• Dewdrops,  leaves,  quotes

    Silent Song of Happiness

    May 5, 2026

    “Every form of insentient existence – plants, stones or utensils – has its individual feelings similar to those of men. When we observe calmly, we discover that all things have their fulfillment.”

    Basho, The Essential Haiku by Robert Hass

    We awoke to a dusting of snow. Since then it has switched between a constant drizzle and snow, sometimes rather large snowflakes. It is actually quite beautiful. It is moisture we desperately need, so bring it on. And, I want to believe every plant, including these leaves outside the coffee shop, is probably excitedly soaking it all up and singing its own silent song of happiness.

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  • landscape,  snow,  winter scenes

    Snow and Cold

    April 17, 2026

    It began snowing just after 8:00 am this morning. At one time the snowflakes were big and beautiful. It’s what you’d expect with a springtime snow and made me smile. It has stopped and this dusting is all we are getting but we so need any moisture we can get. We are not expecting to be above 45 degrees today and it will be below freezing tonight and tomorrow night.

    “I don’t think everyone wants to create the great American novel, but we all have a dream of telling our stories-of realizing what we think, feel, and see before we die. Writing is a path to meet ourselves and become intimate.”

    Natalie Goldberg

    One of the gifts of blogging has been the opportunity to try my hand at writing. It truly has helped me discover who I really am rather than the man wearing an assortment of masks, depending on the stage I think I’m on. As Goldberg suggests I also am not interested in writing a novel, however the daily practice of journaling and regularly posting on this blog has been a good fit for me. So bare with me as I continue on this path.

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  • quotes,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    It’s a quiet day

    March 6, 2026

    Love is the seed of life in my own heart
    when it seeks the good of the other.

    Thomas Merton

    Finally a taste of winter. It began snowing early this morning, just now beginning to let up and turning to rain. I am guessing 1-3 inches of snow. US 287 north from Ted’s Place to Laramie, Wy was closed earlier due to blizzard conditions but is now open. This is a much needed gift of moisture for us. Had a mocha early at Mugs and have laundry in the dryer now. It’s a quiet day. I hope you enjoy your Friday!

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  • leaves,  quotes

    Leaves

    August 10, 2024

    For all the great thoughts I have read
    For all the deep books I have studied
    None has brought me near to spirit
    Than a walk beneath shimmering leaves.

    Steven Charleston, Spirit Wheel

    My walks over the past few days have been cooler and wet. The much needed moisture and a break from the heat is welcomed. I love walking in nature especially when green leaves are covered in dew from the mist. I was awakened during the night as thunder shook my room and rain tapped on my windows. I did not sleep well after that. This morning has been sunny but more storms later this afternoon. I also got in a nice bicycle ride while the weather was good. I will attend a friends retirement party this afternoon and probably overeat, again. Suspect a nap after that!! Enjoy your weekend!

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  • Dewdrops,  gratitude,  leaves,  Plants,  quotes

    Dewdrop Ornaments

    January 11, 2023

    “A mystic is anyone who has a gnawing suspicion that the apparent discord, brokenness, contradiction, and discontinuities that assault us every day might conceal a hidden unity.”

    Krista Tippett

    A light drizzle began falling this morning then changed to a wet snow. It stopped at about noon. It has been overcast and gray all day. I can easily see why people can feel down or depressed on days like this. I have felt its effect. I also feel a bit down as I have a friend who is in ICU from a heart attack and another one who has gone into hospice. It has been a struggle to accept where I’m at now in life and the weather and news have not helped.

    Yet, I watch as this precious moisture creates “dewdrop ornaments” that glisten and sparkle with the wind on the juniper outside my bedroom window. Nature is always offering us something to enjoy and so simple. I smile and am grateful.

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  • Cityscapes/Urban,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  seasons

    Finally…

    May 4, 2022
    Focus is on the raindrops and not the busyness beyond

    … we are receiving some much needed rain this morning. It began raining just after I went to bed. Sometime during the night I could hear it pounding against my window. Awoke to lovely puddles of water. The little boy within was enticed enough to want to jump in them.

    A light mist was falling as I walked to the bus stop. About an hour later it was a steady rain again. I sat in one of the lounge chairs at the coffee shop, looking out the window and watching the refreshing gift descending. Like snow there is a certain silence in gentle rain, when we pause and listen. I listened this morning. Everything smells fresh and new. I feel the coolness on my body and there is rejoicing in my spirit, even a giggle. Have a wonderful day!

    Looking out the bus window at transit center on campus

    “Let’s just sit quietly and listen to the secrets the rain wants to tell us.”

    John Mark Green
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  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journal,  writing/reading

    We need the moisture…

    March 13, 2021

    I was surprised to not see snow on the ground this morning. Yet the weather app says it’s still coming. Rain is now falling on the eastern plains but nothing along the Front Range, yet. I slept in late so my day has felt a bit behind. Journal time with my chai latte after quiet time is how I started this Saturday morning. Hoping you all have a great weekend. We need the moisture!

    Update: 11:29 am – It is now snowing.

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