My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and asking deep questions.
“A mind devoid of insight into its own nature is a chaotic mind, a mind of unease.”
Kathleen Dowling-Singh
Yesterday was one of those evenings where I wanted nature’s touch of silence and light. I arrived early and did some journaling in the quiet. Then, just as the day gave way to night, I setup my camera and tripod and pressed the shutter.
Faith does not begin in what we imagine
Steven Charleston
But in what we experience.
I am not able to explain my faith. I could try, but any words would fall short. However, experience has brought me to believe the sun will rise and set each day, even after I’ve taken my last breath. And, I believe the seed of these experiences change and transform me. Because somehow, when I returned to my car after watching a sunrise or sunset I believe I am a different man. I would try and explain that, but any words would fall short. And, it happens a lot.
I took a nice gentle ride early yesterday evening along Spring Creek Trail to Spring Creek Park. There is lots of natural beauty along this trail, so I hope to be able to show more photos as I ride this trail. This photo was taken shortly before the sun set around 6:55 pm. I am gathering with a few high school classmates today for an ‘end of summer’ picnic at 11:00 am. It looks like we will have plenty of sunshine and I assume more than enough food. I am taking a crockpot of barbecue pulled chicken for making sliders and a roll of Tums. I hope you enjoy your weekend!
You are the only you that has ever lived; your idiom is the only idiom of its kind in all the existences and if you cannot hear the sound of the genuine in you, you will all of your life, spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls….
Howard Thurman
I took my camera for a short walk at Riverbend Ponds early yesterday evening. The clouds were amazing and I knew it could be a good place to watch the sunset. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Spiritually ecology is a recognition that at the root of our present ecological crisis is a spiritual crisis, and that the essence of the spiritual crisis is a forgetfulness of the sacred nature of creation.
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Seasons of the Sacred
I am enjoying a nice cool morning here in Colorado. I’m leaving in a short while to meet my classmates for our monthly luncheon picnic. I took this photo last month on my way back from Red Feather Lakes area. I loved how the pre-sunset light presented parallel lines across the landscape. It was another one of those spiritual moments to enjoy.
“At every moment, life gives you the opportunity to do something with what life gives you, and, therefore, Grateful Living means learning to avail yourself, moment by moment, of that opportunity.”
Brother David Steindl-Rast
I got together yesterday with some friends for one of those corn boils which I’d never been to before. They make up this big pot of corn on the cob, sausage, potatoes, and onions. Everyone was supposed to bring a side dish or a dessert. Not sure about you, but I always seem to overeat at shindigs like this. I was so stuffed when I left, I went out by Reservoir Ridge Natural Area to walk around a little bit and enjoy those beautiful clouds. I am so grateful for the friends in my life and for the beauty of nature. I am also grateful for the opportunity to experience both.
Update: the Alexander Mountain Fire is 83% contained, so our blue sky is back, and air quality will continue to increase.
“To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass:
It was nothing spectacular but I happened to catch a glimpse of the sun breaking through the clouds just before dropping below the horizon. I had to stop and in fact I need to stop more often because I don’t want to miss anymore of these gifts of nature. As I stepped out of the car I took in the fragrance of summer, that smell of fresh cut hay. I stood there and let it sink into my memory senses. I can still smell it this morning!
Usually when you listen to some statement, you hear it as a kind of echo of yourself. You are actually listening to your own opinion. If it agrees with your opinion, you may accept it, but if it does not, you will reject it or you may not really hear It. That is one danger when you listen to someone.
Shunryu Suzuki: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
Happy 4th.