My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
The wind has blown hard both Tuesday and Wednesday, gusts up to 40 mph. Tree limbs are strewn all over, sections of fence are down, trees are bare naked, my hair’s a mess and most of our leaves are now somewhere in Kansas. We are suppose to have a reprieve from the wind today, but it is cold, then rain/snow mix on Friday. I am heading to Phoenix this Sunday for two weeks with my family. I just may go barefoot down there. 🙂
We had a wonderful day. The coolness and smell of fall and yet no need for a jacket. Even as leaves begin their fall we must remember to look up. Nature is at work their also.
The above image is very abstract and confusing. It is the fiberglass cover at the bus stop. The paint and color of the fiberglass has faded over time and is almost transparent. So, I framed it as an abstract and shot it in black and white.
Paul had a recent post about the constant noise he experienced in New York City. I relate. In my area its riding lawn mowers, leaf blowers, grass trimmers, trash truck, train whistle ( a mile away), sirens, loud stereos, Harley’s, etc. Some people seem to enjoy making the noise and for others it’s a way to make a living. For me I have enough noise in my head without all the external noise. Yesterday was an extremely noisy day as they are tearing up the parking lot across the ponds so machinery have been in operation all day. Tearing up asphalt makes a lot of noise! Maybe I need to move to the country.
My escape are trips to local nature areas, the mountains or some dirt road on the eastern plains. Basically out of town. This past weekend I took a drive to the Riverbend Nature area. This area is on the edge of the city limits so I can still hear some of noise, but it is the reprieve I needed. The clouds were putting on a beautiful show and helped cool things down while the setting sun make for some nice light and shadows. As I worked my way back to the truck a few rain drops added to my enjoyment. And, I was not the only one who needed to get out to the nature areas.
Been a busy morning, on the go for most of it. I headed out to the Riverbend Ponds because the storm clouds are breath taking today. We have had three consecutive days of thunder storms in the afternoon bringing heavy rains, lightening, flooding and even tornados along the Colorado Front Range. They are predicting two more days of the same thing and these clouds look like the potential exists. With spring runoff beginning and the heavy rains the creeks and rivers are full and in some places out of their banks. This is true of the Poudre River at the Riverbend Ponds. They have part of the bike trail closed off. Even though the storm clouds are natures way of showing its power, I love the clouds. Hope everyone enjoys the 3-day weekend.
Well, I arrived in to Phoenix yesterday evening about 6:30 pm, an hour later than I expected. Even though I left Cortez early I found myself stopping way too often. When I awoke I could hear the wet pavement from passing cars. But I was in for a surprise when I stepped outside my hotel room and found 2-3 inches of snow on my car. Glad I did not pitch the tent. 🙂 Below is an image taken just west of Cortez before sunrise. What a beautiful serene morning.
I arrived in  Canyon De Chilly about 9:00 in the morning and spent more time there than I expected, which was not enough time. The scenery was breath taking but not as much as the sacredness I felt there. There were very few visitors because of the cold and snow from the night before and it is still early in the season. Loved the quiet of walking to vistas and looking out over the canyon. I had no desire to leave and will  go back.
I took the above image along Highway 191 in northeast Arizona. You can see the storm system that moved through yesterday on the eastern horizon. You can also see the dirt on my lens. 🙂
If you enjoy scattered clouds against a blue sky then yesterday was the day for it.
I also made a quick drive through the Petrified Forest National Park. It was more than I expected, the colors and art work of nature at it’s best can be found in Painted Desert area of the park. It is called the ‘badlands’ for a good reason but what beauty in such a desolate and harsh land. Now to relax and spend time with my parents and eat!
“We are nothing without nature. I’m constantly inspired by it’s power, teachings, spirit and mystery. Nature gives me daily strength.”
… sort of.