…but in this moment, loving the world changed me—
Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
made me more than my fear and sadness,
turned me again toward the miracle.
Loving the world…
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Loving the sunrise – January 2021 -
I would suggest…
A Frozen Horsetooth Reservoir Rightly understood, the mystic is not a special kind of human being; rather, every human being is a special kind of mystic.
David Steindl-RastA blue sky and sunshine the day after a snowfall will make me smile as a photographer. I can be confident that images will be available if I will bear the cold. This was one of those days! The quote above makes me wonder what our world would look like if we all believed we were a special kind of mystic. Mirabai Starr states a mystic is a person who has a direct experience of the sacred, unmediated by conventional religious rituals or intermediaries. I’ve also seen it defined as someone who has a direct experience of the Divine. Mary Oliver also believed that anyone who knows how to pay attention, can be considered a mystic. And, there are many more we could list. But with those definitions, then if we have stood in awe and wonder at a sunrise, snow covered mountains, a butterfly flitting from branch to branch or mesmerized before a place of refuge, then I would suggest we are a mystic.
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As any good photographer would do..
“Sometimes we need the fog to remind ourselves that all of life is not black and white.”
Jonathan Lockwood HuieAs night gives way to the new day, a dense fog settles upon the ponds. The naked branches of the trees of winter penetrate into the dense vapor of the fog. As I look for a scene that intrigues me my attention is drawn to the branches which are now filled with the soothing music of hundreds of starlings. Then, abruptly silence, until they begin the next chorus. And in that moment of silence I hear my breathing, notice the almost complete stillness, and feel the penetrating cold and moisture rich air. With the fog hiding the sun’s bright light, shadows are absent and gray dominates the scene. Then I set up my tripod and look for a composition as any good photographer would do, noting that not all photographs need to be color or black and white. A foggy morning can prove that.
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Listening to Silence
Sunrise August of 2018 I’ve begun to realize that you can listen to silence and learn from it. It has a quality and a dimension all its own.
Chaim Potok -
The Secrets of Tomorrow
“And remember, also,” added the Princess of Sweet Rhyme, “that many places you would like to see are just off the map and many things you want to know are just out of sight or a little beyond your reach. But someday you’ll reach them all, for what you learn today, for no reason at all, will help you discover all the wonderful secrets of tomorrow.”
Norton Juster, The Phantom TollboothHappy Valentines Day!
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It’s dang cold…
It was -8 degrees at 5 am. I told my barista this morning that anyone who’s out in this weather has got to be nuts, crazy, wack-o, insane, stupid, and definitely not to be trusted. They agreed but were glad to see at least one crazy irregular show up, even if it was me! It looks like everyone in the nation is just as cold! I’m enjoying my Old Town mocha. Stay warm.
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations -
Loving Energy
January sunrise in 2006 – Arapaho Bend Natural Area The elders say that Creator is perfect loving energy. Within the realm of perfect love there is no judgment. If there is no judgment then there can be no failure. In turn, if failure does not exist, there is no unworthiness. We are all one energy. We are worthy and we always were. We never have to qualify. And ceremony was born to allow us to remember that.
Richard WagameseIt is bitter cold here in Colorado, down in the single digits. I won’t complain because other parts of the country are colder. My hands and feet are cold, which seems to be the normal these days. I was supposed to meet my classmates for our monthly luncheon but cancelled that idea. I think I’d rather make a peanut butter and jelly (apricot) sandwich, place it in a paper bag then reminisce of the old days in the cafeteria where we would trade sandwiches. Remember? That will be my ceremony for today. Stay warm and safe!!
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Listening Carefully
Predawn at Pineridge Natural Area – April 2021 Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven’t the answer to a question you’ve been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you’re alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully.
Norton Juster
