Seeking Shelter in the Pines Talk about a blast of color! I have lived in Colorado over fifty years and still have not been able to see some bird species that are native to our state. The common ones, sure. But when I come across one that I have always wanted to see [...]
A Tough Nut to Crack How am I ever going to paint this guy? That is what I was thinking when I saw this tufted, or tassel-eared, squirrel watching me just off my hiking path. In nature he stands out because of his dark body against all the pine needles that surround him. [...]
From the Timber to the Lake As I left, the quiet prayer that is carried inside me became audible that day. Being in nature helps me to sort things out about my life. It provides the calmness I need to cope with all the busyness that goes on during the winter months. Being [...]
Pristine Moment We have what we call “leaf-peeping” season when the aspen trees explode into vibrant color. Colorado is noted for its beautiful scenic parks, scattered all across the state. Every one of them has something unique going for it that draws people from all over the country to visit. We have what [...]
When the Storm Clouds Clear Sometimes the elements of nature provide a voice to us—in wind, in water, in sunshine. The voice may be reminding us of the dark moments of life we experience or our longing for peace and tranquility. Sometimes during the storms it may seem that God is looking the [...]
Down the River I learned a long time ago how the river as a force of nature can easily be taken for granted. There has to be respect for what the river can do, especially in areas with white water. There have been a lot of people who have lost their life because [...]
Porch Pirates All this preparation for birds and I get these guys! I have spent a lot of time as a landscaper in my own yard, appreciating the beauty of nature. As a Colorado resident, I learned a while back that to have success in getting anything to green-up requires native plants and [...]
Jumping at the Chance The Brook trout is so colorful. It more than makes up for its small size in that alone. It’s a study in color, action and inspiration, at least for the person who comes across one. I can go a long way on this kind of moment...the surface broken, the [...]
First Solo Flight I never know what will stir up a desire within me to make it the next subject I want to paint. Living in Colorado provides plenty of outdoor attractions. Unable to ignore them, I’m out in nature as often as possible. Early last summer while hiking, Robin and I came [...]
Coffee at 6:00 a.m. That first sip of coffee takes the chill off the morning air and the internal engine is revved up. It leads us to just about every intention the mind is set on for that day. There is nothing like seeing the morning sun as it peeks above the horizon. [...]
