My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
As long as Earth remains an “it,” a “thing,” rather than a living vibrant reservoir of life, humans will continue to use and abuse her. We need a loving relationship with this generous, vulnerable planet in which we live. Only then will we allow her songs of rich abundance to dance in the rhythms of our lives, only then will we respond with reverent care and live with daily gratitude.
Joyce Rupp
I leave the chaos to enter the sanctuary of nature,
mws
aware this spiritual life is about our experiences.
I listen as the meadowlark sings from their heart,
the wind carrying their notes to all who will listen.
I learn, after the last note fades into the past,
to stay present, just as the meadowlark,
listening to the gift of silence.
I saw two extraordinary events yesterday afternoon at Pineridge Natural Area. While scanning the area with my binoculars I watched a large raptor, which I believe was a Golden Eagle, flying straight at me with a prairie dog in their talons. Golden Eagles are common in the area but this was my first sighting of one. Later, while journaling on the bench about the eagle there was an increase of chatter among the magpies just below me. I looked up from writing and see a bobcat. This was the first one I’ve seen in this area even though there are several in the area. I took no photos, just memories that remain in the present! Enjoy your weekend!
the meadowlark sings his song
mws
from it’s perch atop an old fence post
what seems to be just a melody to some
is a beautiful song of love and hope
a gift carried by the wind to those
who will listen with their hearts
A steady rain has been falling since about 7:30 am this morning and the weather app says this will be the norm for the next 6 days. Always good to get a gentle rain. I needed time in nature yesterday afternoon and drove out east into Weld County. The sky was beautiful with the clouds over the mountains. But my focus switched to birds as meadowlarks and Western Kingbirds were out and offering me photo opportunities. The sun is out for now. May go for a walk.
Nature truly is the artist! It does not need to be some majestic view over a vast plain or canyon but it can be the beauty of a ring-necked pheasant scampering along the road. The details, colors and design in those feathers is amazing. As years increase in my life, I see more and more of natures craftsmanship and gifts.
Male Ring-necked Pheasants are flashy birds with red faces and an iridescent green neck with a bold white ring. The male’s very long tail is coppery with thin, black bars. Females are brown with paler scaling on the upper parts; buff or cinnamon underparts with black spotting on the sides; and thin, black bars on their tails. They hang around open fields and weedy roadsides. And, they have this strange gate where their heads bob back and forth when the walk. Such a majestic, colorful gift of nature! Will leave shortly to have lunch with my youngest daughter. Always a wonderful treat! Have a great day!
May you recognize in your life the presence,
John O’Donohue from “To Bless the Space Between Us”
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.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is
unique, that you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life
there is something beautiful and eternal happening.
May you learn to see your self
with the same delight,
pride, and expectation
with which God sees you in every moment.
Take time to see the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
John O’Donohue
Clear skies and sunshine this morning in Colorado. Listening to the meadowlarks send their songs across the open meadow, urging us to seek the quiet miracles all around us.