then… turning the corner I caught
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a glimpse of the northeast sky
with its soft pink delicate clouds
I had to stop, couldn’t refuse the gift
then… opening my journal, I began listening
with my own prayer; of writing, of being present
and then the meadowlark began to sing or pray
I had to listen, couldn’t refuse the gift
then… off to meet Eric for coffee
a full day of gifts; the gift of sunrise,
the gift of his life, the gift of my life,
and the gift of the new day
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nothing but cuteness
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Something so simple
cloudless predawn sky
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silhouetted needlegrass
something so simpleThis image is from Pineridge Natural Area a few days ago. I went for the predawn meditation, to empty my monkey mind and allow nature to fill me with that sense of awe. It’s always a great way to start my day. I was entertained by a half dozen bats demonstrating their aerial acrobatics, silhouetted against the sky. Then I noticed this solitary needlegrass silhouetted against the orange and blue horizon dancing in the light breeze. Grabbed my camera since I had it with me. Something so simple. Have a great Friday!
- haiku, horizons, landscape, natural areas, Pineridge Natural Area, reflections, silence, sunrises, writing/reading
The Morning’s Clouds
nature’s gift
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painted on a canvas sky
the morning’s cloudsI found a place to settle along the ridge, just below the road and above Dixon Reservoir. I lowered my tripod to be just at eye level and sat there among the bluestem grass, rabbitbrush and sage brush. My low perspective was much like that of the cottontails or coyotes. I was surrounded by silence and the spicy, bitter yet inspiring fragrance of the sage. And, Oh, those clouds! I took in slow deep breaths and soaked in the gift of being alive. Within me a prayer stirs and a desire that all the world would experience and partake of these moments nature offers. I could have sat there all day but…the day calls.
I took this image about 8 minutes earlier. This is the predawn sky and the first one is sunrise. Meet Mark for breakfast at 9:00 am then have the staples removed from my head. Rain predicted for later this afternoon. Have a super Awesome day!
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Forgot My Phone
After arriving at the Starry Night coffee shop and settling into my favorite chair, I realized I’d forgotten my phone. I’ve done this now a couple times over the past two weeks. It was interesting (almost frightening) to observe how often I reached for that phone but more frightening at how often I thought about it. These two episodes have sent a loud message as to how attached I am to that small device, as if its tendrils are wrapped around me. I made it through the two hours without it, no one got hurt and I actually was able to spend more time in my journal. Out of curiosity, I checked when I got home with the Screen Time Report on my phone (be warned of what that report may tell you) and it told me I was staring at the screen for an average of 2 hours and 56 minutes last week. In a posture of justification, at least 40 minutes a day is attributed to my meditation timer but still… In my mind this tells me I spend 2 hours a day not present to the world around me. Pretty scary to realize how attached I am to that thing. It also asks the question, “How did we survive without them?” Thinking I need to write more about this. Anyway, hoping you have a great day, with or without your phone!
- clouds, haiku, horizons, landscape, natural areas, Pineridge Natural Area, poems, poetry, sunrises, writing/reading
the twilight hours
a predawn pink sky
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silence just before sunrise
these twilight hoursMy morning began with quiet time of prayer and meditation followed by a drive to Pineridge Natural Area. I enjoy being a part of these divine hours. Seeing the predawn pink colors along the eastern horizon brought on a smile and a bit of giddiness. And, the coolness of the light breeze was invigorating to all my physical senses. Meadowlarks and Robins contributed their morning song enhancing the moment and this sacred place. I found myself smiling again. Taking a deep breath I felt within the gratitude to be alive and the experience of these twilight hours. Hope you had a good Friday!
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A life-giving act
Listening is always a life giving act.
Joan ChittisterI’ve learned that when positioning my next words in a conversation I am no longer listening. I’ve proven that too many times. I’ve also seen in the eyes of another when they are no longer listening. I have also experienced the gift of fully listening to another as well as knowing the gift of being listened to. Seems that those life giving conversations happen when both are experienced by both. My reflection and journaling on her quote have lead me to see other areas in my life where listening is important such as prayer, or when an author or poet expresses in words what I needed to hear, or a bird’s song of joy, or the whisper/howling of the wind, or the words written in the pages of my journal or the knowing voice deep within. I agree that every moment of listening is a life-giving act for both parties. Hope you enjoy your Sunday!
- clouds, landscape, natural areas, Pineridge Natural Area, poems, poetry, silence, sunrises, writing/reading
Sanctuaries of Silence
Encountering the Divine Presence
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in sanctuaries of silence
Where Creation is speaking when
meadowlarks and robins sing
Listening with the ears of the heart
to this nonverbal language
Embracing those unspeakable words
a benediction of silence.
Grateful…as God speaks in this place of silence.