My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
I’ve come to believe if our seeing does not expand then we stunt our growth mentally and spiritually. Photography has helped me see the beauty in the world of nature’s landscapes with the eyes of a photographer. While self-reflection along with prayer and meditation have helped me see the beauty of our inner landscape with the eye of my heart. I also believe in the statement we never see more than we are willing to see. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
bright light of sun
ms
spread across the open field
cloudless blue sky
warm rays of sun
spread across the open field
insects everywhere
Rant Warning: Seems 95% of the drivers in Fort Collins, and maybe the whole state, drive over the speed limit. The other 5% are behind me and they’re pissed. 😁
I have a favorite place to park along Weld County Road 15 that is the entrance to a farmers field. They have no gate but I pull up, turn my car off and watch and listen. I find several meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds in this area. The other night I was blessed with several robins who wanted to flaunt and sing for me.
“In my experience, if you are not radically grateful every day, resentment always takes over.”
Richard Rohr
As the sun rose above the clouds on the eastern horizon and the world around me became more visible, I could see how abundantly filled the air was with flying insects because they were backlit in the light. No wonder the birds were so happily singing. I was again in awe and wonder at the mystery before me! I have a grateful heart!
I ventured into a new coffee shop, well it’s one I’ve never been to before. From the outside it had the look of being expensive and it is. I paid almost a dollar more for the same coffee fix than at my other java shops. However, I must say the mocha latte was excellent. The decor and ambiance were wonderful and music did not blast me out. So I will return but probably not as a regular.
What I wanted to share with you was the coffee mugs they used. They market them as a designer reusable coffee cup made for cafes, home users & on-the-go coffee drinkers. The website says they are made from a unique eco-composite polymer and features coffee bean husks, which is a thin layer that surrounds the coffee seed or bean. The primary polymer they use is a plastic called Polypropylene. I was impressed with how it looks, feels in my hand and it’s as light as feather. They are called HuskeeCup. Not going to buy one but…
I pulled into the parking area right at 5:00 am. Sun would not rise for another 20-30 minutes. No one else there but the song birds, a couple pelicans, and a few ducks. A warm light breeze blew from the southwest. Nary a cloud in the sky. I felt the presence of creation around and within me. These early mornings excite my spirit! I feel alive. Have a great day!
These two images were taken about 12 hours apart and at nearly the same location on the same day. This is how my day started and ended and was full of wonderful moments in between. So much beauty in this world when we live each moment, one moment at a time. Happy Sunday!
Awoke early so I headed to Pineridge Natural Area, a favorite place to start the day. Music all around me from the chorus of my favorite birds. A cool breeze penetrating my fleece was helping wake me up. I would be ready for my latte later. A couple mule deer greeted me with a quizzical look as I arrived earlier than usual. I have an open calendar today. No hot dates, dang it. Probably a good thing because tomorrow will be a full day. So, I’ve had an early start for this day. Happy Friday to you and have a wonderful weekend.
“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
David Attenborough
I am a believer that my time in the natural world makes life worth living! There are those times when I find myself in a dark place. Lots of triggers to take me there. Thankfully I have found, and now regularly take, trips to a natural area or just a walk around the neighborhood listening to birds sing that will lift me out of those dark places. When I move my focus on nature, changes always happen within my soul.
This Eastern Kingbird, at least that’s what I think it is, is not all that common in this area as we are at the edge of their migration patterns. We have many more of the Western Kingbirds. They are similar in shape but very different colors.
When love awakens in your life, in the night of your heart, it is like the dawn breaking within you. Where before there was anonymity, now there is intimacy; where before there was fear, now there is courage; where before in your life there was awkwardness, now there is a rhythm of grace and gracefulness; where before you used to be jagged, now you are elegant and in rhythm with your self. When love awakens in your life, it is like a rebirth, a new beginning.
John O’Donohue
I love clouds! Some cloud formations will stop me in my tracks and I gawk at them. It’s a wonder I’ve not had a car accident. I took the above image while heading north out of town. Once I saw them I had to pull over and grab my camera. Did I mention I love clouds?