My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
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 Wonder
I 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.
Nature is a mirror in which I am reflected, because by rescuing this land from sad devastation [through recreating it in photographs], I am in fact trying to save myself from my own inner sadness.
Mario Giacomelli
This quote hits a sensitive spot because I am a witness to the sad devastation of nature. While out photographing the cloud formations during the afternoon thunderstorms this past week, I began reflecting on all the places I have photographed over the years which were free of signs of man’s intrusion. Sadly, I have been a witness to many of those scenes which no longer exist. Later, while studying this image I felt a feeling of inner sadness that someday this scene may be a housing development or warehouse or whatever. So, there is a stirring within me as the photographer Mario Giacomelli suggests, to seek out more portraits of Nature. She is so beautiful and as an artist she continues to create more beauty, while we destroy what she creates! And, I believe she is willing to have her portrait taken.
I had never heard of Mario Giacomelli before. One reason is because the raw expressiveness of his images are not appealing to my style of photography. However, I will suggest this link for you read a bit about him and his photography. Have a wonderful Sunday!!!
On Wednesday morning, Geri mentioned in her comments that we have “amazing morning clouds down there.” I agree but I also think we have some amazing afternoon/evening clouds as well. The sky looked to be building up to the northwest so I felt a drive east into Weld County was needed. I got to watch a couple storms built up along the Front Range then move southeast. Clouds are a favorite subject of mine so I guess you could say I live in a wonderful place to photograph them.
This second image was taken 30 minutes later and much further south. And, look how tall the corn is, 6 feet. The storm was approaching the city of Fort Collins, eventually dumping some heavy rains over the city then moving south/southeast. As I mentioned we had rain about 2:00 am and then again later in the afternoon. The Fort Collins Flood Warning map shows we had 1.5 inches in a 24 hour period with the two storms. And then last night I again watched as lightning flashed in my room and thunder boomed while rain pounded on my bedroom window. Not sure how much rain that brought. At the present we have clear blue skies and sunshine. I’ll take it. Have a wonderful Friday and be safe! ❤️
“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.”
Jo Walton
We have all heard the forlorn refrain “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time!” This phrase has come to stand for the rueful reflection of an idiot, a sign of stupidity, but in fact we should appreciate it as a pillar of wisdom. Any being, any agent, who can truly say, “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time!” is standing on the threshold of brilliance.
Daniel Dennett
The skies have been filled with clouds most of the day, beautiful colors, shapes, shades, patterns and textures. With all that beauty I made the decision to chase clouds this afternoon and evening. Some clouds had rain within them while those over the mountains had some snow in them. The forecast is to see snow develop in the mountains and along the Front Range about midnight and continue until early morning. It’s a pattern we could see the next couple of days.
Not sure about you but early in my youth I found myself saying, “Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time!” Maturity and the awareness to pause before making decisions, taking more thoughtful actions than reactions, has reduced the times I needed to say that. Please notice I said reduced! So, if we go with Dennetts quote then he’s suggesting I’m on the threshold of brilliance, even today. Hoping you have a wonderful weekend!
“Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.”
Roy T. Bennett
All went well with my bone marrow biopsy yesterday. It was quick, simple and very little pain with it. This morning I’m a bit tender around the wound site but otherwise doing fine. I will be gentle and kind with myself today. Test results will take 7-10 days. This past week I did acquire another UTI so back on antibiotics, hoping it clears up before surgery. Everything seems to be a go for surgery on Tuesday the 14th. I feel at times I am in the midst of the storm. May I not lose hope.
This is an HDR image created in Lightroom Classic with three images at +/- one stop.
It has been a cold and windy day and expect another one tomorrow. I saw a high of 34 today but know in my bones it felt like it was -50 degrees. Drove out east on Weld County Road 88 this afternoon because I thought I could see something like this, the sun setting over the mountains on a cloudless sky. Seems the wind blows more when you are standing on the open prairie with no wind breaks. In for the night and nibbling on grapes and Port Salut on Wheat Thin crackers. Hope everyone had a good week and hope you have a wonderful weekend! Stay warm and dry.