My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Nature is a mirror in which I am reflected, because by rescuing this land from sad devastation [through recreating it in photographs], I am in fact trying to save myself from my own inner sadness.
Mario Giacomelli
This quote hits a sensitive spot because I am a witness to the sad devastation of nature. While out photographing the cloud formations during the afternoon thunderstorms this past week, I began reflecting on all the places I have photographed over the years which were free of signs of man’s intrusion. Sadly, I have been a witness to many of those scenes which no longer exist. Later, while studying this image I felt a feeling of inner sadness that someday this scene may be a housing development or warehouse or whatever. So, there is a stirring within me as the photographer Mario Giacomelli suggests, to seek out more portraits of Nature. She is so beautiful and as an artist she continues to create more beauty, while we destroy what she creates! And, I believe she is willing to have her portrait taken.
I had never heard of Mario Giacomelli before. One reason is because the raw expressiveness of his images are not appealing to my style of photography. However, I will suggest this link for you read a bit about him and his photography. Have a wonderful Sunday!!!
On Wednesday morning, Geri mentioned in her comments that we have “amazing morning clouds down there.” I agree but I also think we have some amazing afternoon/evening clouds as well. The sky looked to be building up to the northwest so I felt a drive east into Weld County was needed. I got to watch a couple storms built up along the Front Range then move southeast. Clouds are a favorite subject of mine so I guess you could say I live in a wonderful place to photograph them.
This second image was taken 30 minutes later and much further south. And, look how tall the corn is, 6 feet. The storm was approaching the city of Fort Collins, eventually dumping some heavy rains over the city then moving south/southeast. As I mentioned we had rain about 2:00 am and then again later in the afternoon. The Fort Collins Flood Warning map shows we had 1.5 inches in a 24 hour period with the two storms. And then last night I again watched as lightning flashed in my room and thunder boomed while rain pounded on my bedroom window. Not sure how much rain that brought. At the present we have clear blue skies and sunshine. I’ll take it. Have a wonderful Friday and be safe!
“This is the power of art: The power to transcend our own self-interest, our solipsistic zoom-lens on life, and relate to the world and each other with more integrity, more curiosity, more wholeheartedness.”
Maria Popova
Heavy rains this morning as I sat in my car at Pineridge Natural Area enjoying, listening, watching and journaling. I sat there for an hour as nature received it’s gift of life sustaining rain. We have had several days of 30-70% chance of rain which has provided beautiful skies. This image was taken Friday morning at Arapaho Bend Natural Area. I wonder if the power of art Maria is referring to in her quote is our observation of art, the partaking in the making of art or both. I am of the belief that I must be present to experience the power of natures art and thus be a part of it. Enjoy your Sunday!
Met Eric for coffee and conversation this morning, both were excellent. The rain/mist we’ve had all morning seems to have drawn people to the coffee shop. Baristas were busy and the din was up from normal. Good thing for the owners but does reduce the ability to hear. It’s also one of those days to take the time and notice the beauty in small things all around us. Hope you have a great day!
wrapped in my blanket in the predawn darkness I read and meditate on words which become seeds for my soul and mind
the new day offers a dusting of snow outside my window so after my quiet time I bundle in warm clothing and grab my backpack to venture to the coffee shop
am greeted by early-to-rise baristas as I enter the door, they make my favorite, an Old Town mocha, extra hot, perfect on this bleak and wet day
notice beads of water forming their own worlds on the patio chairs warning me to sit inside on this wintery sunday morning
like tears of joy dewdrops cling to petals nature at its best
ms
A fog sits in the low lying areas and along the pond this morning. Almost expected after two days of clouds and intermittent light rain. Sunshine and clear skies have begun to dominate the day. Laundry is started, one of those much needed domestic routines. Couldn’t help but notice one the last hibiscus flowers for this year coated in tears of joy and thanksgiving after the rain. Happy Friday!
The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.
Lao Tzu
Rode the bus and then walked to a coffee shop. I found this yellow daisy among the smaller white flowers and needed to accept the gift of this image. A light rain fell last night. It is cloudy and cool this morning. We may see rain this evening and into tomorrow. Hoping so! May you enjoy your day and be yourself.
Arrived at Fremont Lake yesterday afternoon to clear skies and warm weather. I do not have wifi or cellular at my campsite, which is something I expected. Lets me know how much I use both.
My drive was without trouble. I encountered a ton of road construction on I-80. Seems they were working on the interstate all the way from Laramie to Rock Springs, Wyoming. I would also say 70% of all traffic was semi trucks. Once I turned onto 191 the semi trucks disappeared and the traffic switched to RVs, Vans, and trailers. The interstate follows two separate railroad tracks so I saw almost continuous trains going both east and west.
My campsite
There are 39 campsites at the Fremont Lake Campground. All were taken except two which I didn’t expect. I chose #7 because it had shade trees while the other one was wide open but had a wonderful view of the lake. That turned out to be a good choice because of the protection by my sisters the trees and they helped isolate noise, letting me enjoy the quiet. My back was sore when I went to bed from all the driving but slept well until early morning. Camping is cheap for us seniors as it only cost me $15 for two nights.
Yesterday afternoon at Fremont Lake
I did some walking after setting up camp so I was able to get my steps in, and some. The area around the lake is a large boulder field and I’m talking big boulders. Wildlife is everywhere, deer, antelope, hawks and squirrels everywhere I turned. I did not remember how much boating there is on the lake. But, that was 19 years ago. I drove around yesterday evening to explore the area and took the above image while sitting on one of those large boulders. Such peace and quiet. I just may do it again this evening. The silence and quiet was a primary reason for this trip.
The drama of storm clouds and the sun about to rise after the rain
The wind began blowing hard about 4:39 am, followed by lightning and thunder. Then, a nice gentle rain began falling and rained for a good hour. I stayed dry. The trees protected me from the wind and some rain. So that was a good reason to choose this site. There is something magical for me to lay there warm, dry and listening to the rain. I did not sleep much after it began raining, so I’ve been up for a while. But, there’s always the afternoon power nap!
There is something about the scent of wet sage and having an antelope checking me out.
I drove into town with hopes to get my mocha latte fix, my internet fix and hopefully some early morning photos fix. Got all three! Now in a coffee shop call Pine Coffee Supply. It’s an old converted garage. They do their own roasting. I was here at 7:30 am when they opened and they have been busy every since I arrived. Could be because they are the only coffee shop in town. That’s the end of this update.
