• insects

    Remembering….

    July 31, 2021
    Widow Skimmer Dragonfly (I think)

    It rained yesterday afternoon and through most of the night, with a soft gentle rain here. However there was major rain in the mountains in the burn areas from last years forest fires. Major flooding took place and a flood warning out for today. Interesting that 45 years ago today we had the Big Thompson Flood that took 144 lives. A 20 foot wall of water came down that canyon almost completely taking out Highway 34 between Loveland and Estes Park. I remember how it sounded like a war zone with helicopters constantly flying overhead. I know those who lost loved ones in that flood and have a sister who survived those waters.

    Data for those who want to know: Fujifilm X-T3 and XF 16-80mm f4.0

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  • clouds,  horizons,  John O'Donohue,  landscape,  quotes,  writing/reading

    A Prayer

    July 30, 2021

    “May I have the courage today
    To live the life that I would love,
    To postpone my dream no longer
    But do at last what I came here for
    And waste my heart on fear no more.”

    John O’Donohue

    This image was taken back in May. There is something about this tree that keeps me coming back to visit. Wonder if it’s the solitude this tree lives plus the courage to live the life it’s called to live. I also wonder how many of us have failed to live the life we would love.

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  • coffee life,  journal,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    A nap is on the schedule

    July 27, 2021

    Arrived a half hour before sunrise. No clouds to be seen but instead a dirty brown haze from the forest fires sits on the horizon. As I watch the bright orange globe break the horizon I realize we’ve not seen the high mountains in the west for several days now as they are shrouded in the haze. Hoping we will see them soon.

    My mind was active last night so it was a short night of sleep. I blame it on a caffeine and sugar intake about 2:00 pm and a mind that chased almost every thought with some commentary. A nap is on the schedule for today. 😁

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  • Black and White,  grass,  natural areas,  Plants

    Time in Nature

    July 26, 2021
    From a weekend walk at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    “Nature, too, supports our personal blossoming (if we have any quiet exposure to her) through her spontaneities, through her beauty, power, and mirroring, through her dazzling variety of species and habitats, and by way of the wind, Moon, Sun, stars, and galaxies.”

    Bill Plotkin

    It is a desire of mine to spend more time in nature. Hopefully, you already knew that. It is now obvious to me how deep these roots of solitude with and in nature have always been present. There is an awareness, also, that the more time I spend in the natural world, the more I desire to be there. My condo of bricks and sticks is not where I want to spend my life. It has provided a place of comfort but at a price. For many the house is all they need and want. Our culture stresses that. I’m not one of them. There is a desire to blossom. Have a great day and wonderful week!

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  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  haiku,  lifestyles,  writing/reading

    Tasted Perfect

    July 25, 2021

    simple recipe
    frothed milk and espresso
    gift of latte art

    ms

    With overcast and smokey skies this morning I headed to the Bean Cycle for a latte and journaling. My barista, Devan, made a very attractive mocha with her artistic touch. I like how she sprinkles chocolate powder about halfway through pouring the milk then finishes with her latte art. Again, I took this image with that old camera and I think the image turned out decent. But, the mocha tasted perfect. Happy Sunday!

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