• clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  mountains,  quotes

    One Kind Word…

    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!

  • clouds,  landscape,  quotes

    Clicked the Shutter

    Storm clouds from this afternoon

    Sometimes I arrive just when God’s ready to have someone click the shutter.

    Ansel Adams

    I clicked the shutter on this image this afternoon after the rain storms had moved on. It looks like sunshine the next four days then more rain. The rain we have had over the past 4 days has sure made things green and after today, my car is a muddy mess. And, I just love this quote! Hope you had a good Friday!

  • clouds,  landscape,  quotes

    Nature’s Wildness

    All Nature’s wildness tells the same story. Storms of every sort, torrents, earthquakes, cataclysms, ‘convulsions of nature,’ etc., however mysterious and lawless at first sight they may seem, are only harmonious notes in the song of creation, varied expressions of God’s love.

    John Muir
  • clouds,  landscape,  quotes

    … what really matters

    Ominous clouds at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

    Just as the Earth has a rhythm, and the seasons do as well, so all of us, I think, profit in leading some sort of rhythmic existence that goes with the flow and keeps pace with the lovebeats of the heart. That’s what everything ultimately reduces to – love is at the core of what really matters.

    Robert Lax

    And, if love is at the core of what really matters then I wonder what would our world look like if people believed that and lived it?

  • landscape,  mountains,  quotes,  sunsets

    Enjoying this season of my life…

    If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,
    this is the best season of your life.

    Wu-Men, translated from Chinese by Stephen Mitchell

    The list of unnecessary things my mind can grab onto seems almost infinite. My imagination, dreams, and creativity are gifts when I work to make them reality. However, learning to let go of those that are unnecessary allows me to more fully enjoy this season of my life.

  • clouds,  landscape,  quotes,  silence,  sunsets

    Stocked with chocolate…

    Colorado sunset – March 2020

    If we listen from the mind of silence, every birdsong
    and every whispering of the pine branches in the wind will speak to us.

    Thich Nhat Hanh

    I had an enjoyable bicycle ride to coffee but had to face a stiff wind on the way home as a cold front moves in. Snow expected later today and into the night with frigid temperatures over the next few day. Looks very similar to the whole nations forecast. Stay warm, stock the fire and enjoy the weekend. And, make sure your stocked with chocolate!

    And today is special because my dad is celebrating his 96th birthday!! I love you! ❤️

  • clouds,  landscape,  meditation,  natural areas,  poems,  quotes

    You are a light…

    Let me honor you today with the respect you deserve.
    Let me acknowledge you as a person
    Who has worth and value.

    Our world would be diminished without you.
    Our journey would seem longer.
    You bless us with your presence.
    You make a difference in our lives.
    We need you.

    There are many who would stand to say this with me.
    You are loved.
    I know you well enough to understand
    That you do not expect
    Or even want to hear this kind of praise.
    But I believe the spirit intends every human heart
    To hear a simple truth: you are a light others can see.

    Steven Charleston

    Today would have been my mothers 93rd birthday. I miss your light!

  • clouds,  landscape,  mountains,  quotes,  silence

    Meaningful Silence

    No doubt about it, silence is the beginning of wisdom as it sorts and casts out, rethinks and reclaims, plans and proceeds so that you can become your true self. As someone once wrote, “A meaningful silence is always better than meaningless words.”

    Joan Chittister

    I met my friend Eric for coffee this morning at a favorite place in Windsor. The coffee shop is a busy one and also loud. I would suspect some of it being meaningless words. The ambiance is not all that conducive to journaling or reading but I enjoy the conversation and time with Eric. I’m usually relieved to walk out the door to silence. On the way home I had a chance to stop and take in this view of the Rocky Mountains, a beautiful blue sky filled with wispy clouds, while enjoying the meaningful silence. I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  mountains

    This Love Thing

    I love landscapes. I love them because of the experience they offer. Experiencing the landscape, letting it touch me is different than looking at any photo, even when it’s my photo. Landscapes are visually and spiritually never the same. That’s true second by second, hour by hour, and day by day. Wind reshapes clouds constantly, the light changes colors, the weather can alter the hues and saturation within a few seconds, and blowing dust causes the light to change.

    And time alters the landscape as aging trees fall, or a flood creates a ravine that was not there last week. What does all this transformation of landscapes mean? What can I learn from watching and participating? I’m sure some get bored with landscapes. I wonder is that because we only glance at a scene rather than sit with them, letting them touch us at a deeper level? I find that when I don’t connect with a scene I can be out of touch with the reality of the world around me. Who knows, maybe the landscape is offering this love thing.