My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
“For me landscape seems to be important for contemplation; anyway I have no scruples about it.”
Thomas Merton
I could easily change the word landscape to nature in the above quote simply because it resonates with me better. Anyway, I have no scruples about it.
Above all, it’s hard learning to live with vivid mental images of scenes I cared for and failed to photograph. It is the edgy existence within me of these unmade images that is the only assurance that the best photographs are yet to be made.
Sam Abell
dark blue pre-dawn sky
ms
fades to the light of a new day
a meadowlark sings
It was 32 degrees and clear skies when I left the condo this morning. I sometimes wish I could completely eliminate the hand of man in my landscape images but it’s almost impossible. However, I believe these towers added something to this image. A meadowlarks song then brightened my spirit, and added even more to this cold morning. Yes, the gift of a new day!
Had to laugh at myself, though, because I placed my coffee mug on roof of the car when I put my tripod away and then drove off. I went about a quarter of a mile before I remembered it. Still sitting there. Have a wonderful Friday! 
What honest bloggers receive in return for their blogging is what every creative person hungers for—companionship, friendship, kindness, generosity, and words of blessed encouragement.
David J. Rogers
The above quote is from this blog post by a writer named David J. Rogers. Not sure how I found this post but I resonate with him. My reasons are the same: companionship, friendship, kindness, generosity, and words of blessed encouragement. I’ll probably keep it up.
“I see that the life of this place is always emerging beyond expectation or prediction or typicality, that it is unique, given to the world minute by minute, only once, never to be repeated. And this is when I see that this life is a miracle, absolutely worth having, absolutely worth saving. We are alive within mystery, by miracle.”
Wendell Berry
I have favorite places I enjoy returning to for the quiet I experience and the photo opportunities they offer. This is one such place. For this image I pulled into the gate to a farmers field and shot from the bar-ditch. A meadowlark greeted me with their morning song as they also watched the predawn colors.
there’s a calm over the meadow
ms
feeling the warm rays of golden light
illuminating the mountain brome
nature creating abundant beauty
and with gratitude rising within me
start this new day on the bright side
A late arrival to Pineridge Natural Area but just in time to catch the sun cresting the horizon. Followed quickly by a warm golden glow illuminating everything. I sat on the bench to journal but when nature provided this glow on the mountain brome, I had to pull out my camera. Have a great day!
I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.
Joseph Campbell
I probably drive 4 miles 4-5 mornings a week to be closer to nature, or at least distant from the noise of the city, and greet the morning sun. I usually take some photo as part of this morning routine. But one morning this past week I didn’t. However, when I got back to my condo I saw the sun peaking through the branches of this maple tree. I shot 5 images of the sun coming through the branches and 6 of the group of leaves that have already fallen. Interesting that the images as part of my morning routine were within 50 feet of my front door. Go figure.
