• flutes,  fountain pens,  journal,  quotes

    Practice

    June 25, 2026
    This is a Jon Norris flute in the key of G# made from Ambrosia Maple. I love the wood grain in it.

    Practice is an important word in my life, but that was not always the case when I was younger. I didn’t want to mess with almost anything that would require practice. Guitar lessons and math homework quickly come to mind. However, over time my view of practice has changed and I find it a necessary and important way of living life. I practice a way of life that includes periods of silence, solitude and time in nature. My practice also includes photography, journaling, being present to life rather than living in my head, learning to listen and yes, it includes learning patience. And recently it has included learning to play the Native American Flute.

    We had thunder during the night and received a small amount of rain during the night. A drizzle hung around until 9 am then intermittent blue skies and clouds with more rain possible later this evening. I hope you enjoyed your day and enjoy your evening!

    “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice reduces the imperfection.”

    Toba Beta, Master of Stupidity
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  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journal,  quotes

    Keeping a journal…

    June 19, 2026

    Keeping a journal has taught me that there is not so much new in your life as you sometimes think. When you re-read your journal you find out that your latest discovery is something you already found out five years ago. Still, it is true that one penetrates deeper and deeper into the same ideas and the same experiences.

    Thomas Merton

    When I journal I write about my thoughts, questions, dreams, fears, and journal about what I see around me in this world. But I also journal because I believe there are words to discover within these fountain pens when I penetrate deep enough. So I am learning to not spend time trying to analyze or criticize what I write. I just write them down in my journal because they may be seeds for other ideas to write about and I desire those seeds. Journaling is a gift to and for me. And, yes, I do reread them to see what I have relearned. May you enjoy your weekend!

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  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  nature,  Pineridge Natural Area,  prairie,  prayer

    … take as needed

    October 12, 2025

    Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love;
    it will all come back to you in abundance.
    This is the law of nature.

    Steve Maraboli

    Feeling restless so I ventured out to Pineridge Natural Area again yesterday afternoon. When I turned off the engine I found myself surrounded by quiet. The water was low in Dixon reservoir. Seagulls silently floated over the water. The rabbitbrush swayed in the gentle breeze. Fall colors of golden leaves and brown grass stood in contrast to the now blue sky filled with clouds that silently drifted over the meadow. As soon as I began to write in my journal, the sun broke through the clouds spreading its warmth over my body, and I smiled. As words appeared on the pages they became the seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love. Gradually my restlessness shifted into a much needed peace and serenity. These times in nature on a beautiful October afternoon have a way of doing that. I took this image just before leaving. And if you’re interested, the directions for this medication is to: take as needed.

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  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  mountains,  quotes

    One Kind Word…

    August 10, 2025

    We cannot control the way people interpret our ideas or thoughts, but we can control the words and tones we choose to convey them. Peace is built on understanding, and wars are built on misunderstandings. Never underestimate the power of a single word, and never recklessly throw around words. One wrong word, or misinterpreted word, can change the meaning of an entire sentence and start a war. And one right word, or one kind word, can grant you the heavens and open doors.

    Suzy Kassem

    Late afternoon scene along Weld County Rd 90.
    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and you have put out at least one kind word today!

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  • leaves,  Plants,  quotes

    Cottonwood Leaves

    July 20, 2025

    In this age of compulsive reverence for the written word… people… are missing what is before their eyes… Everywhere, if you keep your mind open, you will find the truth in words not written down. So never let the printed page be your master.

    Doris Lessing

    It is a hot day here and looks to be hot everywhere. I took the long-cut home from coffee this morning via Spring Creek Park on the bicycle and worked up a good sweat. It is already 85 degrees here. I am cooking spaghetti with shrimp and mushroom alfredo for my lunch as a treat today. It sounded good to me. Then I found out it was National Ice Cream Day! Sigh!

    We had some gusty winds a couple days ago so a few branches blew down from the cottonwood trees. I get a bit excited when this happens because I know the coloration of these leaves will turn from green to brown then to gray in just 2-3 days. Seems the details in the leaves pop more or maybe it’s their unspoken words I’m hearing. I thought I’d share it with you. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday and stay cool!!

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  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  mountains,  quotes

    Transformed

    June 30, 2025
    Light rain falling in the mountains

    The spirit of the wilderness is solitude. We go alone to meet the divinity within us. The wisdom of the wilderness comes from God interacting through creation to touch our very soul. We emerge from our journey with a new identity grounded in God. Transformed, we discover we have been given back to ourselves.

    Debra Donnelly-Barton

    I have mentioned before on this blog how I go to places where I can touch and be touched by nature; physically, emotionally and spiritually. There is always a shift in my thinking, words and actions when I am able to spend time in the local natural areas, the early mornings of a local park, riding my bicycle on a nature trail, or the solitude of wilderness. When I do, I find a renewed connection to the Creator of this beautiful world we all are a part of and a greater awareness that I’m a part of nature. Her use of the word transformed in the quote is spot on for me. I just ain’t the same when I return home.

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  • natural areas,  Plants,  quotes

    Words

    June 16, 2025

    Age is opportunity no less than youth itself.

    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    Words. They are an important part of my life. I journal daily and read daily. I venture into my coffee life for those enriching conversations where words are shared with another. I’m learning to listen and allow words to soak in. I’m learning to think through before speaking words because words can cause harm. Whether reading or in conversation I search for them as seeds to transform me in some way. I’ve heard it suggested that we not read for information but or transformation. It is an opportunity I embrace as I age.

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