• animals,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes

    They Teach Us

    May 17, 2022

    In the Western tradition there is a recognized hierarchy of beings, with, of course, the human being on top—the pinnacle of evolution, the darling of Creation—and the plants at the bottom. But in Native ways of knowing, human people are often referred to as “the younger brothers of Creation.” We say that humans have the least experience with how to live and thus the most to learn—we must look to our teachers among the other species for guidance. Their wisdom is apparent in the way that they live. They teach us by example. They’ve been on the earth far longer than we have been, and have had time to figure things out.

    Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

    What a beautiful morning we have here in Colorado. Blue skies and sunshine. I have not read her book but think it’s one I do want to absorb some of her words and spirit. I also noticed Krista Tippett has a podcast with her that I want to listen to. Hope everyone has a wonderful day, enjoy it!

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  • animals,  flowers,  insects,  Plants

    Another time

    July 23, 2021

    Met my friend, Diane, at Gardens on Spring Creek. The gardens are an impressive 18 acre facility. Great for us older kids to enjoy! We brought our own coffee and met in the parking lot. They have this set aside time for members to have the garden all to themselves on certain days from 8:00-10:00 am. Today was one of those days. What a wonderful world it is. They also have a butterfly pavilion but it did not open until 10:00 am. Another time.

    Had this little one come right up to me as if I was suppose to feed them. Hope you are having a great day!

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  • animals,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    Not Many Listen

    July 3, 2021

    “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”

    A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

    A while back I had a cottontail approach me and instead of saying my normal welcome such as “hello” I kept silent. We just watched one another, remaining present to each other and the moment. This was unusual behavior as they do not stay still very long. I wonder, was it due to the fact I did not talk but kept quiet. Anyway, I’ll continue to practice remaining quiet, listening and see what happens. Pooh may be on to something here.

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  • animals

    Motionless

    March 24, 2015
    Cottontail
    Cottontail

    “Life has a way of being exactly the way it happens to be at any given moment.”

    Martin Laird

    And the rabbit is thinking, “If I don’t move he’ll never see me.”

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  • landscape,  rants,  sunrises,  trees

    Change

    May 5, 2014
    Pre-dawn Light
    Pre-dawn Light

    I have several images of this tree taken during all four seasons and at different times of the day. This tree lies along a three-quarter mile stretch of dirt road leading to the Arapahoe Bend Nature Area. I’ve been going out there for the past 10 years for quiet time and photography. I’ve seen many a hawk perched on one it’s branches and even an eagle. I like this old tree and what it stands for. Over that ten years I’ve had the chance watch this area change.

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  • animals

    Hunkered Down

    January 12, 2011
    Hunkered Down

    Staying with the theme of the wintery weather we are experiencing in much of the country, I decided to post this image. When winter storms bring cold temperatures and snow begins to fall, we crank up the furnace, put on layers, start a pot of chili, drink hot chocolate and sit by the fire. Rabbits don’t do that. Hope everyone stays warm. 🙂

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  • animals

    Morning Grazing

    June 19, 2010
    Grazing in the grass

    Met this friend at Blendon Woods park last Tuesday morning while on a walk. I watched as he nibbled on the weeds, even got a series of six images where you can see him take in a weed until it disappears. Reminded me of someone eating spaghetti.

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