• architecture

    New Ball Room

    Back in June I put down money for new vinyl flooring in my condo. I used one of the big box do-it-yourself stores who use a contracted installation company out of Denver. I first needed to have testing done for asbestos in the linoleum and mold in the walls. Mold tested positive so mitigation began, slowly, very slowly. Without having insurance or HOA that would cover mitigation, companies seemed to shun away. I had to go through three companies to get one who would respond and execute. Then before mitigation started my mother went into hospice so things went on hold until that part of life was dealt with.

    I had to reschedule the floor installation twice which I believe frustrated the installation company. There were many things that delayed this project, some were my issues, some were theirs and some just life itself. I stayed calm until the installers arrived on Monday November 29th and within 15 minutes told me they could not install the vinyl because the floor was not level. They gave me no alternatives and left me living without carpet or linoleum. I had no toilet as it was removed on the 28th for their installation. I canceled the order. Later I discovered they have some very poor review scores.

    I then looked for a local company that would meet my needs. I called and left a message with one that has been in business since 2006 and good reviews. I had a return call in 4 hours. They came over the next day, took measurements and delivered a quote in my email within 2 hours. Price was higher but included leveling of the floor, which they do, otherwise they were almost the same. Two days later I went to their office picked the vinyl and carpet. If there are no hiccups they will level the floor on Monday the 20th, install LVP on 21st – 22nd and carpet on the 23rd of December. So, maybe I’ll have a new Ball Room by Christmas.

  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  natural areas,  quotes

    A Lover of Nature

    The Native Americans, whose wisdom Thoreau admired, regarded the Earth itself as a sacred source of energy. To stretch out on it brought repose, to sit on the ground ensured greater wisdom in councils, to walk in contact with its gravity gave strength and endurance. The Earth was an inexhaustible well of strength: because it was the original Mother, the feeder, but also because it enclosed in its bosom all the dead ancestors. It was the element in which transmission took place. Thus, instead of stretching their hands skyward to implore the mercy of celestial divinities, American Indians preferred to walk barefoot on the Earth: The Lakota was a true Naturist – a lover of Nature. 

    Frédéric Gros

    As winter approaches and the temperatures become colder, I spend less time in nature. It seems now that on dark predawn mornings warm blankets are a womb I reluctantly want to leave. Maybe it’s old age. Maybe it’s poor circulation. Maybe it’s attitude. Sometimes I tell myself it’s time for someone else to brave a cold morning with camera and tripod in nature. But, I know that my spiritual life includes time in nature so I will still brave those cold mornings and evenings for those divine moments with Mother Earth. I will walk in contact with her and walk in prayer!

  • Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits,  quotes

    I’m okay with that…

    Ice skating in Old Town

    “To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds.”

    William James

    Even at my age and with the knowledge that fears are mostly bogeymen, they still creep in. Some fears seem quite easy to overcome and face while others can paralyze me. I like how James suggests that we be willing to change our belief system. Seems to be a lifelong process of willingness and I’m okay with that.

  • landscape,  Plants,  quotes,  seasons,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes,  writing/reading

    Learning to Be a Listener

    A gentle snow storm at Arapaho Bend Natural Area in 2014

    Generous listening is powered by curiosity, a virtue we can invite and nurture in ourselves to render it instinctive. It involves a kind of vulnerability – a willingness to be surprised, to let go of assumptions and take in ambiguity. The listener wants to understand the humanity behind the words of the other, and patiently summons one’s own best self and one’s own best words and questions.

    Krista Tippett, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living

    Over the years I’ve discovered how poorly I listen. Some of the discovery is from encountering people who are poor listeners, enabling me to see the reflection of myself in them. Becoming a better listener allows me to be the student rather than thinking I need to mansplain it. I agree with Krista that listening is a virtue we can invite and nurture and overtime becomes instinctual. It seems to me listening is the very foundation to any healthy relationship with another human and all of creation. With that in mind, my curiosity begs to ask the question, what do we learn when listening to the silence of a winter snowfall?

  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  Plants,  quotes,  shadows,  trees

    Awareness of Shadows

    How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also If I am to be whole.

    Carl Gustav Jung

    Jung believed that our shadow describes those aspects of our personality that we choose to reject and repress. After many years of reflecting back on my own experiences in life I am able to see where I hid from my dark side. Jung also says, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” This awareness has helped me in many areas of my life, mainly in relationships.

    I’ve also become aware of the value shadows bring to my photography. Some of my favorite images are because of the interplay of shadows and light within them.

  • poems,  poetry

    To Pray

    Predawn along Peralta Trail just east of Gold Canyon, Arizona, April 2014

    To pray you open your whole self
    To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon
    To one whole voice that is you
    And know there is more
    That you can’t see, can’t hear
    Can’t know except in moments
    Steadily growing, and in languages
    That aren’t always sound but other
    Circles of motion.
    Like eagle that Sunday morning
    Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky
    In wind, swept our hearts clean
    With sacred wings.
    We see you, see ourselves and know
    That we must take the utmost care
    And kindness in all things.
    Breathe in, knowing we are made of
    All this, and breathe, knowing
    We are truly blessed because we
    Were born, and die soon within a
    True circle of motion,
    Like eagle rounding out the morning
    Inside us.
    We pray that it will be done
    In beauty.
    In beauty.

    Joy Harjo

    If you’re interested you can listen to Joy Harjo recite the Eagle Poem here.

  • frost,  landscape,  leaves,  Plants,  quotes

    Unlock the Artist

    At the heart of all photography is an urge to express our deepest personal feelings – to reveal our inner, hidden selves, to unlock the artist. Those of us who become photographers are never satisfied with just looking at someone else’s expression of something that is dear to us. We must produce our own images, instead of buying postcards and photo books. We seek to make our own statements of individuality.

    Galen Rowell
  • Humor,  People/Portraits,  Portraits

    Tired of my landscapes?

    Seven years ago I attended a workshop in Denver on portraiture. This lovely woman was one of the two models we were able to work with. Technically I like the outcome of this image but her expression, that smile, glancing look, is what makes this image work for me. And, she’s beautiful! Anyway, I decided to post this image because I don’t want anyone thinking I only shoot distant horizons of sunrises and sunsets, or latte art or fountain pens and journals. 😂

  • John O'Donohue,  landscape,  quotes,  sunrises

    Understanding

    Sunrise on Weld County Rd. 15

    “Love allows understanding to dawn, and understanding is precious. Where you are understood, you are at home. Understanding nourishes belonging. When you really feel understood, you feel free to release yourself into the trust and shelter of the other person’s soul.”

    John O’Donohue

    When I first read this quote my mind pictured myself in relationship with another person. But, after reading it several times I believe that it also can be in the relationship we have with ourselves. It seems to me when we have a healthy love for ourselves we also will have a better understanding of ourselves. Actually all of creation. ❤️