• insects

    One of the Irregulars

    August 22, 2024
    One of the irregulars

    I had coffee and a chocolate-chocolate chip muffin this morning at Cups. I sat outside, that way I could listen to traffic. One of the regular irregulars sat motionless on their massive web beside me. I was surprised how big this web was, it must have been three feet across. They totally ignored me as they were focused with food. I broke a bridge on Saturday morning so I had an appointment with the dentist this afternoon. They removed the bridge and put in a temporary until Sept 10th. I asked the dentist if I needed to avoid any bar fights. He said, “Not the ones I’ll win.” The only fights I’m guaranteed to win are the ones I don’t get into. Sorry, no landscape image today.

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  • bees,  flowers,  insects,  Plants,  quotes

    The Gifts of Other Beings

    August 6, 2024

    Gratitude is founded on the deep knowing that our very existence relies on the gifts of other beings.

    Robin Wall Kimmerer

    Latest news this morning shows the Alexander Mountain FIre to be held at 9,668 acres and is 74% contained. The Stone Canyon Fire is 100% contained. Grateful the skies are returning to their blue color! I found this bee enjoying their time on a sunflower the other afternoon at the CSU Experiment Garden. I really need to thank them more often for being the gift they are and not just as a photographer’s subject.

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  • bees,  Blossoms,  insects,  Plants,  quotes

    We must…

    June 18, 2024

    We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it. We have had enough of immorality and the mockery of ethics, goodness, faith and honesty. It is time to acknowledge that light-hearted superficiality has done us no good. When the foundations of social life are corroded, what ensues are battles over conflicting interests, new forms of violence and brutality, and obstacles to the growth of a genuine culture of care for the environment.

    Pope Francis, Laudato Si: On care for our common home
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  • insects,  quotes

    The Small Wonders

    August 11, 2023

    “Because I was watching for miracles on an epic scale, I didn’t recognize the small wonders that were occurring every day.”

    Spiritual Awakenings, Journeys of the Spirit

    I began this day watching the sunrise at Pineridge Natural Area, always a good start to any day. I am amazed at this life I am living. It is nothing like I would have imagined. All of life’s experiences have led to this time and place. I am so grateful today! May we all look for each small wonder as a spiritual awakening! 🙏

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  • insects,  quotes

    What a Mystery

    July 29, 2023

    Nature is a part of our humanity, and without some awareness and experience of that divine mystery man ceases to be man.

    Henry Beston

    A search of Doctor Google showed this to be Widow Skimmer Dragonfly. Unlike other species of dragonflies where males guard egg-laying females, Widow Skimmer males leave the female by herself, ‘widowing’ her as she lays her eggs just under the surface of the water. I stood in the sun and waited for them to land, hoping to get some images. This is a female as the males have a silver-grey body. What a mystery it all is! If you’re so inclined, reading this link will add to the mystery. Hope you enjoy your Saturday!

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  • insects,  John O'Donohue,  quotes

    The Wanderer’s Soul

    July 22, 2023

    While each place has its own beauty, no particular place can claim to settle the wanderer’s soul.

    John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes

    If you ever want to observe a wandering soul look no farther than the world of insects. Most wander in pursuit of food, to mate and to avoid predators. I have found the only way to photograph dragonflies and damselflies is to set up my camera and tripod then wait. With enough patience those wandering souls will pass through your viewfinder. Hoping you are enjoying your Saturday.

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