My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
“Most of us lead far more meaningful lives than we know.
Rachel Naomi Remen
Often finding meaning is not about doing things differently;
it is about seeing familiar things in new ways.”
I stepped out into the street to grab this image of a familiar scene while waiting outside Mugs coffee shop on Laurel.
No one got hurt!
A good way to start a Sunday morning, or any morning, is time at Pineridge Natural Area. Joining me this morning at chapel were three Mule Deer, a couple of cottontails, a small choir of ducks and geese on Dixon Reservoir, a lone fisherman standing on the shore, and the nonstop chatter of magpies. We were finally gifted with a lovely afternoon rainstorm yesterday. It brought such a refreshing scent of rain, bright clear skies and if you were present to the moment, the loving touch of Creation. Morning chapel!
This morning has had the feel, look and smell like fall. My bicycle ride was refreshing and brisk to the coffee shop. Nature offered her lovely sky canvas painted with delicate clouds and subtle colors. I stopped a couple of times to take photos and appreciate the gift of the moments. I listened to birds singing. Had two whitetail does ignore me as they grazed along the trail. With experiences like this each morning I enjoy my rides even more. My barista this morning was Madi, my drink was an Old Town mocha and I had good conversations with the regulars! Yes, I am appreciating the gift of the moments!
“There is a Sufi story about a man who is so good that the angels ask God to give him the gift of miracles. God wisely tells them to ask him if that is what he would wish.
Rachel Naomi Remen, Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal
So the angels visit this good man and offer him first the gift of healing by hands, then the gift of conversion of souls, and lastly the gift of virtue. He refuses them all. They insist that he choose a gift or they will choose one for him. “Very well,” he replies. “I ask that I may do a great deal of good without ever knowing it.” The story ends this way:
The angels were perplexed. They took counsel and resolved upon the following plan: Every time the saint’s shadow fell behind him it would have the power to cure disease, soothe pain, and comfort sorrow. As he walked, behind him the shadow made arid paths green, caused withered plants to bloom, gave clear water to dried up brooks, fresh color to pale children, and joy to unhappy men and women. The saint simply went about his daily life diffusing virtue as the stars diffuse light and the flowers scent, without ever being aware of it. The people respecting his humility followed him silently, never speaking to him about his miracles. Soon they even forgot his name and called him “the Holy Shadow.”
“Certain things in life simply have to be experienced -and never explained.”
Paulo Coelho, Maktub
I drove up to Pineridge Natural Area this morning to watch and photograph the predawn colors and the sunrise. It was a good experience and a good way to start my Saturday or any day for that matter. I then headed to Windsor and met Eric for coffee. I hope you have had a good Saturday!
Love is what shines from our eyes,
Charles “Tom” Brown
beats from our heart,
speaks with our voice,
and meets itself everywhere.
Sooner or later, love will reclaim us all.
But to let that happen now,
to die into love now,
before the body dies … Ah!
Every new morning gives fresh hope, for great is the mercy of the new day.
Lailah Gifty Akita
It has threatened to rain most of the afternoon but we’ve received only a few drops. We really need it! However the clouds have definitely cooled things down. We have had rain during the past two nights but again nothing measurable for us. Last night Nature put on an exciting thunder and lightning show. I could see the flashes even with my eyes closed and on a couple of occasions felt the thunder. The above image was taken yesterday morning just before leaving for the coffee shop. I could have just as easily taken it this morning as I saw the same scene. It again shows how easily I am drawn to shadows and lines.
I am thoroughly enjoying my morning rides to the coffee shop along Spring Creek Trail. This morning I stopped and took this image while standing on a small bridge over the creek then put it though the Jetpack image editor to come up with this AI generated image. I used anime style with enhancement. I did ask it to add the sunbeams and show more of the creek. I feel it gave a decent representation of the original scene. Anyway, it was fun to play with. It is another hot day for most of the country so I hope you enjoy or have enjoyed your day!
… I needed to stop and get on one knee again to get a photo of these asters (blanket flowers) along Spring Creek Trail. I did not ride the past couple days because of the rain and drizzle, so I really enjoyed this morning’s ride. And, in case you’re curious, I was able to get back up without help and there were no popping sounds!!