• Poudre River,  quotes

    It made me happy

    I have never taken a picture for any other reason than that at that moment it made me happy to do so.

    Jacques-Henri Lartigue

    There is about a one mile stretch along South County Road 5 that has maybe three or four places where you can see the Poudre River. The rest of this stretch of road is blocked by brush and trees. I like this specific location because it has a peaceful feel to it. The cows graze in their field of paradise, rich in green grass and the river quietly and gently meanders east onto the parched prairie. Friday was the first day of Fall and I could see and feel it… so stopping and taking a photo made me happy to do so. Have a wonderful Sunday!

  • clouds,  landscape,  Plants,  Poudre River,  quotes,  river,  trees

    Quiet Moment on the Poudre River

    Works of art are not born in flashes of inspiration but in a daily fidelity.

    Albert Camus

    Where I live each condo has one numbered parking spot. The numbers are painted on the pavement and are now quite faded. This time each year we have a major turnover of residents due to college students. I now find some of the new residents parking in my space and others. Rather than be angry or say anything, I have begun to park in open spaces which means I may need to walk an extra 20 or 30 feet. Could it be that I’m finally growing into a mature adult? Or maybe I’m becoming more childlike than childish?

  • fog,  horizons,  landscape,  Mary Oliver,  Plants,  poems,  poetry,  sunrises,  trees

    Conversation in My Heart

    Another morning and I wake with thirst
    for the goodness I do not have. I walk
    out to the pond and all the way God has
    given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord,
    I was never a quick scholar but sulked
    and hunched over my books past the hour
    and the bell; grant me, in your mercy,
    a little more time. Love for the earth
    and love for you are having such a long
    conversation in my heart. Who knows what
    will finally happen or where I will be sent,
    yet already I have given a great many things
    away, expecting to be told to pack nothing,
    except the prayers which, with this thirst,
    I am slowly learning.

    Mary Oliver
  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  landscape,  natural areas,  reflections,  sunrises

    I Come Here for the Silence

    Arapaho Bend Natural Area taken on 5/31/2023

    I come for the silence heard in the ground of my being
    which brings awareness of the gift of life.

    As this gift unfolds,
    the sun rises over a cloudless horizon,
    a fish quietly rises to the water’s surface
    and a quiet prayer is heard in my soul.

    This Book of Nature has opened its pages of this new day,
    may we silently read each word.

    I come here for the silence.

    mws
  • Plants,  quotes,  trees

    Moments of Awe!!

    The spiritual journey is a constant interplay between moments of awe followed by a process of surrender to that moment. 

    Richard Rohr

    While reading and journaling at Rolland Moore Park I noticed the wind rustling through the cottonwood trees above me. It caused me to look up and have one of those moments of awe. And, I just happened to have my camera with me.

  • fog,  landscape,  quotes

    Full of wanderlust…

    Wanderlust in Red Fox Meadows

    … this morning. We were gifted with a foggy, cool morning here in Colorado. So, I again wandered from the comfort of my condo to walk among the wet grasses of the meadow. My body and soul needing to feel the cool air, to be awakened, again. Each venture into nature is my place of discovery, where I feel like I’m spending time with a good friend. Yes, my soul is full of wanderlust. I like that word. And, speaking of a friend. I will meet my friend Lyndsi later. It’s been a while so we will catch up and share a hug (or two). May you have a wonderful and safe day! 

    The soul is full of wanderlust. When we suppress the longing to wander in the inner landscape, something within us dies. The soul and spirit are wanderers; their place of origin and destination remain unknown; they are dedicated to the discovery of what is unknown and strange.

    John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes
  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  reflections,  sunrises

    Flyover at Predawn

    I awoke early again. A trip to the bathroom, prayer and meditation time, a bowl of cereal, made a chai latte then headed for Arapaho Bend Natural Area. Yes, as some of you know I do have my routines. I am also blessed to have all these natural areas close to me. Arapaho Bend is about the farthest away at 8.5 miles. Takes about 16 minutes to drive there. This morning I discovered this slightly different perspective so you may see more images from this location. As I stood there soaking it all in a flock of about 21 geese flew over me from the west (I counted them). So, I waited until they were in the viewfinder before taking several images. Interesting how they noisily honked to let me know they were coming in over me. To me they add to the scene. Expecting another warm day here in Colorado. Hoping you have a great day!