• clouds,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises

    An Intense Sky

    November 6, 2023
    Intense sky over Dixon Reservoir

    I awoke early this morning because it usually takes me a day or two to adjust to the time change. It was a cool 36 degrees as I drove to Pineridge Natural Area. The skies have been intense the past 3-4 days for both sunrises and sunsets. As I stepped out of the car, I could feel the light but cold breeze coming out of the west. You can see the unsettled water as the wind moves across the surface of Dixon Reservoir. And I love the red reflection on the waters surface. When I left my condo I grabbed my gloves but they do not help much when they are left in the car. So, by the time I got back my hands were cold. Note to self. Now filled with gratitude I headed for the Bean Cycle and a mocha. My hands feel normal again. I have a Zoom meeting at 9:30 am today and a second one at 5:30 pm. No, I’m not that important. Sounds like we could be turning cold by the end of the week. May you have a super Awesome day!

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunsets

    Wisdom of Pooh

    November 4, 2023

    “Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.”

    Winnie the Pooh

    I spent some time at Arapaho Bend Natural Area yesterday evening. So glad I did. This image is taken near a small bench where I setup my camera and journal. There was almost no wind so the water was just like glass. Every once in a while a fish would rise to the surface, sending small waves to the shores. Several flocks of Canada Geese flew overhead letting the world know of their happiness. I loved watching the sun proudly shine its last rays of light on the end of the day. Such beauty offered to everyone. I was filled with gratitude. I will return. Because, as Pooh says, it’s called love. I’m off now to meet Eric for coffee and conversation. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  • landscape,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises

    O’Dark Thirty

    November 1, 2023
    Predawn colors and reflection at Dixon Reservoir

    What a wonderful way to start this day, any day for that matter. This image as taken at O’Dark thirty (6:49 am) and the show was absolutely gorgeous. Almost no wind and a pleasant 28 degrees. After experiencing a sunrise like this and I head back into the chaos of the city, I can feel as if I needed to stay longer. I’m not sure whether the feeling arises from within me or if nature itself is whispering, please don’t leave yet. Maybe both. I believe these moments have a way of transforming me at some deep level. I am just never the same man. This morning was one of those mornings. Curious if any of you experience such feelings after time with nature, not wanting to leave? Anyway, I am so thankful for all the gifts so graciously given and my desire to receive each one of them. I met Mark for breakfast and conversation where we talked and wept over the tragedies happening in our world, a list that seems would have no end.

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  snow,  winter scenes

    Snow Report

    October 29, 2023

    “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”

    Eeyore

    Well, I promised a snow report, so here it is. I cleaned about 5-7 inches of snow from my car this morning. My car dashboard said 22 degrees but we could see single digits tonight. After about 36 hours of snowfall nature is offering warm sunshine and blue skies. In this image from Reservoir Ridge Natural Area you are seeing the transition. I had coffee and conversation with Dan early this morning then made a drive to the foothills for photo opportunities as the sun and blue skies appeared before returning home. I lovingly accept the gift of this day. Enjoy your Sunday and may we all make a positive difference today.

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  • natural areas,  quotes,  reflections

    Curiosity

    October 21, 2023
    Reflections at Arapaho Bend Natural Area this morning

    No, it’s not fools who turn mystic. It takes a certain amount of intelligence and imagination to realize the extraordinary queerness and mysteriousness of the world in which we live. The fools, the innumerable fools, take it for granted, skate about cheerfully on the surface and never think of inquiring what’s underneath.

    Allows Huxley

    I must say our fall colors are truly popping now. I see trees that are almost naked. I also see trees glowing and radiating in the gold, yellow, red and bronze colors of fall, their leaves excitedly dancing with the wind. I am glad to be at a place in my life of witnessing the extraordinary queerness and mysteriousness of the world in which we live. My hope is that I never lose the curiosity Mark mentions in his comment a few days ago. I wish that we all be the curious mystics we are meant to be. Met my friend Eric for coffee this morning and saw this scene on the way home. Enjoy your Saturday.

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