My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
Since arriving in the Phoenix area, I’ve made 3 trips to visit my parents in Gold Canyon. A couple weeks ago I was shocked to see the condition of the golf course in their community. The grass that was green the week before now looked like it was dying, and it was. So, what happened?
It was nice to see blue skies and sunshine yesterday after almost 4 days of constant rain. Found this image on my way to coffee. And, when the ground is soaked we also find a few mushrooms popping up.
The snow is pretty much gone after a couple of warm days but Nature is planning on sending us more moisture in the form of snow on Wednesday. I took this image last Saturday after our snow on Friday. Nature makes simple and pleasing art.
… here in Colorado. They are forecasting temperatures not to rise above 32 degrees F until Saturday. Night time temperatures down around zero. I saw this scene as I headed for the coffee shop. It does not totally depict just how cold it felt. However, Colorado winters have a plus side in that the sun will melt the snow and ice even when we are below freezing temperatures. Stay warm!
Found along the Fisher Natural Area Trail. One of my favorite areas to walk that’s near my condo.
“You can not purchase a meaningful life. You can only live it, one day at a time.”
I found this leaf caught in the tall grass along the Fisher Nature Area. It seemed to be suspended in the air so I took a shot. When we take the time to notice each leaf has a specific look. The shape, color, and size are all dependent on how much light, water, nutrients, insects and weather. I walked past this leaf a couple days after taking this image and it was gone. I assume blown away during one of the windy days or disturbed by someone passing by.
Life was a struggle for me in 1991. Little things like a divorce, a job loss, poor financial choices, let me know how little control I had over my life. At this time in my life I earnestly began to search for some answer to how I felt. I looked into different religious faiths, attended retreats, joined help groups, read the books, practiced their exercises and principles, with no relief or answers.
Over time the needed change found me. I stumbled upon a solution that introduced me to a new way of seeing who I really was and the world around me. I needed new ways of dealing with life’s challenges. I found a resource in quiet times of prayer, meditation and contemplation. I enjoy this inward journey as it helps me to see within and to use the eyes of something deeper to see outward. Learning to see a “true self” rather than a “false self” allows us to be a more interesting person. I’ve heard it said, to create more interesting images make ourselves more interesting. For me, the changes within me have changed my photography.
“We betray our true self, when we do not follow the hearts desire, for what the heart is attracted to, is your destiny.”
Took this image back in 2003, again just after purchasing my D100 and Sigma 105 macro lens. It is one of my favorite images for a couple reasons. One, it was a fluke as I really did not know what I was doing. I remember laying down in the wet grass and shooting without a tripod. I also only have it in JPEG format as shooting in raw was foreign to me. If you look closely you will see the sunrise upside down in the dew drop. Second, I was in the early discovery of a passion that has allowed me to see and experience life with new eyes and that includes all aspects of my life. As the quote states we must pursue what our heart is attracted to.
On my walk through the Fisher Nature area I cross an open field of knee high tall bluestem grass. I tickles my bare legs as I walk through the grass. Every once in a while I’ll startle, and be startled, by a field mouse or notice a fox watching me. Butterflies follow along and of course the birds let me know with their song how much they enjoy the meadow and surrounding trees. I also believe their song is my invitation to enjoy the medow along with them. Of course, I’m always enjoying the light cast across the field. No matter how many photos I have of that field I’ve never really been satisfied with the images I bring home. Yet, I will continue to carry my camera and take photos as I walk through the field. The walk is what it’s about, anyway.