• Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  quotes,  reflections

    You’ll learn things you never knew…

    November 13, 2025
    Beaver Pond at Arapaho Bend Natural Area

    “But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
    You’ll learn things you never knew, you never knew.”

    Lyrics from Colors of the Wind

    Yesterday I came across a song from Pocahontas called Colors of the Wind. I discovered a flutist playing the song and liked it. So I searched for copies of the music, thinking I’d like to learn to play it. I downloaded a copy of the music which also had the lyrics. I have heard the song before but never seen the movie. I was surprised how the lyrics impacted me. I began to cry because it hits home to the arrogance and contempt of much of the world, and especially in this country. I have continued to be emotional today, partly because the lyrics explain so much of our troubled world but also because there has been a lot of loss in my circle of friends and family lately. I am now inspired to really learn the song on my flute. Even if you’ve heard the song before I suggest you listen to the song. And I hope you had a wonderful day.

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  • landscape,  meadow,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes

    Walking in the World

    November 3, 2025
    Taken on a walk ar Pineridge Natural Area – September 2020

    I have learned that the point of life’s walk is not where or how far I move my feet but how I am moved in my heart. If I walk far but am angry toward others as I journey, I walk nowhere. If I conquer mountains but hold grudges against others as I climb, I conquer nothing. If I see much but regard others as enemies, I see no one.

    Anasazi Foundation, The Seven Paths: Changing One’s Way of Walking in the World

    Yesterday we had blue skies, sunshine and mid 70 temperatures. Today we have overcast skies and mid 50 temperatures. And tomorrow back to the mid 70s. Whatever the day is like I hope you get a chance to get out and walk. May you have an Awesome week.

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  • landscape,  quotes,  sunrises

    The Secrets of Tomorrow

    February 14, 2025

    “And remember, also,” added the Princess of Sweet Rhyme, “that many places you would like to see are just off the map and many things you want to know are just out of sight or a little beyond your reach. But someday you’ll reach them all, for what you learn today, for no reason at all, will help you discover all the wonderful secrets of tomorrow.”

    Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

    Happy Valentines Day! 💝

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  • Cityscapes/Urban,  Photography

    Your Pants Will Dry

    December 11, 2009
    Wet Seat

    It’s always best to check the seat before you sit down after it has rained. I say that not because I’ve heard that before but with the voice of experience and admittedly more than once. We only attain the voice experience from our trials and errors. This is so true with our photography. It reminds me of Ray Ketchams’s post where a spark of an idea and a little bit of action allowed him to light up the forest in an unusual way. He makes a couple of powerful statements in his post: “Fail, fail and fail, no one ever learned anything by only knowing success”  and “When it comes to an idea or a photograph don’t ask someone else what it will look like, go out and try it.” So go ahead and try, your pants will dry.

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  • Avian

    Solitude and Community

    October 1, 2009
    Geese at Dawn

    Solitude is important in my life. Community is important in my life. Time alone nurtures my inner spirit, clears out the cobwebs, and heals. Yet, spending time with others also nurtures my spirit, helps me see life through others eyes and community also heals. Spending time alone shooting photographs helps me become a better photographer. Shooting with and sharing experiences with fellow photographers helps me become a better photographer. Why shouldn’t I embrace both solitude and community.

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