My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
I’ve come to believe if our seeing does not expand then we stunt our growth mentally and spiritually. Photography has helped me see the beauty in the world of nature’s landscapes with the eyes of a photographer. While self-reflection along with prayer and meditation have helped me see the beauty of our inner landscape with the eye of my heart. I also believe in the statement we never see more than we are willing to see. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
“In my experience, if you are not radically grateful every day, resentment always takes over.”
Richard Rohr
As the sun rose above the clouds on the eastern horizon and the world around me became more visible, I could see how abundantly filled the air was with flying insects because they were backlit in the light. No wonder the birds were so happily singing. I was again in awe and wonder at the mystery before me! I have a grateful heart!
I pulled into the parking area right at 5:00 am. Sun would not rise for another 20-30 minutes. No one else there but the song birds, a couple pelicans, and a few ducks. A warm light breeze blew from the southwest. Nary a cloud in the sky. I felt the presence of creation around and within me. These early mornings excite my spirit! I feel alive. Have a great day!
These two images were taken about 12 hours apart and at nearly the same location on the same day. This is how my day started and ended and was full of wonderful moments in between. So much beauty in this world when we live each moment, one moment at a time. Happy Sunday!
Awoke early so I headed to Pineridge Natural Area, a favorite place to start the day. Music all around me from the chorus of my favorite birds. A cool breeze penetrating my fleece was helping wake me up. I would be ready for my latte later. A couple mule deer greeted me with a quizzical look as I arrived earlier than usual. I have an open calendar today. No hot dates, dang it. Probably a good thing because tomorrow will be a full day. So, I’ve had an early start for this day. Happy Friday to you and have a wonderful weekend.
The new day’s light
ms
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!
Awake at 3:00 am and couldn’t go back to sleep. Up at 4:13 am. Made a chai latte then found myself parked at Pineridge Natural Area at 5:16 am listening to the birds sing. There is something magical that happens around and within me when I listen to their songs in the predawn darkness. There were a dozen pelicans cruising the reservoir. While near by two Great Blue Herons waded along the shore. Must have been a good morning to fish. I am lucky, blessed to have these natural areas near me to enjoy.
I heard it rain during the night but it had stopped by the time I got up. I knew I was taking a chance for a break in the clouds but I felt the desire to be there rather than my condo. We who obsess with photography chase those moments of light no matter how fleeting they are. It is raining again as I get ready to post this and the sky looks nothing like this image now. Luckily I can take a nap today.
Communing with God is communing with our own hearts, our own best selves, not with something foreign and accidental. Saints and devotees have gone into the wilderness to find God; of course they took God with them, and the silence and detachment enabled them to hear the still, small voice of their own souls, as one hears the ticking of his own watch in the stillness of the night.
John Burroughs