My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
We are expecting more snow to move into the area this morning and into the night. Mountains will see over a foot while we will see 1-5 inches. Much needed moisture for everyone. Took this image on New Years Day at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area.
“Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks–we will also find our path of authentic service in the world.”
Parker Palmer
I believe this authentic self Parker talks about is something more than being the sports hero, rock star, truck driver, doctor or whatever fantasy we’ve had. He also suggests it’s a calling and not something we attain. Nor is our authentic self found in our attempts to be accepted in some way, to fit in. Seems we need to do some self-examination to be who we were meant to be. This was taken at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area on a sunny beautiful Saturday.
“The acceptance of oneself is the essence of the whole moral problem and the epitome of a whole outlook on life. That I feed the hungry, that I forgive an insult, that I love my enemy in the name of Christ — all these are undoubtedly great virtues. What I do unto the least of my brethren, that I do unto Christ. But what if I should discover that the least among them all, the poorest of all the beggars, the most impudent of all the offenders, the very enemy himself — that these are within me, and that I myself stand in need of the alms of my own kindness — that I myself am the enemy who must be loved — what then? As a rule, the Christian’s attitude is then reversed; there is no longer any question of love or long-suffering; we say to the brother within us “Raca,” and condemn and rage against ourselves. We hide it from the world; we refuse to admit ever having met this least among the lowly in ourselves.”
C.G. Jung
Philosophy has had my interest for the past 25 years but reading some of it can be daunting for me. Yet I have this desire to know myself at a deep level, to gain some enlightenment of the struggles all humans face and more. I have read small bits and pieces of Carl Gustav Jung and know he has impacted many authors I read. I am currently reading my first of his books, The Undiscovered Self. With my thinker this may be a paragraph at a time. Wish me luck.
It was three years ago today that I had my open heart surgery where they replaced my aortic valve. Emotional. Grateful.
When gifts are given to me through my camera, I accept them graciously.
Minor White
At Reservoir Ridge Natural Area they have a picnic table that I sometimes sit at and eat something I’ve brought and/or journal. Just behind the picnic table is a sculpture called “Ghost Kitchen.” As I sat there I noticed the sculpture, the animals within it and it’s strange name. It then dawned on me to stand behind the sculpture and try to get a starburst through the bird’s eye. So, I graciously accepted the gift given. And, the sandwich was good.
“People who’ve had any genuine spiritual experience always know that they don’t know. They are utterly humbled before mystery. They are in awe before the abyss of it all, in wonder at eternity and depth, and a Love, which is incomprehensible to the mind.”
Richard Rohr
Yesterday I wanted a mid-afternoon sandwich then enjoyed it at one of the natural areas, away from the busyness of the city. I was greeted by silence, silver lined clouds, warm sunshine and a cool breeze. It’s a mystery to me but I know it all made the sandwich taste better. 
..amateurs worry about equipment,
Vernon Trent
professionals worry about money,
masters worry about light,
I just take pictures…
Took this a week ago while on a walk at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. Looks very different this morning, it’s snowing. I imagine this was one of the last days of full fall colors for this year. While yesterday was misting most of the day then rain and light snow through the night. I imagine the mountains have more snow. They are predicting this to continue through the day and into tomorrow. May you have a great week and take a few pictures!
“It’s not possible to save the world by trying to save it. You need to find what is genuinely yours to offer the world before you can make it a better place. Discovering your unique gift to bring to your community is your greatest opportunity and challenge. The offering of that gift — your true self — is the most you can do to love and serve the world. And it is all the world needs.”
Thomas Berry
Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.
Walt Whitman
Took this image at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area yesterday just as the sun was setting. It was the most enjoyable thing I did all day and I had a good day. The day started out cloudy, overcast and cold. By noon the clouds cleared up and we were blessed with blue skies the rest of the day. Have a wonderful October!