• landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  sunsets,  trees

    Sunset on the Poudre River

    This is sunset on the Poudre River at a new natural area called McMurry Natural Area. It has a short 1.5 mile dirt trail that winds around two fishing ponds and the Poudre River. I found it to be quiet, serene and with few people. I will need to go back. They say the ponds have orange spotted sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegills, black crappie or yellow perch and sharks. Just kidding on the sharks. 😁Today would have been mother’s 90th birthday. Probably will have thoughts of her crossing my mind throughout the day.

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  reflections,  sunsets

    Take My Photograph

    Riverbend Ponds – 7.5 second exposure at f16.0

    I have often photographed when I am not in tune with nature but the photographs look as if I had been. So I conclude that something in nature says, ‘Come and take my photograph.’ So I do, regardless of how I feel.

    Minor White

    Happened to me with this image last night. I wanted to get out east to see if I could find a sunset image. Because I left late I stopped at Riverbend Ponds and walked to a spot I’ve shot from before. The sun had set but the clouds looked promising. I felt no urgency only a need to be there. It was cool enough that I was glad I wore my coat. Nothing spectacular but oh so beautiful. A few geese and ducks honked and quacked. I wondered if they liked the scene also. I smiled. Only took 16 images but have three keepers I like. So, I went and took the photograph.

  • grass,  landscape,  Plants,  quotes,  sunsets

    Why?

    There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them.
    But they are there for a reason.
    Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.

    Paulo Coelho

    A cold morning. Have some cleaning around the condo from all the mold mitigation work done. Everything passed so I’m back in the condo. Want to repair a couple things then paint inside before I have the vinyl plank flooring installed next month. Enjoy your day! Why? Because I said so!

  • landscape,  quotes,  sunsets

    Living Each Day

    What lies before us today is an unpainted picture.

    Touchstones

    Stopped at the Cobb Lake State Wildlife Area while driving around the other evening. It was quiet and calm so I listened and took a few photos. I have never hiked these trails but will need to explore them soon.

    It’s a brisk 33 degrees this morning and a beautiful full moon. Hope you have a great day!

  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  Plants,  sunsets,  trees

    Almost Perfect

    Along Weld County Road 13

    “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”

    Winnie-the-Pooh

    We all have certain subjects we gravitate towards. I find my archives to have primarily images of wide open horizons with clouds, trees, fields of grass, open meadows, sunshine and the shadows it spreads around. This was taken last week on an afternoon drive outside the city. This morning I sit on my porch typing this post. Clear skies, sunshine and around 50 degrees. The birds are singing their songs of joy. Almost perfect.

    Or maybe they are singing because it’s Ruth’s birthday. Happy Birthday Ruth!

  • clouds,  grass,  landscape,  Plants,  sunsets

    Pink and Gold

    The most beautiful things in life are not things.
    They’re people and places and memories and pictures.
    They’re feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.

    Unknown

    I read yesterday something that resonated with me, “… nature heals. big time.” I know I go to nature for healing of many things. There is a solitude and silence there not found in the city. But the quote also caused me to reflect on things I do to help me move through any troubling state I can find myself in. When I feel anxious it’s time to walk or hike. When I’m angry or resentful I can let go of those thoughts by “taking a photograph.” When I get caught up in mental chatter I find relief through “meditation and quiet.” When confusion and the need for discernment ties me in knots then I can untangle myself through “journaling.” All of these simple things I can do at any place but nature is such a pull for me. Loved the gold and pink I found last night in these two images.

  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  sunsets

    Blue Skies

    Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.

    Walt Whitman

    Took this image at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area yesterday just as the sun was setting. It was the most enjoyable thing I did all day and I had a good day. The day started out cloudy, overcast and cold. By noon the clouds cleared up and we were blessed with blue skies the rest of the day. Have a wonderful October!