It takes time to rediscover the treasure of silence.
Gunilla Norris
The Treasure of Silence
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Arapaho Bend Natural Area – December 2023 -
Prophets
Sunset at Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area – 2016 I was writing a quick message to a friend this morning and using my phone to record the message. I told them that I had offered a blessing this morning for those who are peacemakers and present day “prophets.” But, I felt a sadness when I looked down and saw that my phone had translated “prophets” into profits. Seems we are now living in a world where we ignore or not even listen to “prophets” but we do not hesitate to follow the “profits”, even blindly. It looks to be cool all over the nation, so stay warm, cozy, and have a good day. And, as a prophetic warning from me, don’t go near any malls to avoid all the pushing, shoving and chaotic traffic!! Instead, drink a glass of eggnog at home and eat a minimum of two frosted sugar cookies!!
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First Measurable Snowfall
We received our first measurable snowfall beginning early Wednesday morning and continuing into the early evening. I had from 4-6 inches of wet snow on my car yesterday morning. After coffee and conversation I drove out to Pineridge Natural Area for the above image. It was deep enough I got snow in my boots. This morning we had clear skies, a beautiful full moon and 10 degrees. Roads are ice and dangerous.
My dad’s health deteriorates. The heart and kidneys are failing and he is retaining a lot of fluids. So, he asked to stop taking all medications except the Eliquis and be put into Hospice. They brought in a Hospice doctor to evaluate him for their services and then called in Hospice. I am amazed that he is cognisant enough to think this all through and then make the decision himself. He wants to stay on the Eliquis because it can help prevent strokes. Something I would not have thought of. I will not go down there unless something happens since I just visited two weeks ago. I did talk to him on the phone yesterday. He sounded weak and tired and seemed ready to have Hospice available for him. After watching Hospice help mom he knows what they can do. I will keep you informed as you are part of my family.
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Thanksgiving’s Predawn Sky
Finding beauty in a broken world is creating beauty in the world we find.
Terry Tempest WilliamsIt was a very cold morning at 22 degrees. I felt gratitude for the life I am living as I stepped from my car and walked to my favorite rock at Pineridge Natural Area. The rock was just as hard as the last time I sat on it but this morning it was also quite cold. The sky was beginning to turn a light pink then shifted into a darker pink. I accepted the gift of a beautiful predawn sky. It was quiet, still and serene. In the early twilight I could see a group of four hardy runners bouncing along the trail with their headlamps as they circled Dixon Reservoir. I assume they were working up an appetite for turkey dinner later today or maybe a warm cinnamon roll with coffee when they returned home. I agree Terry Tempest Williams quote, there is much beauty to be found in this broken world. I then made my way to Mugs in Old Town for a mocha and blueberry scone. They were having the annual Turkey Trot going on so the streets were blocked off for the race and people were gathering for the race. I decided to head back home before it became a mess. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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Overcast and Cold
Selfishness seldom has to do with reaching for the biggest piece of cake on the plate;
Marcus Borg
rather, it is preoccupation with our selves.It is overcast and cold here this morning. A brisk 22 degrees when I left for coffee. Needless to say I did not ride the bicycle to coffee. However, it’s up to 30 degrees now. I put on a crockpot of chili soup earlier and will indulge in that later. I sure do like how my house smells when I’m cooking with a crockpot. Today will be a quiet day at home with reading, journaling and some flute practice. I took this sunrise and reflection image at Arapaho Bend Natural Area back in October. Have a wonderful day!
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Colorado predawn colors…
Took this at Pineridge Natural Area this morning. It’s blurry as I forgot to turn off the IBIS while using the tripod. As I headed home I became aware that I was rushing while taking this mornings images. I had nothing urgent on my calendar until later in the day but I was acting like I did. Therefore I was not as present to the moment or what I was doing. I was physically in a natural sanctuary but mentally I was in another place. After a few deep breaths I settled down and the day has gone smoothly. It has been overcast today but the temperature is in the low 60s. For the fun of it here is something from 10 years ago today. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!
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You’ll learn things you never knew…
Beaver Pond at Arapaho Bend Natural Area “But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
Lyrics from Colors of the Wind
You’ll learn things you never knew, you never knew.”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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Respect
Respect for the environment, and respect for what was naturally occurring in nature:
L.A. Banks
that was the bedrock of all original peoples. Harmony, coexistence, not conquest and conquer.The wind has been blowing since early this morning bringing a snowfall of yellow and gold leaves. It is a bad hair day and not suited for bicycling or photography. I met my friend Nancy for coffee and an enjoyable conversation. I’ve been inside the rest of the day doing things such as laundry, a shower and cleaning. Therefore this image was taken in November of 2017 at Arapaho Bend Natural Area. I have had several people compliment me on the gift of the natural areas near me. I must say I am lucky to have these areas and support them with my money and vote which I hope keeps the conquest and conquering fans at bay. May we respect natures ways and enjoy time with her!
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Sacred Places
To encounter the sacred is to be alive at the deepest center of human existence. Sacred places are the truest definitions of the earth; they stand for the earth immediately and forever; they are its flags and shields. If you would know the earth for what it really is, learn it through its sacred places. At Devil’s Tower or Canyon de Chelly or the Cahokia Mounds, you touch the pulse of the living planet; you feel its breath upon you. You become one with a spirit that pervades geologic time and space.
N. Scott MomadayThese are two images taken at Arapaho Bend Natural Area, just one of the natural areas that I consider a sacred place. The natural areas are where I enjoy attending sunrise and sunset services or an afternoon’s walk. These sacred places I enjoy do not have stained glass windows, pews, organs, a pulpit, or membership requirements. I stand or sit on the ground or a rock and experience the presence of the Spirit through the wind, a red winged blackbirds song or the warmth of the setting sun. But more often than not, just the silence. If I am fully present, I am never the same after spending sacred time in nature. Sacred places like this are where I go and sit to be one with the Spirit and feel alive. Both images were taken in 2013. May you have a wonderful day!
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Walking in the World
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 WorldYesterday 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.
