• Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  quotes,  reflections

    Transformed by the Journey

    Setting sun at Arapaho Bend Natural Area – Nov. 2023

    To journey without being changed, is to be a nomad.
    To change without journeying is to be a chameleon.
    To journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim.

    Mark Nepo, The Exquisite Risk

    I love the idea of transformation by the journey. And the journey I am referring to is an inward journey. I tried the geographical change but that didn’t work. I spent way too much of my life being a chameleon and that didn’t work. It has only been in the last few years that looking inward has become a door into an accurate self-awareness. Who I thought I thought I was, was not accurate because the glasses I was using to see myself needed to be replaced. My inward journey has included self-examination, prayer and meditation which have become an unshakable foundation in my life. It’s a regular part of my daily practice and I enjoy being a pilgrim!!

    Hope you enjoy your weekend!

  • Avian,  natural areas,  quotes

    The Literature of the Spirit

    Pelican in early morning fog at Arapaho Bend Natural Area – May 2023

    One of our problems today is that we are not well acquainted with the literature of the spirit. We’re interested in the news of the day and the problems of the hour.

    Joseph Campbell

    My wife and I separated in 1991 and sold the house that fall. I drove away with everything I owned in the back of a small Ford Ranger pickup and with a feeling I was not familiar with. Her and I were closing one chapter of our lives and moving forward into another. It was a time of letting go. One thing that I have fully embraced from that day to the present was the letting go of television. I have not owned one since then. I came to a place where I’m not interested in the news of the day, the problems of the hour or what society considers entertainment. I focus my attention on the reality of life, one-on-one time with family and friends, the gift of time in nature, reaching out to the needs of those who are suffering, time in solitude, silence, prayer and meditation, journaling, photography and listening to the spirit that pervades everything. I guess you can say that’s being acquainted with the literature of the spirit.

    Six years ago today I had open heart surgery. That valve lasted about four years when it failed and they needed to replace it in a TAVR procedure, March 2023. So today I am grateful and living life as full as I can. Thank you to all who have been reading these ramblings over the years!!

  • clouds,  landscape,  meditation,  natural areas,  poems,  quotes

    You are a light…

    Let me honor you today with the respect you deserve.
    Let me acknowledge you as a person
    Who has worth and value.

    Our world would be diminished without you.
    Our journey would seem longer.
    You bless us with your presence.
    You make a difference in our lives.
    We need you.

    There are many who would stand to say this with me.
    You are loved.
    I know you well enough to understand
    That you do not expect
    Or even want to hear this kind of praise.
    But I believe the spirit intends every human heart
    To hear a simple truth: you are a light others can see.

    Steven Charleston

    Today would have been my mothers 93rd birthday. I miss your light!

  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunsets

    The Real Questions

    Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits…

    Henri Nouwen

    A few years ago I took up the practice of asking myself such questions. Even stopping during the day to ask them, especially if I was restless or irritable. It’s now become a regular part of my day. It requires me to be honest and thorough in this self-examination and maybe even bounce it off a close friend. It can turn the day around for me and others. I must confess I’m not as diligent with this practice as I would like to be. But, that’s why it’s called practice. It causes me to wonder what our world would look like if more people were to do such an inventory of themselves each day? I’ve come to believe these are the real questions everyone needs to ask.

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  reflections

    The Beauty of This World

    Calm waters at Arapahoe Bend – December of 2023

    A lifetime isn’t long enough for the beauty of this world
    and the responsibilities of your life.

    Scatter your flowers over the graves, and walk away.
    Be good-natured and untidy in your exuberance.

    In the glare of your mind, be modest.
    And beholden to what is tactile, and thrilling.

    Mary Oliver
  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  clouds,  landscape,  natural areas

    Alexander Mountain Fire

    Alexander Mountain Fire – 7/29/2024 @ 7:22 pm

    Good morning! We have our first forest fire of the season burning called the Alexander Mountain Fire. It is burning just west of Loveland and was estimated at 1,820 acres with 0% containment as of 10:00 a.m. this morning. I took this image around 7:00 pm yesterday evening from Arapaho Bend Natural Area. 

    This morning I was awake and up by 4:00 am. After my quiet time I drove up to Pineridge to watch the sunrise. What a gift with a cloudless sky. I could see the smoke from the fire drifting gently out to the east but not smell it. On my way back into town, I came across a house on West Mulberry with a large fire burning in the backyard of the home. I pulled over as the four fire trucks and ambulance pulled up and just cried, and cried hard. Think I’m feeling too much of the pain of this world with natural disasters and man’s incessant need for killing, so the dam burst. Hope you have a good day! 

  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  Avian,  natural areas,  quotes

    Wishing Happiness for Others

    All the joy the world contains
    Has come through wishing happiness for others.
    All the misery the world contains
    Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.

    The Way of the Bodhisattva

    I drove through Arapaho Bend Natural Area on my way back from my coffee and conversation with Eric. I saw three Golden Eagles but they were out of my lens range. A couple minutes later I watched and listened to this meadowlark sing. I want to believe the meadowlarks song is offering joy by wishing happiness for others. Now sitting outside enjoying the cool wind and lovely clouds! Enjoy your Saturday!