• poems,  poetry,  quotes

    Connected to all things

    December 26, 2021
    Colorado sunrise from October of 2005

    If we look at the Path, we do not
    see the Sky..

    We are Earth People on a
    Spiritual Journey through the Stars..

    Our Quest, our Earth Walk..
    is to look within,
    to know who we are,
    to see that we are connected
    to all things, that there is no separation,
    only in the mind!

    Lakota Seer

    As a young man I spent a lot of time in nature which included walking and riding a bicycle almost everywhere. I spent almost no time in front of a television. I am grateful for that childhood. At some point I attained the coveted drivers license and life took on a new direction. I did less walking and driving and less time in nature. I then began chasing a career that put me in front of a computer, within a cubicle and less time in nature. I began to spend less and less time in nature to the point where I lost a connection to nature. I viewed it as separate from me. More than 20 years ago there was a shift in seeing that we are connected to all things. Getting back into photography and practicing a spiritual life were key elements in that shift. There is a desire within me to have more of that connection and thus the reason this poem strikes a chord with me.

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  • John O'Donohue,  landscape,  quotes,  sunrises

    Understanding

    December 9, 2021
    Sunrise on Weld County Rd. 15

    “Love allows understanding to dawn, and understanding is precious. Where you are understood, you are at home. Understanding nourishes belonging. When you really feel understood, you feel free to release yourself into the trust and shelter of the other person’s soul.”

    John O’Donohue

    When I first read this quote my mind pictured myself in relationship with another person. But, after reading it several times I believe that it also can be in the relationship we have with ourselves. It seems to me when we have a healthy love for ourselves we also will have a better understanding of ourselves. Actually all of creation. ❤️

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  • landscape,  Plants,  sunrises,  trees

    Thanksgiving Prayer

    November 25, 2021

    Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy – Myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands & straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.

    Chief Yellow Lark– Oglala Lakota-1936

    Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  • Avian,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  sunrises

    Lovely

    November 15, 2021

    I had one of the best nights of sleep in awhile. My Fitbit said I had 74% of light sleep where the norm is 40-60%. Anyway I headed to Pineridge Natural Area with hopes of red and pink skies. I was pleasantly gifted with a beautiful eastern sky and warm temperatures. My car said 48 degrees at home and 61 degrees at the natural area, a distance of 4 miles. I was joined by this nice 2-point mule deer and a couple of his friends. They seemed more interested in grazing and staying alert than watching the colors. Earlier I could hear the who-who-hoo of an owl somewhere in the darkness. Lovely.

    I will be offline for a few days as I’m heading to Phoenix to spend an early Thanksgiving with my dad and sisters. This will be our first holiday without mom. Probably good for all of us be together. I leave on Wednesday and return on Monday. Hold down the fort for me. 😂

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  photographers,  Photography,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes,  sunrises

    The Right Lighting

    November 11, 2021
    Sunrise at Pineridge Natural Area yesterday

    “The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. Use your natural powers — of persistence, concentration, and insight — to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems. make art, think deeply.”

    Susan Cain

    For any photographer to return home with an image that we feel is a keeper, we must place ourselves in the right spot, at the right time, to find the right light. Photography as well as a spiritual practice have been the work I needed to help me to live life, solve problems, make art and think deeply. I think Susan is spot on. It’s 23 degrees this morning with clear skies and wind. They are predicting rain and snow this evening in the high country and a slight possibility for the foothills and plains. Hope you use your natural powers!

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