• Cityscapes/Urban,  lifestyles,  quotes,  sunrises

    Surrender is a Gift

    Morning sunrise at the bus stop
    Waiting for the bus yesterday morning

    “Surrender is the ultimate sign of strength and the foundation for a spiritual life. Surrendering affirms that we are no longer willing to live in pain. It expresses a deep desire to transcend our struggles and transform our negative emotions. It commands a life beyond our egos, beyond that part of ourselves that is continually reminding us that we are separate, different and alone. Surrendering allows us to return to our true nature and move effortlessly through the cosmic dance called life. It’s a powerful statement that proclaims the perfect order of the universe.

    When you surrender your will, you are saying, “Even though things are not exactly how I’d like them to be, I will face my reality. I will look it directly in the eye and allow it to be here.” Surrender and serenity are synonymous; you can’t experience one without the other. So if it’s serenity you’re searching for, it’s close by. All you have to do is resign as General Manager of the Universe. Choose to trust that there is a greater plan for you and that if you surrender, it will be unfolded in time. 

    Surrender is a gift that you can give yourself. It’s an act of faith. It’s saying that even though I can’t see where this river is flowing, I trust it will take me in the right direction.”  

    Debbie Ford

  • Cityscapes/Urban,  sunrises

    I’ll do it later….

    Sprinklers and sunrise at campus Oval
    Sprinklers and sunrise at campus Oval

    Yeah right! “Later” sometimes means never.

    Before I left my home this morning I checked my calendar. Something inside me was telling me I was to meet someone but there was nothing in the calendar. So, I jumped on the bus, headed to campus and camped in a comfy chair in the Lory Student Center for some reading and writing. A little after 9:00 I received a message from Eric wanting to know if we were still meeting at 9:00. Dang it! It was another instance where I told myself over a week ago that I’d do it later but later turned into never. It really is true that life is about the process, never being prefect but hopefully learning from these experiences. Again, hoping all my friends on the east coast are safe!

  • coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  sunrises

    I Smiled, Again

    Sunrise on the patio at Bindles
    Sunrise on the patio at Bindles

    This mornings coffee shop included a drive to Bindles on the east side of town as they have good mochas and an ambiance I enjoy. As I stepped out the door, the eastern sky was just coming alive with the few scattered clouds slowly turning a beautiful red. I felt an inner joy as I drove into that eastern sunrise. I watched the red fade to pink then a light shade of orange. By the time I arrived in the parking lot the sun was just beginning to rise. Once out of the car I grabbed my camera. The day was arriving. I smiled!

  • landscape,  sunrises

    Morning Haze

    Sunrise at Colorado State University
    Sunrise at Colorado State University

    We have felt the impact from the forest fires over the past couple of weeks. At the present time we have 11 active forest fires in Colorado, 3 in Utah, 9 in Arizona, 15 in California, 33 in Idaho and Montana, and others burning in Oregon and Washington. So, the smoke has been ever present making our sky hazy and sunrises and sunsets take on a different and eerie look and feel. We are unable to see our beautiful mountains. Sunday was a windy day with gusts up to 30 mph but by Monday morning the haze was back. It is sad because of the destruction to our landscape and peoples homes and unfortunately some lost lives.

  • Cityscapes/Urban,  Documentary/Street,  lifestyles,  seasons

    Getting Warmer

    Early Morning At Campus Oval
    Early Morning At Campus Oval

    Our days are getting warm as we move into summer. The sun is rising earlier and setting later. It’s a good time of the summer for me. I enjoy sitting in my Adirondack chair on my porch both mornings and evenings to journal or read whole listening to the robins.

    Yesterday morning about 7:30 am I saw the above scene on my walk across campus. I loved it due to the lighting. It was all about the beginning of a new day. The back lighting of the sprinklers and the man’s shilouette were my attention getters. Enjoy your day! 

  • landscape,  natural areas,  sunrises

    Dang It Was Cold

    Cottonwood Tree Along East Horsetooth Road
    Cottonwood Tree Along East Horsetooth Road

    I got up early yesterday. Well, actually I awoke around 3:30 am and just was not able to get back to sleep. So, I got up around 5:00 and found myself driving out east along Horsetooth Road. I find some frustration when I go out to this area because of all the development. I do not have the open views of the past years. I have to keep going east to find those open spaces. This tree is and exception so here is another image of it.

    Anyway it was cold and mainly due to the 80% humidity. But, not as cold as those in North Carolina. Have a great Tuesday!

  • trees,  winter scenes

    Dusting of Snow
    Dusting of Snow

    Awoke to a lite dusting of snow and a temperature of 30 degrees. With such nice weather the past few days we can be lulled into forgetting it is December with the Winter Solstice only a week away. Hope you have a great day and stay warm.