“I will pray for you in the quiet hours.”
Steven Charleston
The Quiet Hours
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Last night’s cloudless sunset over Longs Peak and the Colorado Front Range -
Stocked with chocolate…
Colorado sunset – March 2020 If we listen from the mind of silence, every birdsong and every whispering of the pine branches in the wind will speak to us.
Thich Nhat HanhI had an enjoyable bicycle ride to coffee but had to face a stiff wind on the way home as a cold front moves in. Snow expected later today and into the night with frigid temperatures over the next few day. Looks very similar to the whole nations forecast. Stay warm, stock the fire and enjoy the weekend. And, make sure your stocked with chocolate!
And today is special because my dad is celebrating his 96th birthday!! I love you!
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You are a light…
Let me honor you today with the respect you deserve.
Steven Charleston
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.Today would have been my mothers 93rd birthday. I miss your light!
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Meaningful Silence
No doubt about it, silence is the beginning of wisdom as it sorts and casts out, rethinks and reclaims, plans and proceeds so that you can become your true self. As someone once wrote, “A meaningful silence is always better than meaningless words.”
Joan ChittisterI met my friend Eric for coffee this morning at a favorite place in Windsor. The coffee shop is a busy one and also loud. I would suspect some of it being meaningless words. The ambiance is not all that conducive to journaling or reading but I enjoy the conversation and time with Eric. I’m usually relieved to walk out the door to silence. On the way home I had a chance to stop and take in this view of the Rocky Mountains, a beautiful blue sky filled with wispy clouds, while enjoying the meaningful silence. I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
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This Love Thing
I love landscapes. I love them because of the experience they offer. Experiencing the landscape, letting it touch me is different than looking at any photo, even when it’s my photo. Landscapes are visually and spiritually never the same. That’s true second by second, hour by hour, and day by day. Wind reshapes clouds constantly, the light changes colors, the weather can alter the hues and saturation within a few seconds, and blowing dust causes the light to change.
And time alters the landscape as aging trees fall, or a flood creates a ravine that was not there last week. What does all this transformation of landscapes mean? What can I learn from watching and participating? I’m sure some get bored with landscapes. I wonder is that because we only glance at a scene rather than sit with them, letting them touch us at a deeper level? I find that when I don’t connect with a scene I can be out of touch with the reality of the world around me. Who knows, maybe the landscape is offering this love thing.
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A Silver Lining
Restless at home yesterday I decided to drive to Weld County along County Roads 13 and 15. The skies were abundant with clouds. Darker clouds hung on the eastern horizon where rain was falling. Clouds in the west were displaying their silver lining as the sun set behind them. And the wind blew, reshaping clouds, and creating new works of art to enjoy. The wind also playfully rolled tumbleweeds across the open fields and roads. A hawk circled above searching for its next meal. Hundreds of Canada Geese flew in formation as they made their way to the fields for the night. I was blessed to see my first meadowlark of this year and had a second one sing its love song for me. I was glad I made the drive. I like how the irrigation system adds a leading line into the promising horizon.
Silver lined clouds This morning we have overcast skies and a mix of light rain/snow. The rain is refreshing, but the dull gray skies do not compare to the artistry of yesterday’s sky. I have a relaxing day ahead. Need to send a couple of emails and binge on chocolate. Just kidding on the chocolate!!!
May you enjoy your day! -
Sacred Path of the Warrior
Cool loneliness allows us to look honestly and without aggression at our own minds. We can gradually drop our ideals of who we think we ought to be, or who we think we want to be, or who we think other people think we want to be or ought to be. We give it up and just look directly with compassion and humor at who we are. Then loneliness is no threat and heartache, no punishment. Cool loneliness doesn’t provide any resolution or give us ground under our feet. It challenges us to step into a world of no reference point without polarizing or solidifying. This is called the middle way, or the sacred path of the warrior.
Pema ChödrönI enjoyed my drive to Windsor for coffee and conversation with Eric this morning. Clear blue skies, sunshine and cold. I saw a half dozen hawks and one with a mouse, the mornings special. I have also seen at least one eagle the past three weeks. Last Saturday I saw four. May have to take my longer lens next week. I needed to stop and accept this scene with our Rocky Mountains draped in a pink alpenglow and the moon looking out over it all.
Pema Chödrön’s quote again reminds me of those images I have of who I am or what I ought to be. I also like how she suggests we look directly with compassion and humor at ourselves and walk that sacred path of the warrior. Hope you have a wonderful Saturday!
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Edge of Wonder
Sunset over Longs Peak Keep doing the things that make you feel something. Keep doing the things you’re in love with. And if you don’t know what those are just yet, step out into the world, and find them. Because everything is waiting for you.
Victoria Erickson, Edge of WonderI like her use of the word “things” as plural rather than singular. It suggests that we step out into the world to uncover things we weren’t aware we loved, or better yet things that loved us. I’m off to coffee shop.
