• grass,  landscape,  Plants,  sunsets

    That’s Just What We Do

    Here is an attempt to photograph a scene where I wanted you to experience what I was experiencing. The late afternoon sunlight had the grass shimmering in gold, while the wind had the grass dancing to the music of silence. The first meadowlarks of the season were singing to me. There was that feeling of solitude, distant from the cities clamber. I took several images of the backlit grass along the fence with the awareness you probably wouldn’t experience what I was experiencing through this image. It just can’t. For you would have to be there to experience it. But, as a photographer, I will always try. That’s just what we do.

  • grass,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  Plants,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  snow,  trees

    Mornings Snowfall

    Snow began falling yesterday morning with those big beautiful fluffy snowflakes. The powdery stuff you blow off the car. For some insane reason I decided to hang out in the cold along the foothills between Pineridge Natural Area and Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. First stop was Pineridge Natural Area. Didn’t feel like sitting on the bench but what a view!!

    This is a group of trees just below Pineridge Natural Area. Horsetooth Reservoir and dam are just hidden behind the trees. So often images just do not convey the feeling we are experiencing before us. But, I’ll keep trying.

    This is from the parking lot of Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. I was facing a cold 8 mph wind about this time and the snow began picking up. I also slid through a red light on my way to this area. So glad no one was going through the green light. So, after taking this image I headed to the safety and warmth of home.

  • grass,  Plants,  quotes

    Discouragement

    Crested Wheat grass at Arapaho Bend Natural Area

    Too many times discouragement has been the bonus for unrealistic expectations, not to mention self-pity or fatigue from my wanting to change the world by the weekend.

    Daily Reflections, March 2

    Last Monday was not a good emotional and mental day for me. I felt like running away from the chaotic state of this world and those creating it. Knowing there is no place called “away”, I drove to one of my natural areas to find some solace, some comforting and healing. They are my sanctuaries. The sun felt good as my body soaked it up. A cool breeze blew lightly in my face. After a few much needed deep breaths I knew I had my feet back on the ground and to move on with the day. Sometime later after talking with friends I realized my difficult feelings were the disappointments I have with the world. I desire all things to be in perfect harmony and without discord but that is not life. My unrealistic expectations brought on those discouragements. Setting realistic expectations and living in acceptance of what I cannot change and what I can change is something I’m slowly learning. Learning patience and acceptance.

  • grass,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  seasons,  shadows,  snow,  winter scenes

    Another Cold Morning

    sun illuminates
    floating ice crystals
    storm has passed

    ms

    Minus 1 degree this morning and overcast skies at 7:00 am. By 8:30 the clouds gave way to blue sky and sunshine. I drove out to Reservoir Ridge Natural Area to capture the beauty of nature’s wintery scenes. Just before reaching the natural area there is a farm, always with a dozen or so horses. I’ve posted images from this area before. This morning they were being fed fresh hay while two hawks were perched high in the tree tops, also hungry on this cold morning.

    I so loved the blue sky this morning and how it contrasted with the white snow.

    There were almost no tracks in the parking lot of the natural area which means I can find snow scenes without any signs of mans intrusion. It has been almost too cold for anyone to be out and about in it. Having said that I saw a hard core bicyclist riding his fat tire bike this morning on my way home. I plan on staying inside the rest of the day since we are only going to reach a high of 15.

  • grass,  landscape,  Plants,  quotes,  sunsets

    Why?

    There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them.
    But they are there for a reason.
    Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.

    Paulo Coelho

    A cold morning. Have some cleaning around the condo from all the mold mitigation work done. Everything passed so I’m back in the condo. Want to repair a couple things then paint inside before I have the vinyl plank flooring installed next month. Enjoy your day! Why? Because I said so!