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

    A Unified Whole

    April 23, 2021
    This morning’s sunrise

    “We must also take active steps to live in harmony with the rest of creation. This means that we cannot adopt attitudes or beliefs that place us above the natural world. We cannot see ourselves as having dominion over the land, the water, or the animals. We can’t even see ourselves as being stewards of the Earth. We are only keepers of a way of life that is in harmony with the Earth. Every day, we must act in ways that acknowledge that we are part of one living system, a unified whole.”

    Sherri Mitchell

    In case you do not know Sherri Mitchell is an Indigenous Rights attorney and the executive director of the Land Peace Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection of Indigenous land and water rights and the Indigenous way of life. Mitchell has been actively involved with Indigenous rights in the U.S., Canada and abroad for more than 25 years. I had not heard of her before until I read this quote.

    This image is an envisioned scene I’ve had for a couple of weeks. This morning nature pulled together the elements so I could have this scene. I tried something similar back on April 19th but clouds did not allow it to happen. Happy Friday!

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

    The Storm Approaches

    April 19, 2021
    This morning's sunrise at Pineridge Natural Area
    Framing this morning’s sunrise at Pineridge Natural Area though the fence.

    clouds on horizon
    wind blows cold from the north
    snow storm approaches

    ms

    Winter storm warning has been issued. Snow begins later today and into the night with 3-6 inches accumulation. Watched a bank of clouds sit along the eastern horizon while clouds drifted from north to south filling in the open sky above me. The storm approaches.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes,  sunrises

    Sunday Sunrise

    April 18, 2021
    Another quiet morning sunrise at Pineridge Natural Area

    “There is a communion with God and a communion with earth, and a communion with God through earth.”  

    Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

    It was a quiet morning at Pineridge Natural Area. A touch of pink in the clouds in the predawn light changing to an orange glow with the rising sun. A bit of communion with all of creation was a good start to this day. Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  sunrises

    It Ain’t the Same

    April 11, 2021

    I just missed the red and pink of the sunrise because my warm bed held me hostage a few minutes longer than I wanted. Anyway, one thing I like about watching sunrises or sunsets is experiencing them with all my senses. I prefer to get out of my car, feel the cold wind (sometimes) and listen to the silence or the song birds or both. For this short period of time I’m trying to eliminate all man made noise. That is the connection I want with nature. Oh, I can sit in my car and watch the sunrise with the car running but it ain’t the same.

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  clouds,  gratitude,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  reflections,  sunrises,  trees

    Listening to Nature

    April 8, 2021

    I have friends vacationing in Hawaii with kids and grandkids. I’m a bit envious of them sitting on the beach working on a tan. All the photos they’ve sent include big smiles. Yet, this morning while visiting the Top Minnow Natural Area, I was reminded by the red-winged blackbirds and the meadowlarks of just how beautiful it is right here. They were reminding through their joyful songs to be grateful for where I’m at and what I have. These two Canada Goose told me the same thing. I’m learning to listen to the wisdom of nature more often.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  sunrises

    A Feel of Mystery

    April 4, 2021

    I was up at 5:00 am. I pulled into the parking lot early, just after 6:00 am. I followed a car that drove to the lower parking area while I found a space in the upper parking lot. We were the only ones there. In my mind I quickly played out a scenario of the car in front of me to be an early morning fisherman, cyclist or runner. However, a few minutes later I realized it was a woman who must have needed time alone with nature. She walked to the edge of the reservoir and stood there for several minutes, motionless. Eventually she moved on. I’ve kept the image dark to give it a feel of mystery that goes along with the mystery of why she was there.

    I am going to a friends for breakfast and wholesome conversation in a few minutes. Happy Easter to those who celebrate and enjoy searching for Easter eggs! Oh, and be sure to eat some chocolate! 🍫

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  • landscape,  Mary Oliver,  Plants,  poems,  quotes,  reflections,  sunrises,  trees

    Reflections

    April 3, 2021

    “Sometimes I need
    only to stand
    wherever I am
    to be blessed.”

    Mary Oliver

    This morning I drove out near the Arapaho Bend Natural Area and parked along Horsetooth Road to listen to the meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds. Watched several red-tailed hawks perched atop old cottonwood trees searching out breakfast menu. I am posting this image because of the tree reflections in the water and the rising morning sun. Almost no wind gave the water a glass like look. Have a wonderful weekend!

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