• flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    A Great Poem

    “Re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul and your very flesh shall be a great poem.” 

    Walt Whitman

    And why not? How many of us will or have said I’m an engineer, a doctor, a salesman, a photographer, a Buddhist, a poet. Or worse yet? How many of us are told that we’re a sinner, or stupid, or too short, or worthless, and believed it. Maybe Whitman’s right, we will be a great poem or even prayer or maybe a saint, when we listen to the voice of our own soul.

  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  landscape,  natural areas,  poems,  poetry,  quotes,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Whoever that may be

    In the late summer season of life, I found
    authors, guides, and teachers who have made me
    aware of the gift of my wandering soul and spirit
    within my own inner landscape.

    With no knowledge of an inner landscape
    I went seeking in the enticing outer landscape
    yet this wandering soul and spirit of mine
    was never satisfied, never fulfilled, always lost

    Now in my winter season of life
    my soul and spirit wander my inner landscape
    seeking the Unknowable,
    that source of life,
    Whatever and
    Whoever that may be.

    mws

    I’ll end this with a thought from C.G. Jung, suggesting that our wandering has and is the thirst of our being for wholeness, expressed in medieval language: the union with God.

  • insects,  John O'Donohue,  quotes

    The Wanderer’s Soul

    While each place has its own beauty, no particular place can claim to settle the wanderer’s soul.

    John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes

    If you ever want to observe a wandering soul look no farther than the world of insects. Most wander in pursuit of food, to mate and to avoid predators. I have found the only way to photograph dragonflies and damselflies is to set up my camera and tripod then wait. With enough patience those wandering souls will pass through your viewfinder. Hoping you are enjoying your Saturday.

  • fog,  landscape,  quotes

    Full of wanderlust…

    Wanderlust in Red Fox Meadows

    … this morning. We were gifted with a foggy, cool morning here in Colorado. So, I again wandered from the comfort of my condo to walk among the wet grasses of the meadow. My body and soul needing to feel the cool air, to be awakened, again. Each venture into nature is my place of discovery, where I feel like I’m spending time with a good friend. Yes, my soul is full of wanderlust. I like that word. And, speaking of a friend. I will meet my friend Lyndsi later. It’s been a while so we will catch up and share a hug (or two). May you have a wonderful and safe day! 

    The soul is full of wanderlust. When we suppress the longing to wander in the inner landscape, something within us dies. The soul and spirit are wanderers; their place of origin and destination remain unknown; they are dedicated to the discovery of what is unknown and strange.

    John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes
  • flowers,  Mary Oliver,  Plants,  quotes

    What Life Should I Live?

    What does it mean, say the words, that the earth is so beautiful? And what shall I do with it? What is the gift that I should bring to the world? What is the life I should live?

    Mary Oliver

    Someone has planted Irises along the parking area at Pineridge Natural Area. I want to thank the beautiful soul(s) for planting them and the gift they brought to the world! Now I’m offering this image of them covered with raindrops from a nice refreshing rain. We had a nice lovely rain yesterday and can expect the same today.

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  poems,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Sunday morning sunrise…

    Sunrise at Pineridge Natural Area this morning

    The new day’s light 
    veiled behind gray clouds.
    A crisp morning air caressing my soul 
    as I listen to nature’s silence.

    A meadowlark perches on a rabbit brush,
    near the water’s edge, near its nest.
    Six pelicans take to the air
    circling the reservoir then fly north.
    A cottontail ventures from safety
    to nibble on blades of grass.

    Nature is comfortable with silence,
    much more than man.
    How easily I forget
    to listen to nature’s silence.

    Have a wonderful Sunday!

    ms