• coffee life,  coffee shops,  fountain pens,  journal,  quotes,  writing/reading

    Gathering Wisdom

    April 8, 2023

    The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.

    Isaac Asimov

    There are many who are wise and do not have degrees or a data bank full of information. My experience has taught me that the only source for wisdom is not to be found in a book, wikipedia, social media, the college campus, Dr. Google or listening to my ego. It’s rather easy to gain information, or misinformation, but gaining wisdom primarily requires the lessons learned from life experiences, plus knowledge. The failures, mistakes, pain, suffering, self-examination and a dose of humiliation have been my greatest teachers. I’ve heard it said the wise know they don’t know the answers. They do not tell us what they know, they will only share their experiences of life with us. Then for us to be wise we will need to listen to those who are wise and learn from them. Sure rings true for me. I’ve come to see how those who have a practice of prayer and meditation, spending time in solitude, silence, and nature, have learned to listen to the voice of their innermost self. Makes me wonder if that is the source of our deepest wisdom? Have a wonderful weekend!

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  • grass,  Plants,  quotes

    Discouragement

    March 4, 2022
    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.

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  • lifestyles,  spirituality

    A Few Books

    June 27, 2019

    This is some of the books I’ve read or going to read for this retreat starting on Saturday. There are going to be 17 books used in these five weeks where we will cover a chapter or two of the book and no written essays. There will be a lot of practicum in this retreat, actual participation, rather than just gathering more knowledge and information.

    Today is my 69th birthday. The coffee shop, Mugs, gave me a free mocha and a chocolate éclair, which made my morning. I also receive the sweetest phone message from Julie and Tom as they sang happy birthday. Brought me to tears and not because their singing was bad. 🙂

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  • Avian

    Solitude and Community

    October 1, 2009

    Geese at Dawn
    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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  • landscape,  sunrises

    Up Early

    May 19, 2009

     

    Up Early
    Up Early

    “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” Buddha

     


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  • National Parks,  sunrises

    Sunrise at Foothills Parkway

    November 20, 2008
    Sunrise Along Skyline Drive
    Sunrise Along Foothills Parkway

    I’ve found searching our archives to be a good learning experience to touchup a few of these images using the tools and experience we have learned over the past. In October of 2003 a friend and fellow photographer, Jeff Svoboda, and I made a week long trip to the Smoky Mountains. He had been there before and knew where to go and where to stay. If you have never visited the Smoky Mountains I suggest you put it on your list of places to visit. Taken along Foothills Parkway.

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  • computer

    Learning Curve

    November 15, 2008
    New MacBook
    New MacBook

    I am a believer in being a student in life. I have lived life as if I knew what was good for everyone and doing my best to convince them and only created conflict and isolation. When we live life as a student always expecting to learn from others no matter their age or background, we build relationships and can live life with great expectations. As of yesterday I became a student on my new computer. So I am now on a learning curve with a new laptop and new operating system. After 15 years working on a Windows based system I moved over to a MacBook. So far I have enjoyed the challenge.

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