• Black and White,  coffee shops

    April 6, 2018

    It has quietly snowed all day. Snow began early this morning about 7:00 am.  Beautiful big flakes mixed with some rain. The rooftops and grass are white as this storm brings some much needed moisture. The temperature has stayed below freezing all day but does not feel cold. Winter is wanting to give us one more snowfall before allowing spring and summer to arrive. 

    I discovered a new coffeehouse, The Purple Cup. It is close to home, easy walking distance, and my first mocha latte was spot on. It has big comfy lounge chairs and sofas as well as tables and chairs. I’ll have to give it one more quality check before making it a regular hangout. 

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  • Black and White,  clouds,  journal,  landscape,  musings,  prairie,  rants,  writing/reading

    Looking for Awe and Wonder

    March 22, 2018
    Afternoon Clouds on the Farm
    Afternoon Clouds on the Farm

    I have always carried stress in my shoulders. It’s there now. There is a feeling of restlessness. I find my mind wandering to unknown places in the universe. Feel I’m not listening to the inner voice within me but the chatter of my ego and the noise of the world around me. Maybe if I share myself more on this blog, hear what you have experienced, take more action, the stress will lessen. 

    Now in my retirement there is a life to live full of excitement and adventures, images to receive, words to write in my journals, blog posts to write, places to visit, people to meet and a chance to discover more creativity within me. I find this exciting. However, this requires me to take action and not just dream of them. In the past I have only dreamed. There are no excuses. As I’ve heard, “Dreams without action are only fantasy.” I hope and pray I live the rest of my life with excitement, without fear of failure or success, looking for awe and wonder all around me.

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  • architecture,  Black and White,  coffee shops,  window

    Letting Go

    March 8, 2018
    Window Light at Wild Boar Coffee
    Window Light at Wild Boar Coffee

    “Left to its own devices, my mind spends much of its time having conversations with people who aren’t there.” Anne Lamott

    As, Anne Lamott suggests, we can have some strange conversations in our heads. What is troublesome is when we begin to believe these people and conversations exist. They are not reality so it’s important for us to take a few deep breaths and stay present to the moment. Let go of these unreal thoughts.

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  • Black and White,  Candid Portraits,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles

    March 3, 2018
    Waiting on the Bus
    Waiting on the Bus

    I took several images of this young student waiting for the bus at the transit center on campus. At first I thought she was reading the college newspaper that’s in her hand but realized she was on her phone. She came and sat down behind me on the rock bench oblivious to much of her surroundings. I do not believe she was aware of me so I was able to take a half dozen shots. Nor can she hear anything around her.  As I watched, it dawned on me she was sitting where they had glued those chocolate candy bars that I posted an image of a few weeks ago. They’ve removed the candy bars but the glue is still there and it’s tacky. I had to smile because I am very much like her in that I can get lost in my thoughts or my phone and not be present to the moment.

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  • Black and White,  clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Monday, first day of the week

    February 12, 2018
    Poudre River in Winter
    Poudre River in Winter

    Every day, priests minutely examine the Law
    And endlessly chant complicated sutras.
    Before doing that, though, they should learn
    How to read the love letters sent by the wind and rain,
    The snow and moon.

    Ikkyu

    Cloudy and overcast skies this morning. Looking and feeling like winter, probably because it is. A few snowflakes could be seen on my walk to the bus stop. I thought, sorry, there I go again thinking, I could add to the wintery mood if I converted this image to black and white. They, those weather guys, say we are only going to reach the low 20’s today. I’ve decided to NOT wear my sandals, so my biggest decision for the day has been made. I’m now at the Lory Student Center to read and write. Will meet a good friend for brunch later. Have a super Awesome week!

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