• insects,  John O'Donohue,  quotes

    The Wanderer’s Soul

    July 22, 2023

    While each place has its own beauty, no particular place can claim to settle the wanderer’s soul.

    John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes

    If you ever want to observe a wandering soul look no farther than the world of insects. Most wander in pursuit of food, to mate and to avoid predators. I have found the only way to photograph dragonflies and damselflies is to set up my camera and tripod then wait. With enough patience those wandering souls will pass through your viewfinder. Hoping you are enjoying your Saturday.

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  • John O'Donohue,  Plants,  quotes

    A Sacred Gift

    June 14, 2023

    May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.

    John O’Donohue

    Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University says we’ve received 4.06 inches of rain in the past 14 days and more rain expected tomorrow. Therefore mushrooms are everywhere. And, here’s my proof.

    We have had a beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine. As I sit on my porch and type this I watch and listen as the wind dance with the trees. Robins, blue jays and goldfinches sing. The fragrance of the locust and linden trees fills the air. I will post this and then drive to Riverbend Ponds for some bird photography or at least a nice walk. Grateful as this day has been a sacred gift.

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  • John O'Donohue,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes,  sunrises

    Before Sunrise

    March 19, 2023

    “One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.”

    John O’Donohue

    I was up early this morning, way before sunrise. Made a chai latte after quiet time then drove to Pineridge Natural Area for pre dawn light. It found it unusual to see frost on the grass but almost none on the cars. When I arrived at this spot, I was met with the silence of nature, very little wind, clear skies and cold. Its gift to me is peace, serenity, hearing an unspoken prayer and offering healing of my body and soul. It also holds the promise that today is going to be a good day. Weather app says we could see 50 degrees today. Let’s hope so as there is a feel of spring here.

    I am limited to lifting no more than 10 pounds for the next 2 weeks. My backpack with camera and lens weighs about 5 pounds and pretty sure my journal, fountain pens and kindle paperwhite, keep me under the limit. It will be another day to relax, rest and heal. Strange to think this is my 5th day since surgery. Praying you have a wonderful day!

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  • John O'Donohue,  landscape,  Plants,  quotes,  seasons,  sunrises,  trees,  winter scenes

    It is within…

    January 7, 2023

    The ancient rhythms of the earth have insinuated themselves into the rhythms of the human heart. The earth is not outside us; it is within: the clay from where the tree of the body grows.

    John O’Donohue

    Sorry for another quote by John O’Donohue but he is one of my favorites. Yesterday was a fairly good day for me, I rested well and the energy carried through the day. We have been in a cold spell the past few days. We received about 1-2 inches of snow a week ago and it still is on the ground. Overcast skies and the cold temperatures have kept the Colorado sun from melting the snow and warming us up. However the weather app says we can see sunshine this afternoon. Anyway, here is an image from a cold December sunrise in 2011. Have a great weekend!!!

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  • clouds,  John O'Donohue,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  poems,  sunrises

    Listening

    December 18, 2022

    Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,
    May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.

    As the wind loves to call things to dance,
    May your gravity be lightened by grace.

    Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,
    May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.

    As water takes whatever shape it is in,
    So free may you be about who you become.

    As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,
    May your sense of irony bring perspective.

    As time remains free of all that it frames,
    May your mind stay clear of all it names.

    May your prayer of listening deepen enough
    to hear in the depths the laughter of god.

    John O’Donohue

    Another cold morning of 5 degrees at 6:30 am. Sometimes on mornings like this I wonder if I need to move to a warmer climate. Then realize we really do not have days like this very often. Even though you may hear me whine I still can manage to rise before dawn, have my quiet time then go to sacred places to experience the predawn light and sunrise or meander to a coffee shop or both. I live a good life with all its difficulties and joys. I have much to be grateful for. And when I do hear myself whine I am able to listen deeply enough to hear and experience God laughing with me and within me. I’m then not as cold. The image is pre dawn light at Pineridge Natural Area taken last week because this morning I only meandered to the coffee shop. 😂

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

    Dangerously free…

    October 12, 2022

    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
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  • John O'Donohue,  leaves,  Plants,  quotes

    Nature of the Soul

    September 26, 2022

    Love is the nature of the soul.

    John O’Donohue

    Yesterday was my oldest granddaughter, Abbie, and Patton’s wedding. It was absolutely beautiful in so many aspects. They are in their mid twenties and seem very much in love and not just in the fantasy of their minds. They seemed so comfortable, relaxed and excited. A good time was had by all except for those of us who overate. 😂 May they grow in their marriage! I love you two! ❤️ I will be looking forward to seeing the wedding photos.

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  • clouds,  John O'Donohue,  landscape,  Plants,  quotes,  trees

    Lush and Green

    June 28, 2022

    “May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference.”

    John O’Donohue

    Took a drive up over Bingham Hill. I see this view each time I pass through but have never stopped because there is no place to pull over. Well, because it looked so lush and green on this particular day, I decided to stop even with part of my car on the road and put on my flashers. Took about six photos then moved on. Glad I did and no cars came by, this time. 😂

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