What a wonderful way to start this day, any day for that matter. This image as taken at O’Dark thirty (6:49 am) and the show was absolutely gorgeous. Almost no wind and a pleasant 28 degrees. After experiencing a sunrise like this and I head back into the chaos of the city, I can feel as if I needed to stay longer. I’m not sure whether the feeling arises from within me or if nature itself is whispering, please don’t leave yet. Maybe both. I believe these moments have a way of transforming me at some deep level. I am just never the same man. This morning was one of those mornings. Curious if any of you experience such feelings after time with nature, not wanting to leave? Anyway, I am so thankful for all the gifts so graciously given and my desire to receive each one of them. I met Mark for breakfast and conversation where we talked and wept over the tragedies happening in our world, a list that seems would have no end.
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Lovely Clouds
Good afternoon from
coolcold Colorado. Nature is giving us taste of late fall, with winter peeking around the corner. It has been a rather cool day but sunny. My weather app pinged me early this morning letting me know there is a frost warning for tonight. So, I put in a clean furnace filter. Put an extra blanket out near the bed. Thinking the soups I’ll make this year. And, that also means scraping frost off the windshield.This morning I made my way to Arapaho Bend Natural Area. The clouds were amazing. I enjoy standing there and watch them change shape and move across the canvas sky. Hope you have had a wonderful Friday!
Been playing with some WordPress themes and a plugin called SimplyGallery. I have the itch to change the looks of this blog. I want a simple and full screen theme. So, if you find a quirk let me know and don’t be too surprised if things begin to look different or all together different.
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A Touch of Pink
The coyotes were howling in the lower meadow area. A light breeze blew from the north and a touch of pink in the eastern sky. Now sitting at the dealership as I have some work done on the car. Hope you had as good a start to this day as I have.
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Everyday
It was “oh dark thirty” this past Thursday morning when a voice within urged me to visit one of my favorite natural areas. I gently made my way to a favorite rock, making sure to avoid the prickly pear cactus. My goal was to be present, to photograph the predawn sky, to be in a place of pray, to listen to the silence and to take part in the gift of this mysterious and wonderful moment.
As I sat on my rock I noticed it seems to be harder and more uncomfortable with each visit. But I know this rock is being what it was created to be, a rock. Maybe I’ll bring a pillow next time. I swat at annoying, hungry mosquitoes, unsuccessfully. A couple bats quietly dart above me, those deadly predators of the mosquitos. I urge them on! A band of crickets is practicing the same song as the last morning I was here. In my opinion they are getting better each time I come. Along the water’s edge a frog croaks his song of romance. Best of luck my friend! I reach out and rub the sagebrush between my fingers. It’s my way of taking its fragrance with me when I return home, a simple and natural sacrament. A coyote silently crosses 30 feet in front of me heading towards the prairie dog town. Stopping once to turn and check me out. And those clouds! They were constant shapeshifters this morning reminding me life is constantly changing. For me there is something special about watching the colors pink and red kissing the horizon. So much to be grateful for! 😍 And now, I thank you for letting me again share with you a glimpse of my early morning in words and photographs.
I’ll end this post with an inviting question by Mary Oliver in one of her poems, “How many mysteries have you seen in your lifetime?” My answer to her question is: everyday! What’s yours?
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Learning Patience
one way to learn patience
mws
is to become a photographer, here’s how
first…
arrive early at a favorite location
set up your camera and tripod
and don’t forget to bring along
a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea
then enjoy the calm waters, the cool breeze
receive all the gifts nature is offering
next…
awaken to the miracles she offers, such as
small wavelets drifting on the open waters
the great blue heron who stalks the shoreline
a glimpse of a hungry fish rising to the surface
clouds constantly reshaping themselves
with the pink then red then orange colors
then…
be sure to pay attention to the whispers
rising within you, they are very important
some call it prayer, some call it meditation
why not call it both
now…
say thank you and listen as your words
of gratitude drift to the far shore,
so, there’s no need to pray for patience
just become a photographer
and let nature teach you patience -
Early Mornings
Early mornings in nature have a positive effect on me. I always return home feeling more of my true self, refreshed, and nurtured by her touch. I want to believe that these times with nature change me in so many ways. It is in the silence and the beauty of nature that help me be aware of my breathing, my physical senses and how much a part of this world I really am. And, these feeble attempts to express in my own words always seems to fall short. Probably the only way to know what I experience is for you to experience it.
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The great Way
The great Way is easy,
Tao Te Ching – Verse 53
yet people prefer the side paths.
Be aware when things are out of balance.
Stay centered within the Tao.
When rich speculators prosper
While farmers lose their land;
when government officials spend money
on weapons instead of cures;
when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible
while the poor have nowhere to turn-
all this is robbery and chaos.
It is not in keeping with the Tao.