• clouds,  consumer,  flowers,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  prairie,  quotes

    I Relate

    June 21, 2020
    Salsify plant found in a local Natural Area

    “I am still a consumer; the consumer world was the world I emerged into, whose air I breathed for a very long time, and its assumptions still dominate my psyche—but maybe a little less each year….There are times when I can feel the spell breaking in my mind….There are times when I can almost feel myself simply being.”

    Bill McKibben

    I must confess consumerism has been a struggle most of my life. I easily fall prey to the  daily bombardment of marketing, always suggesting I purchase something I don’t need and can’t afford. There, also, has been a long history of buying today with tomorrow’s check. Mix these two together and we have trouble. For the past several years I buy only with money I already have and for things that are needed rather than wanted or enticed with. It’s taken a few years but I feel the spell is also breaking in my mind. So, I relate to his quote.

    Happy Father’s Day!

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  • clouds,  John O'Donohue,  landscape,  mountains,  natural areas,  quotes

    Time In Prayer

    June 20, 2020
    Morning reflection on a glass smooth Dixon Reservoir

    “It is no surprise that in our loss of connection with Nature, we have forgotten how to pray. We even believe that we do not need to pray.”

    John O’Donohue

    Joan and I met for a walk/talk session at Pineridge Natural Area this morning. We took the shorter route around the reservoir which is not quite 3 miles. They were predicting a beautiful day after yesterday’s overcast skies and rain, so a lot of people were out to enjoy it. After our walk we ate brunch on the patio of a new restaurant called the Chicken Coop, which serves American Mexican breakfast and lunches. We will need to go back and try other things on the menu and definitely include another walk.
    Time in nature is time in prayer.

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunsets,  trees

    Bring it on!

    June 19, 2020

    Late afternoon sun peeking through the trees

    “Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book.” Bill Watterson

    Awoke today with overcast skies and a light drizzle, the kind of rain a gardener would love. This image is from earlier in the week when we had a cloudless afternoon sky. It’s getting darker, an ominous feel, hearing a rumble of thunder every now and then so expect it to rain. I say bring it on! Think I’ll just sit on the covered porch and read.

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  • Avian,  landscape,  meadowlark,  natural areas,  prairie,  writing/reading

    Be Snake Awake

    June 18, 2020
    Meadowlark perched on a fence post

    Last week somewhere around this spot a white tail doe bounced through the field heading towards the trees in the background. This scene looks very different than last week because the hay was up to her back, guessing it was 3-4 feet tall. The hay has been cut, baled and most of it taken and stacked in some hay barn awaiting the coming winter. Something else different in this scene is one of “my” meadowlarks sitting on the fence post, singing a good morning song. Also enjoyed the sun’s rays shining through the clouds.

    Beware sign at the trailhead leading into Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    This sign is located at the beginning of the trailhead, giving a fair warning. I have a friend who runs some of the trails along the foothills and says they have been seeing more snakes as we get closer to July and things warm up. These signs are important for those who are not familiar to the area and it’s dangers and a reminder to those who forget. I have only seen a couple of them over the past 20 years while exploring the trails. It’s a good idea to make a little noise just so they will scurry away.

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  • poems,  writing/reading

    Congratulations

    June 15, 2020

    A new book on poetry

    Back in February I shot some phots for my friend Beth as she needed them for her upcoming book of poetry titled catchments and for the website of the publishing company. This past week she sent me a copy of her book. It is a beautifully laid out book and I love  her poems. It is true that writers to put something of themselves in their words. Congratulations, my friend!

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