• Cityscapes/Urban,  sunrises,  trees

    I knew that….

    Cold December morning Sunrise near my condo

    This image was taken this morning as I walked to the bus stop. It is a wet area along Spring Creek with cattails and tall grass.  It is located behind the Walgreens and some apartments. When I first moved here almost 20 years ago I would see foxes, raccoons, deer and lots of birds in this area but not any more. We have disturbed them enough that they’ve moved to other areas.

    I had my annual physical this morning. It was a year ago this month that I had my heart surgery and things seem to be fine. Doctor gave me a thumbs up on my blood work and my heart sounds good. His only suggestion for improvement was to lose some weight. The thing is I knew he was going to say that because he’s right. More walking and less sugars seems to be the suggested remedies. I knew that, too! I suppose that means no more chocolate eclairs. Sigh!

  • Art,  Art/Design,  Black and White,  lifestyles,  quotes,  shadows,  Woodcarving

    Casting Shadows

    One of my dad’s wood carving and morning shadows

    “So don’t be frightened, dear friend, if a sadness confronts you larger than any you have ever known, casting its shadow over all you do. You must think that something is happening within you, and remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why would you want to exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don’t know what work they are accomplishing within you?” – Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

  • Black and White,  clouds,  grass,  lake,  landscape,  Plants,  prairie,  quotes,  trees

    Beautiful Questions

    Cottonwood trees reflecting in a pond at Rocky Mountain Arsenal from 2011

    “The ability to ask beautiful questions, often in very unbeautiful moments, is one of the great disciplines of a human life. And a beautiful question starts to shape your identity as much by asking it as it does by having it answered.”

    David Whyte

    A few years ago I became less interested in answers and more interested in the questions. We already have too many people who have the answers. I’m grateful for the inquisitive minds in our world today, always looking for another question. Those questioning minds belong to the creatives, the prophets, researchers, the explorers, the seekers.

  • coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  Food,  lifestyles

    Was I insane?

    Nothing like a chocolate eclair to start the morning

    I felt the cold of the 18 degree December this morning as soon as I stepped out the door at 6:50 am. I questioned why I would leave my warm condo into this frigid temperature and walk to the bus stop, hoping the bus would be on time. Was I insane? No is my answer, because I knew that in a short while I would be walking into a favorite coffee shop and be greeted with a warm and inviting smile from one of the baristas. I knew I would be told “Good morning Monte. Do you want your usual?” Once I ordered and paid, I would then find a comfy place to journal, read or both and enjoy a warm mocha latte. However, on this particular morning, and because of the cold, I decided I wanted one these chocolate eclairs to go along with my mocha. No, I’m really not insane but living a simple life with things I enjoy. Yes, life is good. Stay warm wherever you are!

  • Food,  lifestyles

    Pizza Party

    Sylvia and her calzone

    My friend, Joan, invited me to a pizza party offered by her co-workers. Interesting idea because they have a brick wood fired oven on their back porch. They provided the pizza dough and cheese. All we needed was to provide the toppings. No anchovies!! So, we rolled these 7 inch size pizza, added your choice of sauce then laid on the toppings of your choice. The pizzas were ready in about 3-4 minutes. This is Sylvia who decided a calzone would be better. She claimed it was good although she did not share it with me. Have a great day!