My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
God is the internal voice calling me to give myself to the fullness of life.
Joan Chittister
It makes no difference what we chose to call that internal voice. What matters is being silent enough to listen then giving myself to the task of living the fullness of life. It has been a learning process for me and a wonderful opportunity! Happy birthday to those celebrating their birthday on this leap year!
Restless at home yesterday I decided to drive to Weld County along County Roads 13 and 15. The skies were abundant with clouds. Darker clouds hung on the eastern horizon where rain was falling. Clouds in the west were displaying their silver lining as the sun set behind them. And the wind blew, reshaping clouds, and creating new works of art to enjoy. The wind also playfully rolled tumbleweeds across the open fields and roads. A hawk circled above searching for its next meal. Hundreds of Canada Geese flew in formation as they made their way to the fields for the night. I was blessed to see my first meadowlark of this year and had a second one sing its love song for me. I was glad I made the drive. I like how the irrigation system adds a leading line into the promising horizon.
This morning we have overcast skies and a mix of light rain/snow. The rain is refreshing, but the dull gray skies do not compare to the artistry of yesterday’s sky. I have a relaxing day ahead. Need to send a couple of emails and binge on chocolate. Just kidding on the chocolate!!! 😂 May you enjoy your day!
We humans can easily lose our perspective on our humble place in the universe. We get locked up in our heads, prisoners of our limited ideas and thoughts, cutting ourselves off from the wider world of experience. We forget or are simply unaware that we are part of an immense cosmic history that continues to stretch into a vast unknown future.
Ilia Delio
I cringe when I hear anyone claim they know how a situation will turn out, how people will react, or the course nature will take. Even when challenged about their assumptions, they will say yes they know. Way too much ego for me and a total turnoff. I admit we can make pretty accurate assumptions based on past evidence and experiences but we cannot predict the future. Just ask any weather forecaster. So, I try to live life with the awareness that I don’t know all that my ego would like me to think I think I know, or believe all my assumptions and opinions. And, in truth those assumptions and opinions are evolving over time. When I remain in a place of humility, accepting my limited ideas and thoughts as just that, I am open to the wider experiences life offers. Then, I’m in a place to watch as the day unfolds and enjoy the surprises, like soft pastel pink clouds outside the coffee shop! Happy Valentine’s Day!
All nature is waiting for us to become conscious because there’s a particular quality of consciousness that only humans can provide. Nature needs that consciousness; cries out for it. And the process of deciphering Nature’s need, then discovering how to respond to it, is what’s called learning to become human.
Peter Kingsley
It’s Sunday morning with clear skies, sunshine and cold. I had no desire to stand in the cold for the sunrise so I made my way to the coffee shop. I chose an Old Town Mocha made by Emma and a cozy chair over cold hands and feet. Even forced myself to eat a glazed donut later. 😁 This image was taken two days ago before yesterday’s snowfall. This same scene would be much whiter this morning but I wimped out. Well maybe I’m getting wiser, more selective or learning to become human. Yea, that’s it, I’m getting wiser! Enjoy your Sunday!
We have within us a deep longing to grow and become a new creature, but we possess an equally strong compulsion to remain – to burrow down in our safe, secure places.
Sue Monk Kidd
We received a dusting of snow during the night and into early morning. The sun then tried its best to break through but to no avail. It has been cold all day, not going above 32 degrees. It’s a perfect day for another bowl of chili soup I made yesterday. Stay warm!
I drove up around Horsetooth Reservoir yesterday watching the sky and her clouds, hoping to find some scenes in my viewfinder. These horses are on a large ranch near Bellvue. When I first pulled up they all looked up at me than decided I was harmless.
I have read that any addictive behaviors has a potential to stunt our growth. We will pick up our addictive behavior rather than live life and all of its challenges, or as the quote says, “to burrow down in our safe, secure places.” I did that through daydreaming and alcohol. There always seemed to be some thought convincing me that avoidance was a softer, easier way to live. Over twenty years ago it became apparent such thinking was one of the many lies I believed and was not working. I now know facing challenges is the softer, easier way in life. That does not prevent me from wanting to turn away once in a while. Yet, each time I face life there’s the gift of growth, maturity, wisdom, strength which always seems to make me ready for the next challenge.
Yesterday I received word that a friend I’ve known for nearly 30 years died unexpectedly. It is always a shock to receive such news. I cried. Then I felt the gratitude for her life! I cried again. I’ll probably cry more and that’s some of the growth essential in life, moving me to become who I am! I know some of you can relate as we all grieve!
Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.
Wendell Berry
Today is National Wear Red Day. This National Wear Red Day is a movement to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and help save lives. It seems nature wanted to join in by providing a touch of red on the eastern horizon. So, I’m wearing red!
Rain is expected later this evening then turning to a snow/rain mix by morning. Nothing threatening but I must say any moisture is welcome. I was wide awake about 4:21 am. and got up around 4:30 am. I had my quiet time, a bowl of cereal then headed to one of my common grounds, Pineridge Natural Area. Glad I did!! Now doing laundry and clouds have moved in already! Enjoy your Friday!!
Before we get the incoming stormy weather this weekend I spent a quiet afternoon yesterday at one of the natural areas. Seemed several people had similar ideas. The trails were busy with walkers, joggers and bicyclists. I also noticed a few dogs out walking their owners.
Let me always be who I am, and then some.
Mary Oliver
I sat on a favorite bench to journal and noticed that even though it was busy there was a quiet around me. I would guess 85% of the Dixon Reservoir is still frozen, therefore no waterfowl. The warm sun and quiet stirred my desire to see spring and the return of our song birds. We are extremely dry so I hope this incoming snow brings the much needed moisture. We could also use a nice wet spring. Shot this image with that old Fujifilm XT-10 and XF18-55mm lens. Happy Thursday!!!