the perfect order of the universe.
When you surrender your will, you are saying, “Even though things are not exactly how I’d like them to be, I will face my reality. I will look it directly in the eye and allow it to be here.” Surrender and serenity are synonymous; you can’t experience one without the other. So if it’s serenity you’re searching for, it’s close by. All you have to do is resign as General Manager of the Universe. Choose to trust that there is a greater plan for you and that if you surrender, it will be unfolded in time.
Yeah right! “Later” sometimes means never.
Before I left my home this morning I checked my calendar. Something inside me was telling me I was to meet someone but there was nothing in the calendar. So, I jumped on the bus, headed to campus and camped in a comfy chair in the Lory Student Center for some reading and writing. A little after 9:00 I received a message from Eric wanting to know if we were still meeting at 9:00. Dang it! It was another instance where I told myself over a week ago that I’d do it later but later turned into never. It really is true that life is about the process, never being prefect but hopefully learning from these experiences. Again, hoping all my friends on the east coast are safe!
This mornings coffee shop included a drive to Bindles on the east side of town as they have good mochas and an ambiance I enjoy. As I stepped out the door, the eastern sky was just coming alive with the few scattered clouds slowly turning a beautiful red. I felt an inner joy as I drove into that eastern sunrise. I watched the red fade to pink then a light shade of orange. By the time I arrived in the parking lot the sun was just beginning to rise. Once out of the car I grabbed my camera. The day was arriving. I smiled!
I know little about clouds but find enjoyment watching how they form and constantly transform. Some people see scenes in them, a person, an angel or an animal. I see them as a gift. I see them as art. I see them as mystery. I spend time with them. Sadly, some people simply never see them.
“The key to my competence comes not from my skills, but from my constant curiosity about life itself.”
Take Kayo
Tom will recognize this spot as we visited it while he and Kathy were in Colorado. As I’ve mentioned before I head east of town when the city noise begins to cloud my thinking. It seems that’s happening much more often, too. I took this yesterday afternoon.
I was disappointed. I stopped at two separate locations where I enjoy taking in the view and the silence. At my first stop someone had dumped a full size couch with two tires on it. They left it half on the road and half in the ditch. No respect! At the second location, where this image was taken, the owners have blocked the turnoff with a half dozen tires. Scattered around were empty booze bottles and trash. I can see why they want to block the turnout. Instead of coming out here to this place in nature and bringing back the peace and serenity it offers, they bring the chaos and disorder of the city and trash it. I can’t even come up with words to describe my disdain for this. My anger is not directed towards the people who trashed both locations but is directed towards our throw away culture. I’m going to need to work through this today. Enjoy the long weekend!