• landscape,  shadows,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Listening to the Voices

    February 9, 2020
    Soft subtle shadows on undisturbed snow

    “One way God connects us to nature is through giving us the capacity to appreciate and be fascinated by its beauty. We find nature marked by such patterns as simplicity, harmony, balance, and a mysterious quality of vibrancy.” Tilden Edwards 

    I stopped in awe and took in the wonder of this tranquil scene yesterday morning after Friday’s snowfall. It was the shadows and the undisturbed snow that called to me. I like to think of it as an inaudible voice heard deep within me. I was a bit surprised to find this large of an area of undisturbed snow with no tracks and painted with soft long early morning shadows. As you may well know I am drawn to these scenes. I find a beauty and serenity that touches somewhere within me, especially when I find it in a busy city, or in this case a college campus. I’m not sure I set out searching for them as much as it seems they are presented, or gifted to me. However, I must be aware of the world around me, listening to the voice within and have my camera with me.

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Finding the quiet

    February 8, 2020
    A nice light fresh snowfall along the Poudre River and cold

    “Don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots are down there riotous.”

    Rumi

    Maybe 2 inches of snow fell yesterday. I made a drive north of town on Larimer County Road 19 and stopped at the North Shields Natural Ponds where I took this image of the Poudre River. I continued north and one more of the trees. It is snowing in the mountains and the reason you cannot see them in either image. It was clear blue skies a couple miles north of this image. As I returned to town so did the cloudy skies and snow. One reason I headed north was to find the quiet. And I did.

    A small group of trees along the Foothills
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  • clouds,  landscape,  prairie,  snow,  sunrises

    Life is not like that…

    January 30, 2020
    Sunrise in eastern Colorado

    I felt a strong emotion rise to the surface while on my bus ride this morning. Tears welled up in my eyes, not from sadness or pain but more along the lines of some feeling of love. What is strange about this feeling of love is because of an incident of anger that happened 15 minutes earlier while leaving the condo. I was running a couple minutes late and if I didn’t hustle I would miss the bus which would cause me to have to wait a half hour for the next bus. As I grabbed the doorknob I remembered I needed to get my renewed bus pass out of the pocket of my backpack and felt the anxiety within. As I took the backpack off I got tangled up with the straps and my anxiety burst into anger and choice words (#@&!). Almost immediately after hearing the words come out of my mouth and noticed my  increased emotions, I took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. I ask myself what was I really angry at? It was sure not the backpacks fault. This led to a few moments of reflection. While walking to the bus stop I became aware of how much I wanted the world to run smoothly all the time, especially for me. But, the reality is life is not like that.

    Then while on the bus I observed these students solemnly heading to class and wondered what they may be going through. I could see some to be stressed out with school or worried about some relationship that is struggling. Maybe there are health problems in their life, theirs or family. No one’s life runs smoothly all the time nor is there a reason to expect it. The real question is how we face and deal with life. For me the feeling of love on the bus was for those who may be going through much more than getting tangled up their backpack. I have much to learn. Sigh! If you read this far, thanks for listening.

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  • landscape,  lifestyles,  Plants,  snow,  sunrises

    The Dance

    January 13, 2020

    Corn stalks in snow on a cold winter morning

    The Dance by Linda Tarman

    Things are changing.
    Slowly, and without much fanfare,
    The movement of the soul
    Begins its dance.

    At first the notes ascend lightly
    And linger in the ear;
    Tantalizing in their simplicity
    Gracefully calling
    “It’s time to open yourself
    And leave the safety of your hiding.”

    My heart hears, however faintly
    And knows it’s true,
    My feet, slower to catch on,
    Sit planted, keeping time,
    Biding time.

    Rise up, Oh love,
    Have you failed to remember
    The hope of being desired,
    The beauty of being chosen?

    His hand is extended
    The choice is now mine.
    I feel my stubborn will giving way
    To the impassioned desire.

    Here, caught in the arms of eternity
    I leave my place of redundancy
    And, let myself enjoy the dance
    As love’s boldness
    Sweeps me off my fear.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  quotes,  snow,  sunsets,  winter scenes

    Grateful

    December 29, 2019

    Sunset this past Friday evening before the storm moved in.

    “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” ― J.K. Rowling

    Snow fell overnight Friday and into Saturday evening. Probably have over 3 inches. It has made for a wintery look and feel. I saw this image on the way home from the store Friday evening before the storm arrived. Actually had to turn around and go back to get a shot. Unfortunately by the time I turned around I’d lost some of the colors from when I first saw it. This is a time of the year for me to reflect on how much I have to be grateful for.

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  • shadows,  snow,  winter scenes

    Warmer days ahead

    December 20, 2019

    Snow and shadows

    It has been cold the past few days. The 15 inch snowfall we had has not melted due to the cold temperatures. However, there is hope over this weekend as we could reach 50 degrees. I will not complain as there is major weather stuff happening all over the world that’s destroying peoples homes and massive amounts of land. It’s almost incomprehensible that almost 7 millions acres have burned in Australia. 

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