• Plants,  quotes

    Wonders and Realities

    August 30, 2025

    The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us the less taste we shall have for the destruction of our race. Wonder and humility are wholesome emotions, and they do not exist side by side with a lust for destruction.

    Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

    When you first look at this image you will see three mushrooms in the grass. But If you look closely (enlarge the image if you need to) you will see the wonders and realities of this world on many of the blades of grass where a tiny single dew drop clings to its tip. Yes, wonders and realities!

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  • flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    I did return…

    July 26, 2025
    Venti Dahlia

    If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.

    Rachel Carson

    I hope you are having an enjoyable Saturday morning. After my quiet time, I enjoyed a bowl of yogurt and granola then met Eric for coffee and conversation. It is a great way to start any day. This dahlia is from my return excursion yesterday evening at the CSU Flower Trial Gardens. Nature is such a creative artist. There is so much mystery, awe, and wonder to experience when we look closely as the child we are.

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  • nature,  Plants,  quotes

    Nothing Exists Alone

    July 15, 2025

    It seems I have seen more mushrooms over the past couple years. Out of curiosity I searched out why. Mushrooms are essentially the fruiting bodies of fungi, and these fungi decompose organic matter in the soil. This organic matter can include things like decaying tree roots, buried wood, thatch (a layer of dead grass), leaves, grass clippings, or even animal waste. The fungi break down these materials, and the mushrooms are the visible sign of their activity. They thrive in damp, humid conditions, prefer shade and low light. They are located in two locations in my front yard that meet these qualifications, offering me some photo opportunities. In this photo are the mushrooms, grass, a cottonwood seed, decaying leaves and below all of that is another world all together. Fascinating, that nothing in nature exists alone. Expecting mid 90s today but rain showers tomorrow.

    In nature nothing exists alone.

    Rachel Carson
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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes

    Contact With Nature

    July 4, 2025

    The lasting pleasures of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place themselves under the influence of earth, sea, and sky and their amazing life.

    Rachel Carson

    A rainstorm passed through during the night. With my eyes closed I listened to the thunder rumbling in the distance while the rain beat against my bedroom window. I crawled out of bed about a half hour earlier than normal and made my way to Pineridge Natural Area, just to enjoy the pleasures of this Sanctuary. I listened to the birds singing in the stillness. A couple pelicans drifted on the reservoir. The grass at my feet dancing in the light breeze. The sky was magical and the coolness was refreshing. All my senses were fully alive. The sacredness of this place touches my amazing life. May you enjoy the burgers and brats!

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  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  nature,  quotes

    Refrains of Nature

    June 26, 2025
    Panorama of four images

    Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations and concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature–the reassurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.

    Rachel Carson in THE SENSE OF WONDER
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  • Blossoms,  quotes

    Contemplation

    April 23, 2024

    Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.

    Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
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  • clouds,  landscape,  quotes

    Focus On Life

    March 11, 2024

    “… the more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us the less taste we shall have for the destruction of our race.”

    Rachel Carson

    This was taken last month at Cobb Lake SWA, another favorite place to just spend time. One reason is the offering of an amazing view of the mountains and our Colorado clouds. I find it a place where my soul can listen to the wonder of nature’s voice. I usually leave here with a clearer focus on life and a better outlook on people. This morning it is cold and the skies are overcast. I’ve already had morning coffee and included a pastry with it. 😍 Will read today, journal, get in a walk and meet friends on a Zoom meeting later. Have a wonderful Monday!

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  • horizons,  landscape,  Plants,  quotes,  seasons,  trees,  winter scenes

    Where’s the snow?

    December 28, 2021
    December snow 10 years ago

    It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility.

    Rachel Carson

    Almost the end of December and we have not yet had measurable snow in Fort Collins. Thankfully the high country have received snow but it has skipped us. Where’s the snow?

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