Feelings not Thought

        
     Whether an artist or not, the photographer is a joyous sensualist, for the simple reason that the eye traffics in feelings, not in thoughts.

 

Wild Beauty

                 Wild Canadian Violet and Golden Banner

  

                                                  Monkshood

Big Wheels Keep on Turnning

            On a recent trip to the top of the Rocky Mountains it was amazing to encounter snow drifts in excess of fifty feet. In various places along the road snow plows patiently wait to jump into action. I was intrigued by the size of the blades that cut through the deep snow in order to have the highway open to the western slope.
          With the rest of the week in the 90's, and end of the week storms coming, coupled with rapid snowmelt; boats not snowplows might be what is needed!

       This image was taken April, 8th courtesy of Vaughn Baker. Crews try to open Trail Ridge Road by Memorial Day weekend. The road was opened Friday May 23rd, and closed Saturday May 26th, and reopened the 27th. Big wheels keep turning!

Inspiration

  Nature is an infinitely deep well of inspiration for the contemplative photographer.  Everyday, every moment in fact, offers a new and surprising revelation for hearts that are open and eyes that are clearly focused on what is before them.

Spring Blessings

         Henry David Thoreau once said, "Only that day dawns to which we are awake."

         Today may you be fully awake, alert to the spark within, and aware of your many blessings.

What Wildness Waits?

What wildness waits just beyond your window, hoping you will glance up and look it in the eyes? Stop. Set duty aside. Breathe together.

Not Shy

      Living summers in Colorado gives many opportunities to see and observe wildlife. This fox roams a territory in our area. Last year he was spotted crossing our driveway. The image above is from our neighbor's property. She says she feeds him, and that he has become very friendly and not shy.
Since the flood of 2013 here on the front range of the Rockies, food for wildlife has been devastated. Earlier in the season the Big Horn sheep were licking the brine put on the highway because of the magnesium contained in the brine. Many of the bushes and grasses that contain this mineral are now gone. CODOT put flashing signs to warn motorists of the possibility of Big Horn sheep on the highway. Bears are foraging dumpsters and breaking into homes to gain access to food. Another neighbor had a bear break down their back door; flour, sugar, and you name it was strewn about the house. Quite a mess!!
   On the milder side of wildlife the hummingbirds are beginning to return, and the feeders are out. Again I will be trying to get that elusive photograph of these beautiful birds. Patience and time is a great teacher.

Contemplation

                "Those who contemplate

                                the beauty of the earth

                   find reserves of strength that

                             will endure as long as  life lasts.

                  There is something infinitely healing

                                in the repeated refrains of nature--

                 The assurances that dawn comes after the night,

                              and spring after the winter."

                                                 ~Rachel Carson~

Face of the Week

       This wonderful face belongs to Buddy. He is a German Short Hair who lives in the country with his owner. Buddy is a great hunting dog and loves playing in his huge yard. Buddy and his owner hunt turkey, quail, rabbit, and anything else Buddy can retrieve.

Simply Divine

 The Divine is simply divine! 

Sometimes your joy is the  source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of joy!

    ~Thich Nhat Hanh~



Greek Orthdox Icons

Icon: Seeker of the Perishing

                 This beautiful icon is in the chapel of the Metropolis Center in Denver, Colorado. It was painted over 200 years ago in Russia. It was taken from Russia during the Soviet era and sold in Germany. The icon then was acquired by a Houston, Texas art dealer in the 1990's. It has been at the Metropolis Center Chapel for about twenty years. This icon is of a type much loved by the Russian people.
           

This icon commemorates the 100th anniversary of the  Assumption of the Theotokos Cathedral.



 

I was truly amazed at the iconography displayed at this church. The art, the temple dome, and the worship area are truly amazing. These three icons are a small representations of the thousands that belong to this church.