• clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises

    … to be a part of it

    June 8, 2023

    The morning temperatures this time of the year are comfortable enough for me to stand or sit as I watch and wait for the sun to crest that horizon. I like to think the birds are singing because they are happy to see me again, which in turn makes me happy. This morning I sat on a favorite rock and I let everything soak into the ground of my very being. The only words needed in this silent prayer is just my presence. As I sit here a thought runs through my mind, “What if I’m not so much of an observer of this moment but more of an essential part of it.” Some voice within me suggests that this scene would be incomplete, definitely not the same, if I was not here to be a part of it. I apologize for another sunrise image, yet each one is so uniquely different. Thinking I need to write a post about that statement. Have a wonderful day!!

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  • clouds,  haiku,  horizons,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  reflections,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    A New Dawn

    May 5, 2023

    scattered clouds gather
    over the eastern horizon
    the gift of a new dawn

    ms

    Meadowlarks and robins were already singing when I arrived at Pineridge Natural Area this morning. I suspect they knew, just as I knew in my heart, the gift of this new day that was about to burst upon us. As I awaited in the dark, I had time to journal about what I was feeling and seeing. Again those words of awe and wonder came to mind. And then the sun burst forth to begin its journey from horizon to horizon. I pressed the shutter button on my camera hoping to capture some of what I was experiencing to share with you. I offered thanks. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes

    Beyond the Horizon

    April 19, 2023
    Clouds over Pineridge Natural Area this past Saturday

    “Some people close their eyes to the horizons; some people sit and watch the horizons; some visit the horizons and some incredible people go beyond the horizons!”

    Mehmet Murat ildan

    As a photographer I am fascinated with horizons. I find something powerful in seeing an open, vast, and inviting horizon. And over the past 20 years I have been fascinated with the horizons we have in our lives, and for the same reasons. For me these horizons can be dreams we’ve carried for many years or one we had last night. They could be a vision or goal we’ve discovered. Maybe it’s a new relationship in our life or re-establishing a damaged one. And, what about a new challenge in life we need to face. These are only a few that quickly come to mind but I’m sure you can add to the list. What I pray for is that we be one of those incredible ones who moves beyond the horizons.

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  • clouds,  gratitude,  lake,  landscape,  reflections,  sunsets,  writing/reading

    Four years ago today

    December 5, 2022
    Sunset over Rigden Reservoir

    … I had my heart surgery, where they replaced my aortic valve. So, I thought I’d share my gratitude list with you today as it follows the theme of my last posting: 

      • Thankful for a healthy heart and it’s as full as it is 
      • Thankful for time with family and friends
      • Thankful for the opportunity to enjoy the things that have become such a gift in my life such as time with nature, photography, blogging, conversations with family and friends
      • Thankful for my prayer and meditation times
      • Thankful for my journals, fountain pens and the words I uncover with them
      • Thankful I can experience and enjoy each new sunrise and sunset
      • Thankful for another day to venture into a coffee shop to visit my favorite baristas
      • Thankful for the chance to read poetry, which I’d never done before
      • Thankful for the chance to try my hand at poetry, haiku
      • Thankful for the chance to create more of my photo books to share my photography and my words
      • Thankful for my home and the remodeling this past year
      • Thankful for blueberries in my Irish Oats 😂
      • Thankful for DQ Blizzards 😂
      • Thankful for my camera upgrade 2 years ago and a lust for the next upgrade 😂
      • Thankful that what I have is enough and in all honesty do not need anything more than what is already in my life
      • Thankful that there are still those who embrace love, compassion, serenity, joy, hope, peace and …. ❤️
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    • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises

      Then things changed…

      October 24, 2022

      The day began as I watched the predawn colors on the eastern horizon then the sunrise from the ridge above the reservoir. I sat on the bench watched and listened. An owl, perched on the dead cottonwood tree, sharing with the world their joy for this new day. I enjoyed the warm sunshine and a light breeze we had all morning, drinking coffee and reading on the porch. It is what’s known as a perfect Colorado fall day. Then things changed… 

      By mid afternoon dark clouds had moved in, temperatures began to drop and the cold wind brought its power and authority to our attention. I put on a coat rather than a jacket and stepped outside for my walk. The cold wind stung my face and my nose began to run. The wind blew the still clinging leaves from their branches and sent them sailing in every direction. Some danced around me as if I was that important. My body knows this feeling as we move more into the later stages of fall and the promise of the colder season that quickly approaches, winter. Did I mention it’s cold?

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    • clouds,  horizons,  journal,  journaling,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises,  writing/reading

      A Sacred Place

      September 17, 2022
      The still waters of Dixon Reservoir

      A photo and excerpt from my journal this past July:

      Tuesday morning at Pineridge Natural Area. Sun just rose on an almost cloudless horizon. Our meadowlarks sing joyfully. Thank you! Bless this day. Love the birds. I awoke early this morning so had a short night of sleep and may need a power nap later today. The sun is a blinding bright orange orb. It will soon heat up this July day. It is a glorious time of the day for me. My young friend, Kate’s car is here, so she is already up on Viewpoint Spur practicing her morning yoga/meditation. It is also a glorious time of the day for her. This is a sacred place for many. Yet, even in this sacredness I find my mind wandering away to the busyness of the day, fretting, planning and no longer present to the sounds and beauty of creation. I take a deep breath and return. I believe these mornings transform the core of who I am and is an integral part of my own evolution, becoming who I was created to be. A process I will continue to take until my final breath.

      ms
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