• clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  quotes,  sunrises

    Listen To Their Songs

    March 3, 2024

    The wind was cold at Pineridge Natural Area this morning. It has been blowing 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40mph almost all day. Therefore, it seemed reasonable to remain in my car rather than sitting on the bench. But when this scene began to appear I needed to step into the wind for a few photos. Glad I did. I actually drove up there because I wanted to journal but due to the wind and cold I moved on to the coffee shop. Just as I approached the door of the coffee shop, I had to stop and listen to the songbirds sing their songs of wonder. I realized how much I need those birds in my life and their songs. I also believe they need me to hear their songs. With their songs, my barista Emma’s warm smile, and a mocha, I began to warm up. 

    Sunrise at f22

    The challenge of wonder is to tolerate uncertainty. If you do not relax into uncertainty, wonder may start to seem like insecurity.

    Lorin Roche
    Read More
  • clouds,  landscape,  quotes,  snow,  sunsets,  trees,  winter scenes

    My Wishes for You…

    December 25, 2023

    When we live as if everything is sacred, which it is if you really think about it, we relate to the things in our environment in a much more responsible way.

    Jane Reichhold

    Not sure I can adequately list all that I wish for you but here is a short one… Wishing you oodles of joy, happiness, peace, good health, Dove’s chocolates, the miraculous gifts of each new day (sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, butterflies), a heart bursting with love and hope, a heart of gratitude, family times, new adventures, DQ Blizzards (at least the small size), the gift of the songbirds morning canticle, innumerable hugs, moments of silence and stillness, listening to your inner voice or the sound of the wind or the quiet voice of silence, more time with nature, a book or poem that nurtures your heart and soul, the lyrics of a new or an old song that touches you at some new and deep level, new friends, times of quiet prayer and meditation, and to live as if everything is sacred!!! ❤️

    Read More
  • Avian,  quotes

    The Experience of This Moment

    May 1, 2023
    Red-winged blackbird and Yellow-headed blackbird

    I want the experience of being alive in this moment, and I want to know I am having it. The breeze on my skin. Air moving in and out of my lungs. Light in the trees. The songs of birds. A human touch, skin to skin. I want these things because I know now, after more than a half century of living, that in these simple, ordinary moment-to-moments, the Sacred comes out to play. It is in the air, the light, and the song that heaven makes a home. To have the experience of this moment, and to know I’m having it, is to be alive with the One who made the moment.

    Margaret D. McGee

    At this time in my life I find I enjoy the multitude of moments life offers, and even look for them. Where in my youth I overlooked them, never knowing that I was missing out on some of the best parts of this life. I sat at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area yesterday afternoon/evening where I was able to experience the breeze on my skin and applaud the song birds. And, as she states, I want to be alive, knowing I’m also in the presence of the One who made the moment. Don’t wanna miss them!

    Read More
  • haiku,  landscape,  sunsets,  writing/reading

    Unbroken Silence

    November 23, 2020

    solitary fence posts
    without the meadowlarks song
    unbroken silence

    ms

    Our first forest fire started back in August and every since then I seldom see or hear the meadowlarks singing when visiting the natural areas. I assume they moved farther east onto the plains due to the smoke and ash. And, now that it’s colder we will see less of them. Spent some time journaling about missing their enchanting song this morning.

    Read More