• Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  natural areas,  Plants,  quotes

    Great medicine

    June 13, 2023

    The very meaning of Creation is seen to be an act of worship, a devoted proclamation of the splendour, the wonder, and the beauty of God. In this great Sanctus, all things justify their being and have their place.

    Evelyn Underhill

    Rain and more rain. Overcast skies and a fine mist seems to be the norm for the day. This image was taken yesterday afternoon on a walk at Arapaho Bend Natural Area. I believe this to be a Musk Thistle from my research on Dr. Google. There are an amazing varieties of thistle so how any scientist can differentiate them is beyond me. Anyway, it’s unpalatable to wildlife and livestock so they focus their foraging on other plants, which leaves the musk thistle to have an advantage over native meadows and grasslands. Thus it is considered an invasive plant. When I do the research most sites want to stress the plants invasiveness and how to control it. Most sites say that natural grasses will out compete them. Such a simple solution. For me I think it’s a beautiful plant among the grasses and does bring awe and wonder to my soul. Maybe that’s their place and justification for existence. I came home with muddy shoes, a few photos and a clearer head. Great medicine. Have a great day!

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

    A good start to the day

    September 3, 2021

    The other morning I did not read or journal as I normally do when I arrived at the natural area. Instead I sat on the bench with my chai and camera, just watching and listening. In the predawn darkness I could hear an owl hoot but never saw them. I felt the colors slowly change from the cool predawn blue to the warm golden sunrise. The absence of any wind to move leaves, the thistle or the grass presented a calm. All was still. There was a embracing quiet around me and within me. Every so often I would listen to my muse and lift the camera, compose and press the shutter button. Another good start to the day.

    I enjoy experiencing sunrises, in case you haven’t noticed. I photograph a lot of them, in case you haven’t noticed. After I saw this image on my computer I asked myself the question, “What can I do to be a part of creating sunrise images that have my signature to them, that are not just repeats of yesterday or someone else or do I already have my own signature?” I want to experiment in more creative ways with images that really say something to me and about me. Which means you’ll probably see more sunrise images. 😁

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  • flowers,  Plants

    Is it a weed?

    June 11, 2020

    Thistle at Pineridge Natural Area

    Thistles are considered a weed, an invasive plant and for good reasons. They are in competition with crops and interfere with grazing in pastures, where dense growths of spiny vegetation suppress forage plants and repel grazing animals from eating either the thistle plants or neighbouring forage. Some species, although not intensely poisonous, do affect the health of animals that swallow more than small amounts of the material.Thistles provide nectar for butterflies, skippers, goldfinches, hummingbirds, and bumblebees. Pollinators seem to love them. (Wikipedia)

    I do find them to be a beautiful plant with a lovely flower. Yet I do not desire to have them in my yard or garden. I have a friend who farms in eastern Colorado and hates them with a passion, even angry at God for creating them, thinking God made a mistake. I think it’s beautiful in its role with nature.

     

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  • Canon Powershot G12,  Plants

    Thistle

    May 31, 2011

    Thistle

    Here is another one of those plants we so often place in the weed category. We usually find it in an area that is not properly cared as it does not grow in barren ground. However, it is also know for its medicinal purposes, and when processed properly can be used for fodder for cows and horses. The seeds can used to make oil. And, the leaves are edible for those adventurous enough to try. I use them for images.

    It’s been a while since I mentioned anything about the Canon G12 so here is a bit of an update. There has been a learning curve and I think it’s affected my photography. I say that because I have been so focused on learning the mechanics of the camera that my vision has suffered. The more comfortable I become as a craftsman with this tool, the better I see the world around me.

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