• architecture,  Art,  Church

    Use of Solitude

    St. Josephs Steeple
    St. Josephs Steeple

    “In order to be open to creativity, one must have the capacity for constructive use of solitude. One must overcome the fear of being alone.” ― Rollo May

    While on a walk last week I ventured into St. Josephs Catholic Church. It was the time of day I like to visit when there few people. There was one man praying the Stations of the Cross, otherwise I had it to myslef. Churches are still a place in our city where I can find a place of quiet. Very little external noise finds it’s way in. I then use these places to sit and journal or meditate or read or all of them. Before going into the church I looked up and noticed the steeple against the sky. That’s one image.

    Baptismal Font at St. Josephs Catholic Church
    Baptismal Font at St. Josephs Catholic Church

    Solitude has become an important part of my life. I enjoy it and need it. My condo is a place of solitude, a sanctuary, a way to distance myself from the busyness of the world. Please don’t think I’m a hermit because I need community, to have people actively in my life. I find community with family, friends, coffeehouses, bookstores and libraries and in nature.

    I think many people attend church for weekend services and avoid weekdays. I am the opposite. I do not attend a church but spend time in church when most people are working. I go to churches for the quiet and solitude. And, I admit I am also seeking photo opportunities during these times, stirring my creativity and being open to a scene that can appear before me. I noticed the baptismal font and have a second image.

  • architecture,  Church,  Fujifilm X-E1,  quotes

    The Three Variables

    Arches and Cross
    Arches and Cross

    “After 40 years of ingesting every aspect of photographic science and composition, I still find the camera to be an endlessly intriguing partner that challenges my imagination and knowledge. All that with only 3 variables of shutter speed, aperture and focal length.” – Ralph Auletta

  • quotes,  shadows,  spirituality

    The Cross and Shadow

    On the Alter
    The Altar at John XXIII Church

    “So don’t be frightened, dear friend, if a sadness confronts you larger than any you have ever known, casting its shadow over all you do. You must think that something is happening within you, and remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why would you want to exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don’t know what work they are accomplishing within you?”

    Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
  • Art/Design

    Cattail Cross

     

    Cattail Cross
    Cattail Cross

    Nature at work creating beauty for us. A walk to the Prospect Ponds area just east of Fort Collins provided me the chance for this image. I have so often in the past missed seeing natures art because I was caught up in my thoughts rather than staying present to where I am at. This world is so beautiful when we live in it.