My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness — just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and the cool breeze when the day is warm.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Today is my parents 65th Anniversary. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
The Poudre River finally went over its banks yesterday. Those clouds I posted yesterday turned dark and ominous and brought rain to the Poudre Canyon. So along with the recent rains and the spring runoff they now have a flood advisory in effect through Monday afternoon, with waters expected to reach 7.2 feet Monday. The water level measured 6.6 feet Sunday morning. Its flooding stage is 7.5 feet. They had one rescue yesterday afternoon from a kayaking incident. What were they doing on that water and with it raining? The bicycle trails along the river are closed off. I went out along the Riverbend area where the trail is much higher. I noticed lots of logs and trees going down stream.
Today is a day for Americans to celebrate those men and women who died serving in the military. So, I pause and give thanks and offer a prayer. I also pray for those who lost loved ones during a war. May you have a Happy Memorial Day!
“Nature constantly teaches us that a larger picture exists than what we see. It compels us to awaken by confronting us with order, design, and perfection everywhere.”
Wayne Teasdale
I ignore my cold feet and hands as I stand and watch the snowfall. Indiscernible to my eyes, I watch as nature creates a perfect snowflake and then another and then another. Before long it has created millions of snowflakes offering a breathtakingly beautiful wintery scene. A mysterious quiet and stillness surrounds me. Yet, through that quiet, nature teaches and speaks to me of something beyond myself, transcending my understanding. Something inside of me is being awakened, nourished. And, so I listen and watch.
It was cold this morning on my short walk at the Arapahoe Bend Nature Area. The slight breeze made the 24 degrees seem colder. Needless to say I kept the walk short and stopped at the coffee shop on the way home. If you look closely you will see a young lady just starting a walk with her dog.
“Restore the spark of life by doing work that is deeply rooted in your soul.”
Thomas Moore
We are cold and cloudy this morning. It’s one of those days when you want to pull the covers up around your neck and dream a bit more. Once you crawl out of bed it becomes a day for making chili soup, maybe even homemade bread. I start a trip tomorrow so have things to do today before leaving.
When spending time on a trail in one of our parks or nature areas I like to look for the art nature provides. And, no matter where I look I will find it. I enjoyed this scene because of it’s simple beauty but I know this scene will not be there tomorrow.I must enjoy it while it’s there. The constant work of nature will change it. An hour from now or by tomorrow more leaves will have fallen. The wind will blow away some leaves or move the leaves creating a different pattern. Rain and snow will change the colors and contrast. A squirrel may run along this log and alter the scene. Or maybe man will pick up the leaves and alter the scene. I will return at a later time to see how it has change. But, this was the art for today.
