• clouds,  haiku,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Silence of sunrise

    predawn colors
    painted on eastern horizon
    silence of sunrise

    ms

    We had some beautiful skies this morning during predawns performance. I just happened to be there and have my camera with me. We will enjoy the day before we have 5 days of cold temperatures with rain and snow. A pattern of nature before entering into full spring. Have a wonderful day!

  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  poems,  poetry,  writing/reading

    just maybe…

    saddened by the thinking
    of so many that violence is
    a solution for peace
    or a solution to anything

    nor is violence a show of
    masculinity or strength
    it only breeds its own poison
    the innocent pay the price

    may we not be just the
    indifferent and silent….

    yesterday I sought solace
    within my journal pages
    seeking words for comfort
    to calm my inner turmoil

    then I remembered the words of
    one of our peacemakers

    Thich Nhat Hanh believed
    that there is no way to peace…
    peace is the way

    haven’t we proved violence
    is not a solution
    maybe Thầy’s right
    just maybe…

    ms
  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  Self-portraits,  writing/reading

    Bitter Cold Morning

    It was 0 (zero) degrees this morning when I left the condo at 6:33 am. As I dusted off the powdery snow from the car I wonder how many neighbors were questioning my sanity. Then I thought about how connected we really are to nature and the part I play in it, how I am bundled up and prepared for the weather, how beautiful this wintery seen is, and most importantly, how good my mocha latte will taste. Yes, there is a bit of insanity in my life. However, there is much less insanity than a few years ago. 😁

    About this image. It was taken by a lovely young lady at Mugs at CSU coffee shop. Unfortunately I failed to get her name so I could give her credit. The overcast sky and light reflecting off the snow gave this a nice light. She did a great job! I want to use it in an ongoing series of images that include myself, the journal, the fountain pen in the act of journaling. I already have images of the journals and pens taken over the years and will continue to add more. But I have very few of them that include me in the act of writing. Some images I can do it with a tripod and timer but this image required another person pressing the shutter button. The purpose is to share why I have been journaling almost daily for over 30 years. Now, if it was just a wee bit warmer, say 70 degrees warmer!!!! Oh, and my toes are cold.

  • clouds,  haiku,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Ever Changing Light

    While the city slept I made a trip to Pineridge Natural Area hoping for colors on the eastern sunrise. I was not disappointed.

    Quite often I see a lady walking her two dogs at this natural area. Not sure if she lives nearby or not but they are regulars. This morning both dogs wore these reflective dog harnesses or some sort of battery operated harnesses. The dogs always get a good workout with her as she does set them on a pretty good pace. Looks like her and the dogs stay fit.

    Just before sunrise a man arrived and stood next to me using his phone to take images while both of us oohed and awed the gift we were witnessing. We shared in small chit-chat then each headed for coffee after the sun had risen.

    This second image was taken 26 minutes after the first image at roughly the same point. Gives an idea of the ever changing light and how nature continuously creates something new. And, I want to believe it’s just for our enjoyment. We are expecting a warm day today before snow and cold return tomorrow.

    on the horizon
    the sun offers a new day
    ever changing light

    ms
  • coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  writing/reading

    My Friends

    “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”

    Ernest Hemingway

    Between my camera, my journal, my fountain pens and a book, I would say books are in the top four. And, if I’m carrying my Kindle Paperwhite I’ll have to include a small digital library. Not sure I can say if any one is more important than the other but they all have become my friends. After writing that I also want to include the book of nature. I consider her to be a loyal friend, also.

    Clouds and snow have now settled over the mountains above 6,000 feet. Interesting how they say we could expect “snow accumulation of 4-8 inches, with 6-12 inches in the foothills.” Pretty much covers it all. So, I have a pot of Cream of Chicken Noodle soup cooking on the stove. Should be ready around 1:00 pm if you’re heading over this way.