• flowers,  Plants

    Smiling Daisies

    July 14, 2024
    Smiling Daisies at the CSU Flower Trial Gardens this morning

    Overcast skies on this Sunday morning provided beautiful diffused light, perfect for flowers. This light enticed me to stop at the CSU Flower Trial Gardens on the way home from coffee. I grabbed my camera and walked among the beauty of nature’s newest creations. At times I can almost be overwhelmed by the colors and those smiling faces of so many flowers. I was not the only one enjoying them. Bees excitedly buried their bodies in each face, then moved on the next face. I was also joined by a few early risers with coffee in hand strolling among these smiling faces. Needless to say I left with a smile on my face! Have a wonderful Sunday!

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  • flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    The Deep Call Within

    June 25, 2024

    The mystery and magic of being an individual is to live life in response to the deep call within, the call to become who we were dreamed to be.

    John O’Donohue

    Another 90 degree day in Colorado. This quote is an invitation for some deep philosophical commentary but I can’t seem to find the words. So, I’ll just share with you that my lab tests came back negative and I’m not pregnant!! 😂 Next colonoscopy in 5 years. Stay cool!!!

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  • flowers,  Photography,  Plants,  quotes

    A question…

    June 17, 2024
    Salsify

    Do you have what it takes to explore what your life might look like if you made the change, made the art, or made the difference your heart is calling you to make, in full view of the risks (which might be very real or only perceived but form a terrifying barrier nonetheless) over which you’ll have to climb to find out?

    David duChemin

    I believe answering this question by taking action is life changing. Have a wonderful week!

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  • flowers,  natural areas,  Plants

    Western Goat’s Beard

    May 19, 2024
    Western Goat’s Beard at Pineridge Natural Area

    Western salsify was introduced into North America where it has become widespread, being reported from all the continental United States except for a few in the far south-east, and all provinces of Canada except Newfoundland and the northern territories. Like most salsifies, the western salsify grows as an annual or occasionally biennial forb. The inflorescence opens early in the morning and often closes up by late afternoon. Later the plant forms a seed head resembling that of the dandelions but is distinctly larger. Alternative names include western goat’s beard, wild oysterplant, yellow salsify, yellow goat’s beard, meadow goat’s beard, goat’s beard, goatsbeard, common salsify, or salsify. The basal leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Native Americans ate the roots, which are best cooked, and are said to taste like oysters. I took this image while at the natural area this morning. Happy Sunday!

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  • flowers,  landscape,  snow,  winter scenes

    Springtime in Colorado

    April 20, 2024

    Welcome to springtime in Colorado as we awoke to another dusting of snow. I cleaned off about 2 inches from my car, heavy and wet stuff. Perfect snow for snowball fights or making a snowman. I find these snowfalls to be a beautiful experience. I watched big moisture laden snowflakes quietly drift through the air, doing what snowflakes are meant to do. Love the silence they bring!

    The roads were clear so I could meet Eric for coffee in Windsor. When I came back into town I stopped at the CSU Experimental gardens, knowing I could find a couple of photo opportunities. All the tulips were closed and snuggled in a blanket of snow. Since it’s just above freezing these tulips will most likely survive to show us more of their beauty in a day or so. Will meet friends later for dinner. Enjoy your Saturday!

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  • flowers,  Plants,  poems

    A Beautiful Spring Day

    April 15, 2024

    inspired by a beautiful spring day
    I caught the Max to campus

    with an iced chai, I found a spot surrounded
    by the quiet of the campus courtyard

    soaking in the silence, I began listening
    and writing words in my journal

    abruptly, the quiet became chaos
    as students poured out of classrooms

    now surrounded by every size, shape, color
    of student and backpack imaginable

    conversations exploded everywhere,
    gossip, tales from last night and laughter.

    then gently, peace and quiet returned
    as everyone moved on to their next period.

    and in this quiet I wondered,
    how many saw the daffodils?

    mws
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  • animals,  coffee life,  flowers,  shadows

    My Commute

    April 12, 2024

    I am not sure how many days I commuted to and from work but I am grateful I no longer commute to work. However, this morning on my walk/bus ride to the coffee shop I was aware I still commute, yet it does not seem like a commute. While commuting to work, my mind was already at work, figuring, planning, scheduling, arguing, and already building resentments. This meant I was not mentally present for the commute. Wonder how many gifts nature was offering me and I missed them?

    So I’m going to share with you a bit of my commute to coffee this morning. (Sorry if it bores you.) We had a cloudless blue sky. Apple blossoms reminding me it’s spring. A squirrel watching my every move. A cottontail checking out their reflection in the car. Early morning shadows. Spring flowers and new leaves on campus. Heard the cooing of a morning dove and the cry of a hawk. And then when I arrived at Mugs my barista, Emma, offered her wonderful smile and made me a mocha. Yes, I still commute but it’s different. I have an open slate on my calendar, so I plan to do a bit of reading and writing, in the sun. Enjoy your Friday.

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  • flowers,  quotes

    The need for mystery…

    October 18, 2023
    A touch of yellow

    If we seek the mystery instead of the answer, we’ll always be seeking. I’ve never seen anybody really find the answer, but they think they have. So they stop thinking. But the job is to seek mystery, evoke mystery, plant a garden in which strange plants grow and mysteries bloom. The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer.

    Ken Kesey

    Experience has taught me, and is still teaching me, that what I think may be the answer is really a key to another door, some insight leading me to ask the next question. Or as the quote suggests, seek the mystery.

    I’m enjoying a mocha latte at the Bean Cycle then will meet Mark for breakfast. I have an open schedule after that, one of the perks in my life of retirement. Enjoy your day! 🤗

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