• Candid Portraits,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits,  poems,  quotes,  snow

    Happy Valentines Day

    Light snow is falling while students wait for bus on a cold February morning

    “When it’s over, I want to say: all my life
    I was a bride married to amazement.
    I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.

    When it is over, I don’t want to wonder
    if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
    I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
    or full of argument.

    I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”
    Mary Oliver

  • lifestyles,  moon,  snow

    Walk to the bus stop

    Snow moon in the western sky

    Over the past three years I normally start my day by saying three prayers before I place my feet on the floor. Then, I make a trip to the bathroom, get dressed and head to my chair for quiet time. After at least 20 minutes of contemplative prayer and meditation I then like to read some reflection before ending with prayer. When ready I will grab my backpack, place my camera around my neck and make my way to the bus stop. My destination is one of several coffee shops, either on campus or off campus. This is my morning routine. This was yesterday’s snow moon on my walk to the bus stop.

  • landscape,  shadows,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Listening to the Voices

    Soft subtle shadows on undisturbed snow

    “One way God connects us to nature is through giving us the capacity to appreciate and be fascinated by its beauty. We find nature marked by such patterns as simplicity, harmony, balance, and a mysterious quality of vibrancy.” Tilden Edwards 

    I stopped in awe and took in the wonder of this tranquil scene yesterday morning after Friday’s snowfall. It was the shadows and the undisturbed snow that called to me. I like to think of it as an inaudible voice heard deep within me. I was a bit surprised to find this large of an area of undisturbed snow with no tracks and painted with soft long early morning shadows. As you may well know I am drawn to these scenes. I find a beauty and serenity that touches somewhere within me, especially when I find it in a busy city, or in this case a college campus. I’m not sure I set out searching for them as much as it seems they are presented, or gifted to me. However, I must be aware of the world around me, listening to the voice within and have my camera with me.

  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Finding the quiet

    A nice light fresh snowfall along the Poudre River and cold

    “Don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots are down there riotous.”

    Rumi

    Maybe 2 inches of snow fell yesterday. I made a drive north of town on Larimer County Road 19 and stopped at the North Shields Natural Ponds where I took this image of the Poudre River. I continued north and one more of the trees. It is snowing in the mountains and the reason you cannot see them in either image. It was clear blue skies a couple miles north of this image. As I returned to town so did the cloudy skies and snow. One reason I headed north was to find the quiet. And I did.

    A small group of trees along the Foothills
  • Candid Portraits,  Documentary/Street,  Humor,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits

    So, I took advantage of it!

    Student on their way to class using the Transfort bus system

    I’ve been using the bus system in Fort Collins for about 5 years now. Like most things it took a while to get use to it and learn how it all works. I’m happy with it and use it it at least 4 days a week. As a senior it only costs me $25 a year.

    I’m pleased to see the bus almost always has passengers which means it will continue to run. I say almost because last week I jumped on Bus 2 at 6:50 am and I was the only person on it. Just before we arrived the transit center I began to giggle because my crazy and sometimes insane mind had the thought that now would be good time to fart on the bus. So, I took advantage of it! After all no one would know. 🙂

    Snow is expected today 3-6 inches and as you can see is beginning to stick. Have a super Awesome day!

    Campus on my way home

  • landscape,  lifestyles,  sunrises

    Morning Sunrise

    Sunrise this morning on my way to the bus stop

    We still have snow on the ground and expecting more snow tonight and tomorrow. We are already seeing a few snowflakes falling as I post this. The sunrise was a beautiful red as I started out the door. It does not last long as this was only a minute or two later. Thinking about all of you on the east coast as it looks like nasty stuff your way.

  • bicycles,  Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  Transportation,  winter scenes

    It’s cold this morning here….

    Tis a bit cold this morning

    … but the good news is we’re suppose to reach a high of 23 degrees to day. After seeing this on my phone app, I bundled up and headed for the bus. There was no desire to scrape ice and snow off the windshield of my car and deal with traffic or parking. This storm brought us 4 inches of snow, making everything have that beautiful winter scene. But, dang the cold! Anyway….