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

    Routines and Habits

    I have not had much energy or motivation the past 3 weeks. The infection, anemia and the weak heart have slowed me down. I feel like I need to move more even though I may not feel like it nor have the energy. Laying around is not good for my physical and emotional well-being. I ate a small late lunch of Mugs Classic Mac and Cheese yesterday afternoon then drove to Reservoir Ridge Natural Area to watch the sun set. Most of the natural areas are closed due to wet and muddy conditions. I chose this location because there are good opportunities just outside the gate. I’m feeling the need to get back into routines and habits that nurture me and which I feel help in my healing. Not only that but these moments with nature always provide and remind me of the awe and wonder of this world. Creation at work every moment of the day. Happy Friday the 13th!

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  rants,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  sunsets

    Predawn Light and Blue Hour

    Predawn at Pineridge Natural Area

    The clouds looked inviting early this morning so I made my way to Pineridge in hopes of some colors in those clouds. But the colors I was hoping for did not materialize which happens when I set my expectations too high. Anyway it was wonderful to be there. I did return with cold hands and toes which always seems to make my mocha latte, made by Nate this morning, even better.

    Blue Hour at Claymore Lake

    I found myself in a funk while writing yesterday afternoon. So, with the sun still shining and about an hour left before sunset, I headed to Reservoir Ridge Natural Area to sit with all of creation and, also, to watch the sunset. I found what I needed. I am aware that when I leave I always need to carry home with me what I find there.

    Some time after the sun has set, we enter the period of twilight called the nautical stage where everything around seems to turn blue. They call it blue hour because the sunlight’s blue wavelengths dominate due to the Chappuis absorption caused by ozone (you can check it out). I love this blue color and one of the many reason I gravitate to the twilight hours.

    On a sad note, today is the 81st anniversary for the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is a day to remember the lives lost on that day (both sides, military and civilian), the families of those who lost loved ones, and the millions of lives needlessly lost over the next four years of war. President Roosevelt in his speech the following day called it a day which will live in infamy. My prayer is that day of infamy be a time for the world to wake up to the fact that we have never found peace through war.

  • gratitude,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    Grateful Eyes

    Rabbitbrush from yesterday afternoon’s walk at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    The practice of looking at the world through grateful eyes and with a grateful heart is an exquisite end in itself.

    Kristi Nelson

    A rather lovely day until late this afternoon when clouds moved in and the wind picked up. It is 52 degrees but it looks like 32 degrees. It’s been a quiet day filled with writing and journaling. Eating leftover soup and chocolates. Not at the same time!!!

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

    Second Post

    This is my second post for today. I spent some time at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area late this afternoon, primarily for journaling. It was quiet so it added to my journaling. A couple people were out walking off dinner and dessert, even a runner. I hung around long enough to watch and enjoy the sun set, grab a photo and head home. Without the sun I feel the cold more. Hope you had a great day!

  • clouds,  landscape,  musings,  natural areas,  Plants,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  trees,  writing/reading

    Happy Work

    Trailhead at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future. Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment… The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.

    Albert Camus

    There are moments that simply happen through no conscious intention or will on anyone’s part. These are spiritual moments for me because they reach some deeper part of my being. They’re like a shutter speed of time, set aside, which nourishes my soul and adds to my life. This image was taken at that perfect moment when the light was illuminating the trees for only a few seconds. With the sun setting, the clouds moving rapidly, it truly was a matter of seconds. I was not aware of the shortness of time when I pressed the shutter. Only while looking at it on my screen at home did its impact hit me. This scene and image was a short moment in time and will never be repeated exactly like this again. It was one of a kind moment and one of a kind image and I stayed present for it. For that I’m grateful.

  • landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  sunsets,  trees

    Busy Day

    It was a busy day yesterday. Started laundry about 7:00 am, made a quick trip to the grocery store then arrived at a coffee shop by 8:15 am. Had a zoom meeting at noon followed by a 2 1/2 hour lunch with my friend Duane. Finished off the day with a walk a Reservoir Ridge Natural Area for this image. I then curled up with a book and headed for bed.

  • insects,  John O'Donohue,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    Dangerously free…

    It is a strange and wonderful fact to be here, walking around in a body, to have a whole world within you and a world at your fingertips outside you. It is an immense privilege, and it is incredible that humans manage to forget the miracle of being here. Rilke said, ‘Being here is so much,’ and it is uncanny how social reality can deaden and numb us so that the mystical wonder of our lives goes totally unnoticed. We are here. We are wildly and dangerously free.

    John O’Donohue