• clouds,  landscape,  mountains,  quotes,  reflections

    Just Being There

    July 26, 2020
    Clouds over the mountains at Rigden Reservoir

    “In the moments away from the crowd we perceive the subtler gifts—light, air, quiet—and discover we are more content than we thought.” Anne Scottlin

    I could see the dark clouds sitting over the Colorado Front Range so I decided to spend yesterday evening at Arapaho Bend Natural Area and realized I hadn’t been there for a while. There was also a desire to experience those clouds within a natural area rather than my condo. Nature can and does offer surprises when we least expect it so I go there. I did not find an any spectacular images when I returned home but what I really needed was the time there. I walked along the edge of Rigden Reservoir finding a rather uncomfortable rock to sit on and watch nature work it’s healing touch, whether I think I need it or not. Being next to the lapping waters edge drowned out the noises of the crowds. A stillness settled in. I found the rock was really not that uncomfortable, allowing me to enjoy the subtle gift of just being there.

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  • Bench,  journal,  writing/reading

    Experience Such a World

    October 23, 2015
    A Bench with Light
    A Bench with Light

    “Each moment is an opportunity to create. We can see this in each sunrise, sunset, flower, rainbow, snowflake, as they are a series of creative moments. We are all gifted to create. We can create new views of and for the world. Why do we waste our creative moments? Is it fear of our creation to be flawed or rejected by others and ourselves? Yet, our art is not intended to be perfection but a chance to offer a gift. And, what about sloth? Sloth is another reason and closely related to fear. Sometimes it is easier to daydream and fantasize in our safe little world than spend the time and effort at creativity. What would the world be like if we all overcame our fears? What would it be to experience such a world?” An excerpt from my journal 1/13/2015

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  • Candid Portraits

    Friends

    December 19, 2013
    Friends
    Friends

    “Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.”  ― Elie Wiesel

    My friend Kay and I drove up to Estes Park the other day to have brunch with her friend, Nellie. As you can tell they enjoyed catching up on family, sharing a hug, catching up on the latest with each other, exchanging gifts with each other and sharing a few tears. I found it refreshing to see them connecting as friends.

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  • Art,  Art/Design,  lifestyles,  still life

    Gifts from Friends

    December 8, 2008
    Favorite Mugs
    Favorite Mugs

    While making my latte this morning I grabbed one of my favorite cups and thought of my friend Beth. I smiled. Since then she has come to mind throughout the day. I remember our talks, the trip to NYC when her daughter sang at Carnegie Hall, the carriage ride through Central Park, seeing the Phantom of the Opera,  sharing a bottle of wine and the time we watched the fireworks from the top of her moms house. What a gift those experiences are to me. But what really has touched me today is her simple gift of the four coffee mugs. I’ve had them for 5-6 years now. I like them and use them almost everyday. When I’m in a mindful place while making my latte, I think of her and lift up prayers or positive thoughts for her. And, of course I smile!

    I am aware of how family and friends are gifts. They have been there for me and helped me when I needed them. They let me cry with them. They helped me get back on my feet when I was down. They encouraged and supported me. What a gift that is! Yet, today I am thankful for the material gifts they have given me? Those gifts make me smile.

    We are moving into the season of giving and receiving gifts. I know a giving a simple gift to family and friends, such as a card, a letter, a phone call or a mug, will help them in times when we are not able to be there with them. Family and friends can touch our lives even while we are separated by 100’s of miles. What simple gifts will we receive this Christmas season?  And, what gifts will we give? It can make someone smile!

    Thanks, Beth, for the mugs and thanks for all the gifts you have given me! 🙂

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  • Candid Portraits

    Dreams and Gifts

    December 5, 2008

     

    Dreaming
    Dreaming

    “Gifts,” powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of the effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen 

    I bought Allen’s book a while back and quickly read through it then placed it on the shelf. Today I found myself reaching for it and skimming over a few pages. I must admit I like some of the ideas he presents but reading the words quoted above have caused me to spend more time in reflection. When I come across something I’ve read that strikes a chord it can behoove me to chew on it, there is usually some important message for me to learn.

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