My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
At the heart of all photography is an urge to express our deepest personal feelings – to reveal our inner, hidden selves, to unlock the artist. Those of us who become photographers are never satisfied with just looking at someone else’s expression of something that is dear to us. We must produce our own images, instead of buying postcards and photo books. We seek to make our own statements of individuality.
Galen Rowell
I’ve reflected and journaled for over a year whether I want to say “in my opinion” or “I believe” and what the difference is.
I’ve not always wanted to share my words on some issues because differences in opinion rise to the surface that have the potential to bring up conflict, and I hate conflict. Yet, it seems there is a desire within all of us to express ourselves, to be heard, voice our opinion or belief. I’m questioning if my opinion is really more about my egoic thinking, sharing my knowledge or what I’ve been taught. Is my opinion really my belief?
When two people have a difference of opinion, mutual true sharing can get lost in defending our opinions or refuting theirs. In my own life I would like to get to a place where I say what I believe from that deep place within, my heart or gut, rather than what I just think! Saying “In my opinion” can be an aggressive phrase while saying “I believe” is not. Doesn’t the poet, writer, lyricist share from a deep place within rather than from what they think. So, just for the heck of it, what is your opinion or what do you believe? 🤔 Happy Labor Day!
We had my mother’s graveside service this past Thursday morning, just a small gathering of family and friends. It was good for me to meet my mothers best friend since high school for the first time. They were each others maid of honor. Saw family I’d not seen in a while. And, of course we always say how we only meet at funerals anymore. My sister and I returned late Thursday evening so it was a quick trip. Found myself emotional and crying yesterday morning. I’ve heard it said that greif does not go away but only becomes different. The grieving process.
A quick update on my mother. They began morphine yesterday. She sleeps almost constantly and is so weak. It’s been 3 weeks since she stopped eating and drinking except for jello and sips of water. We have all said our goodbyes with her and she has said goodbye to us. She wants to go. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
“The Utah deserts and plateaus and canyons are not a country of big returns, but a country of spiritual healing, incomparable for contemplation, meditation, solitude, quiet, awe, peace of mind and body. We were born of wilderness, and we respond to it more than we sometimes realize. We depend upon it increasingly for relief from the termite life we have created. Factories, power plants, resorts, we can make anywhere. Wilderness, once we have given it up, is beyond our reconstruction.”
Wallace Stegner
I believe Stegner’s quote is valid for any place. Wilderness is always close by even in our cities but becoming smaller all the time. And we mistakenly call the elimination of these places development. Sigh!
I noticed some Campanula rapunculoides, also known by the common name of creeping bellflower, in a greenbelt and canal area on a walk along Shields Avenue. I felt a closer look was necessary. After a few photos I spotted these mushrooms. Since I was already on my knees I decided they also needed to have their photo taken. I took three photos of the mushrooms and later discovered the fly is only in one image. Guess the fly wanted their photo taken also. 😁
“We had no churches, no religious organizations, no Sabbath day, no holidays, and yet we worshiped. Sometimes the whole tribe would assemble and sing and pray; sometimes a smaller number, perhaps only two or three.”
Geronimo
Took this on my walk at Pineridge Natural Area this past weekend. Like how the plant, and I do not know what it is, was backlit just for me. If you look closely you’ll notice a dragonfly caught in mid-flight to the left of center and a few other insects which are all backlit. Gonna be another hot day with temperatures in the mid 90’s. Stay cool!
“Our language has wisely sensed these two sides of man’s being alone. It has created the word “loneliness” to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone.”
The wind, warm days, and low humidity is stirring the embers of the fire. We can see, smell and feel in our throats the smoke from the Cameron Peak fire. The good news the crews have been able to make headway to prevent the fire from growing even bigger. Could see more moisture in 2-3 days. I took this a couple days ago when we had less smoke. I found this very uncomfortable rock to sit on and watch out over the meadow. This is the view.