• Art,  Art/Design,  Mary Oliver,  poems,  poetry,  quotes

    The Miracle of a Kiss

    If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
    don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
    of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
    to be. We are not wise, and not very often
    kind. And much can never be redeemed.
    Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
    is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
    something happens better than all the riches
    or power in the world. It could be anything,
    but very likely you notice it in the instant
    when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
    case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
    of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

    Mary Oliver

    This past weekend I shot some senior portraits in Red Feather Lakes. While I was there I made another trip on Elf Lane. As I got out and walked among all the elfs and assorted other characters I suddenly, but not unexpectedly, experienced joy. Thought this little frog and princess needed to have their photo taken.

  • clouds,  landscape

    Rain snd snow

    Looking east along Red Feather Lakes Road
    Looking east along Red Feather Lakes Road

    Spent the day in Red Feather Lakes area yesterday. Helped a friend move some “stuff.” We stopped at the Potbelly Stove and ate on the way back into town. This was our view driving home about 3:00. It was a beautiful day. However, we now have a rain and snow mix that is to become 1-3 inches of snow. Such a change.

  • lake,  lifestyles,  mountains,  seasons,  snow,  winter scenes

    A Dedicated Fisherman

    Fisherman at Apache Lake in Red Feather Lakes
    Fisherman at Apache Lake in Red Feather Lakes

    Light rain and drizzle started yesterday and we awoke to more of the same. About 8:300 this morning it began to be a mix of light snow and rain. I’m okay with the snow but not the cold. At 35 degrees this is not bad.

    I had to make a trip to Red Feather Lakes to help a friend. We were not sure what the weather would be like up there as it is 2,000 feet higher but it was not bad. They had maybe 2 inches of snow. After we unloaded the car we took a walk along the dam at Apache Lake in the snowfall. We found this dedicated fisherman, in waders and knee deep in the water, oblivious to the snow. I have a feeling he was rather content because he was dressed for the weather and enjoying the beautiful scenery. 

  • landscape,  sunsets

    An Observation

    Hiawatha Lake
    Hiawatha Lake

    There seems to be a correlation between the increase in my age and a decrease in  sunrise images and increase of sunsets images. Now at Momo Lolos coffeehouse and listening to a pianist and flutist duet. Love the change from the piped music we find most of the time.

    Family and community are an essential part of my life as well as my solitude. There are some who avoid solitude, finding it uncomfortable. And, there are some who avoid communities, finding it uncomfortable. I need both. Community and fellowship helps me to appreciate the solitude and quiet. While the solitude and quiet help me appreciate community. 

  • clouds,  lake,  landscape,  mountains,  sunsets

    Sunset at Lake Ramona

    Sunset at Lake Ramona in Red Feathers Lake
    Sunset at Lake Ramona in Red Feathers Lake

    Red Feather Lakes comprises the village which has three small general stores, an Ace hardware store, an outdoor sports shop, a community library, small antique store, and post office. There are several rustic mountain restaurants in the community. It also has several small lakes in close proximity of Red Feather Lakes Village.Dowdy Lake, Parvin Lake, West Lake, and Lake Bellaire are open to the public and maintained by Colorado State Wildlife Areas. There are eight private lakes within the Village that require a membership to access.

    I stayed with my friend Don at his rustic cabin. He has had this cabin for the past 16 years and uses it for a sanctuary to get away from the busyness of the city. On Wednesday evening we drove to a couple lakes for any opportunities for sunset reflections in the lakes. Overcast skies and rain fell throughout the day. After eating BBQ chicken from the grill we noticed a break in the clouds with the possibility for some color and reflections. I think that’s what we got.

  • Humor,  lifestyles,  Sculpture

    Watering the Aspens

    Watering the Aspens
    Watering the Aspens

    Elf Lane (also known as “Gnome Road”) is mountain trail in the quaint village of Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. The trail is a quarter-mile long between Lake Hiawatha and Lake Apache.

    As you enter Elf Lane, there is a sign posted on a tree that reads: “PLEASE Do not take us, Break us, or Relocate us As We Live Here on ELF Lane to Watch over children and All the Little Animals.” As we walked the trail we found ceramic little characters; elves, gnomes, spiders, Elmo, angels, SpongBob, SquarePants, and many more. The little character who caught my eye was busy watering the aspen tree. 🙂