tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36044678124607330672024-03-13T18:18:50.450-07:00from the World Lens...shining light on what's right in the worldBarbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-25566516892657987142016-02-11T14:47:00.001-08:002017-11-20T00:38:39.541-08:00Four Years of Mood, Magic and MysteryIt has gestating for months, it has been under construction for many more months and it has been re-edited for yet another month or so, but finally it has arrived!<br />
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I have rounded up the most meaningful images I have acquired over the fours years hiking, playing and simply enjoying the times I have spent in the <a href="http://www.bigmorongo.org/">Big Morongo Canyon Preserve</a> and it's adjoining Covington Park. This oasis with it's velvet green soothing interior echoing the songs of dozens of birds who flit around in the cooling shade is relatively unknown to the thousands of tourists who pass daily, literally within a quarter of a mile of it's gates, on their way to the much more famous <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm">Joshua Tree National Park.</a><br />
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The oasis has more to offer than the serene green canopy and gently flowing water. Within 5 minutes of walking the shade gives way to rugged barren hillsides with brittle sharp desert foliage, rocky trails and brilliant desert sun. Hiking trails lead up above the oasis and where the view takes in Mt San Gorgonio, Mt San Jacinto and the Morongo Basin. <br />
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This 50 page coffee table book of mostly photos, but a little text here and there, is a gift to myself. Something I can revisit whenever the peaceful core of my soul gets a little turbulent and I am craving the serenity of the oasis. I showed the finished book to a couple of friends and the orders have started coming in. I knew I wasn't the only one who loves the Preserve but, even so, I am startled and thrilled by the interest shown in my book. I've had several more printed and am being encouraged to do a book signing at the <a href="http://www.artcolonyofmorongovalley.com/2016-anniversary-celebration.html">Art Colony of Morongo Valley's 52nd Anniversary</a> this weekend. I am donating a portion of the proceeds back to the Preserve.<br />
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It can also be purchased at the <a href="http://cactusmart.net/">Cactus Mart, in Morongo Valley</a>.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-21345505028331897432016-02-03T11:29:00.000-08:002016-02-03T22:02:24.492-08:00The Passion and the Monkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Follow your passion", I've heard it said. "Do what you love and the money will come", is another. Or perhaps my favorite: "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours", as claimed by Thoreau. These are all motivators with a solid strain of wisdom in them and when followed I am sure they work.<br />
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But for me there is always the fear, or a least lack of confidence, that my work I'm passionate about wouldn't quite be 'good enough' to hold its own. It was deemed much 'safer' to put in a good solid, oh so mundane, day's work for someone else and receive a modest but regular stipend. The dreams and passions could wait for the weekend warrior.<br />
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Then there is always the "jump before you are pushed" motivator for those who need a little more incentive.<br />
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Well, I am now mid jump. My current job is phasing out forcing me to be more engaged in what my passions are and how I can create a new life for myself. My passions have always been consistent: I love taking photos and I love writing. I have to ask myself just who are the 'they' who are judging my writing or photography as not quite good enough? Could it simply be my own inner critic? That annoying monkey mind determined to keep me firmly entrenched in it's perceived 'safety zone'?<br />
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I have reached the point where Thoreau's advice is becoming more attractive by the day. It is time to advance <u>confidently</u> in the direction of my dreams. I am quite sure that being confident and <u>committed</u><u> </u>to my decision is the key to success. In view of these current insights I have completed several online refresher writing courses on <a href="http://udemy.com/">Udemy</a>, and I am writing the monthly newletter for a local business, the <a href="http://cactus%20mart.net/">Cactus Mart</a>, who is also gracious enough to display my photography. <br />
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It is time.<br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-77912916867285801442016-01-17T14:06:00.000-08:002016-01-17T20:58:33.213-08:00The Cutting Edge of History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Desert Queen Ranch, aka Key's Ranch, Joshua Tree National Park</td></tr>
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I've been doing quite a lot of research lately on the early history of my area. <br />
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I love history. When Nicole, the owner of the <a href="http://cactusmart.net/">Cactus Mart</a>, our local plant nursery, cum art gallery, cum hardware store asked me if I wanted to write a couple of paragraphs on our local history for her shop newsletter each month I jumped at the chance.<br />
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As I was delving through any old literature I could find on the area it occurred to me that while I was fascinated with the past, with the struggles these early miners, prospectors and settlers dealt with, they were actually on the cutting edge of progress! They were on their game. They had hopes and dreams of striking it rich with their mines and being able to create lives for themselves and their families far better than what they had left behind. <br />
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In this area, close to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm">Joshua Tree National Park</a>, the heat is intense during the summers, flash floods occur without warning any time and natural water sources are few and far between. It's a tough place to live without air conditioning, a good well, and trucks constantly delivering food to the local stores and restaurants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3PaTlNoLhNvUMmjOoi1nT1piBt2jxYi199MG9vHYVZrIDRmmDD_2LgV6HNjh4JtShFRQJRREB9Qp32jr3W3D-Jb5q4bfEgyLdhp-lCdNHsC2YGuJbGDVXHhccBAmrhJNYGw9ruc_C7Do/s1600/_DSC8603.NEF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3PaTlNoLhNvUMmjOoi1nT1piBt2jxYi199MG9vHYVZrIDRmmDD_2LgV6HNjh4JtShFRQJRREB9Qp32jr3W3D-Jb5q4bfEgyLdhp-lCdNHsC2YGuJbGDVXHhccBAmrhJNYGw9ruc_C7Do/s640/_DSC8603.NEF" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The windmill and the well at the Desert Queen Ranch -very innovative for the time</td></tr>
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As I glance around my comfortable home, my new lap top in front of me and a cup of freshly brewed coffee at hand there is no inner drive in me to conquer new horizons. I very much doubt I will be mentioned in future history books as a pioneer in my field (though it could happen I suppose).<br />
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I am their future looking back into the past; they are the past with their eyes on the future. I think their lives may just be a little more exciting than mine.<br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-40170667712750549672016-01-10T21:59:00.001-08:002016-01-10T22:01:15.439-08:00It IS What You Look at that Counts<u></u><i></i><b></b><i></i><b></b>Recently I saw the beginnings of what could turn out to be a fabulous sunset. I scooped up my camera and bolted outside in anticipation. I took a few shots as the intensity of the colors increased but this sunset was over fairly quickly so I retired back inside to look at my images.<br />
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Interesting. All these pictures were taken within minutes of each other, and they certainly aren't the greatest pictures I've ever taken, but the message is there just the same: I could put my attention on the fabulous sunset ...<br />
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Or I could be drawn in by the distractions, in this case very pretty distractions, and miss my sunset....<br />
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However, another option would be just to focus on the light beyond the distractions.<br />
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That was just the reminder I needed. A great metaphor for life for me. If I keep my eyes on the goal, and not look at the distractions I will have success in my endeavors.<br />
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Now this is the way I want to start my new year. <br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-20580027057914393182015-08-20T16:22:00.002-07:002015-08-21T11:07:11.315-07:00The "New" Historic Warren Homestead of Morongo ValleyAs our group arrived for our Monday morning hike through Covington Park and the <a href="http://www.bigmorongo.org/">Big Morongo Canyon Preserve</a> we stood for a moment, stunned. A new road had been blazed through the dense brush of what we had thought was a protected wildlife area, an<a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=Z6-m5HukkCYC&pg=PA247&lpg=PA247&dq=National+Geographic+Guide+to+Birdwatching+Sites+morongo+valley&source=bl&ots=In01mESz3W&sig=Rnuw0YXvIBPDC67dP75wI41A0sU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CD8Q6AEwBWoVChMI4ebriN66xwIVjzKICh1PzgSG#v=onepage&q=National%20Geographic%20Guide%20to%20Birdwatching%20Sites%20morongo%20valley&f=false"> internationally recognized birding site</a>, for heaven's sake, toward a stand of cottonwood trees on the far side of the park!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hikers winding down the trail into Covington Park, Morongo Valley.</td></tr>
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I am very protective of our wild areas and was feeling quite jittery. I can only imagine how the<a href="http://www.bigmorongo.org/a3Birds.htm"> bird watchers </a>were feeling. However, before I lost my composure I wanted to know what was going on. I knew the area had a rich history and rightly so, as this is one of the few areas of permanent water in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.<br />
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History is a peculiar beast at times. Getting a definitive fact seems to be only authoritative until I find someone who disagrees. This is a fairly accurate, if brief, time line of history of Covington Park and the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.<br />
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The Morongo Clan of the Serrano Indians were the first settlers I know of, however, they succumbed to small pox when the white settlers arrived. The survivors moved to Banning in the 1860's.<br />
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About 10 years after the arrival of the white settlers the Warren Family arrived and set up a cattle ranch and also provided supplies for travelers passing through. They built a fairly big home for the time and lived at the oasis for around 35 years before selling to the Covington family in 1912. In 1968 the Covingtons sold 80 acres to the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nature_Conservancy"> Nature Conservancy</a>, and soon after the County of San Bernardino purchased a further 160 acres which became a wild life preserve. It is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbed wire from the ranching days.<br />
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So why had a trail been ploughed though this protected and very beautiful wilderness area? The answer was much more benign than I'd feared.<br />
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Descendants of the Warren family had needed the access to excavate the family homestead. They wanted to create a lasting monument to their pioneering forebears and set the archaeological remains up as permanent Historical Site, further protecting the area for the enjoyment of future generations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvvAcEI3f8Q1w43r-_5iKvtQg8TFZe1DcOHYz6IqfXOGSla-_5Fs-B7QIk6_05H1c6HywmDl-Hniek5KNnIG2oHeWVsots7K0DqbPlxOVP-ezEizypDM5_KoKfVZzUQlErpssGAfPM_5X/s1600/6-IMG_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvvAcEI3f8Q1w43r-_5iKvtQg8TFZe1DcOHYz6IqfXOGSla-_5Fs-B7QIk6_05H1c6HywmDl-Hniek5KNnIG2oHeWVsots7K0DqbPlxOVP-ezEizypDM5_KoKfVZzUQlErpssGAfPM_5X/s640/6-IMG_0050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park visitors taking in a history lesson.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area where the cabin stood in the foreground.<br />
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Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and adjacent Covington Park are only a 25 minute drive from Palm Springs in the town of Morongo Valley, on Highway 62, the main drag to Joshua Tree National Park. Highway 62. Green, scenic, cool with many hiking trails and now an Historic Site, it is well worth stopping by for a relaxing hour or two.<br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-18535096178878313012015-08-11T14:17:00.000-07:002015-08-11T19:46:55.692-07:00When is a Blog not a Blog<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcY-Sq3CvG9G3zgUsMJTU0BUczw_2g6r6K2M2Dus2Z4lqbG1w_hbXuEiYVtZzNE1qbA2l7YemQEc5VK3k4-qPLubugd2nHoaUIWA-j3rGAIMAHNLjbKN18QEPJvCmA0Cs6E0sqE-l9UJO/s1600/1-1-trail+markers%252C+BMCP-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcY-Sq3CvG9G3zgUsMJTU0BUczw_2g6r6K2M2Dus2Z4lqbG1w_hbXuEiYVtZzNE1qbA2l7YemQEc5VK3k4-qPLubugd2nHoaUIWA-j3rGAIMAHNLjbKN18QEPJvCmA0Cs6E0sqE-l9UJO/s640/1-1-trail+markers%252C+BMCP-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley</td></tr>
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I've been sitting in limbo with blogging for quite a while now. I thought perhaps my blogging days were over but it kept niggling in the back of my mind. I love to write, I love to take pictures and yet I have stepped away from it, so I am back. <br />
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I may spend some time upgrading and reformatting, giving it a fresh new look and I will be posting my thoughts and photos again so. We have a beautiful planet about us and I love to share my view of what is right in my world.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-56756180727553774642014-06-12T09:59:00.000-07:002014-06-12T12:09:38.057-07:00The Subtle Benefits of PerseveranceBack in November of 2012 an assortment of middle aged to older girls in our tiny town started a hiking group. We all had differing reasons for getting active: One of us had recently retired and the celebrations that followed had her girth expanding faster than a starving dog can inhale a hotdog; another had lost her daughter in a tragic car accident a couple of years previously, and in the fall out from dealing with that had lost her job, gained too much weight, gone into depression etc but was now ready to start living again. I was struggling to find enough work and had way too much time on my hands, also out of shape and losing hope for a bright future. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpmrzE0oWNRp06tNPgHp-7ZaU0hfBjF5xfx5e596wU-Ns7CNyPThOPIpxSQPv9DpyyKGwydacwJKNa4LCYEbS0NZHCE2UC0i1WO_N3JgtJOePgB5SbezH9CYFctkpxVf9xFR-GaGtadO_/s1600/3-hagg+shadows-002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpmrzE0oWNRp06tNPgHp-7ZaU0hfBjF5xfx5e596wU-Ns7CNyPThOPIpxSQPv9DpyyKGwydacwJKNa4LCYEbS0NZHCE2UC0i1WO_N3JgtJOePgB5SbezH9CYFctkpxVf9xFR-GaGtadO_/s1600/3-hagg+shadows-002.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across at our shadows in the early morning light.</td></tr>
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On our first hike there were three of us and we sweated and huffed our way around an approximate 2.5 mile loop with 2 good aerobic climbs included. We were jubilant! By the end of the second week there were five pairs of dusty boots pounding the trail which had now included one more steep climb and another mile. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53qtP-0FV1tGo6ywBZMwhP_n8VM0h6dLQWcCQoRrYL-7acFgwZ94RtRgv3GCTTZf28Jam8j5NO2U62aAynumdwXMikf3z-TEBb2nwKaKvqrjP6FV7OPF1ba3dEQOtqYtinwYnTcbXvfa5/s1600/5-Haggs+on+Yucca+Ridge+Trail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53qtP-0FV1tGo6ywBZMwhP_n8VM0h6dLQWcCQoRrYL-7acFgwZ94RtRgv3GCTTZf28Jam8j5NO2U62aAynumdwXMikf3z-TEBb2nwKaKvqrjP6FV7OPF1ba3dEQOtqYtinwYnTcbXvfa5/s1600/5-Haggs+on+Yucca+Ridge+Trail.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a quick breather at the top of the ridge.</td></tr>
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Looking back over the 18 months we have come a long way. Our mission has always been to uplift each other and support each other in what ever way was a appropriate for the situation. We have prayed over illnesses, we have pitched in when someone needed help, we made food and delivered to another's home, we have laughed - a lot!, told off colored jokes, celebrated each others lives, and we have cried. <br />
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Two of our girls have passed on over the year in unexpected circumstances. Two little crosses are now high up on the hill above the trail. Those girls are with us still.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvbIGjjyVJ-sa1PBHmiedMWxrG10nPLbVwQGv5KnNozAgBnKZSeD5fhiEh7qUzYJ1__SFnqbroJaCFKUNGeIIoQ1H5JXcrcHF_WGEPmaBQQq5dkS8Woat4xXSoi1novpb0WMdgrJsx3Ry/s1600/2-DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvbIGjjyVJ-sa1PBHmiedMWxrG10nPLbVwQGv5KnNozAgBnKZSeD5fhiEh7qUzYJ1__SFnqbroJaCFKUNGeIIoQ1H5JXcrcHF_WGEPmaBQQq5dkS8Woat4xXSoi1novpb0WMdgrJsx3Ry/s1600/2-DSC_0027.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Simone & Sarah</td></tr>
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The benefits we have gained through a year and half of 3 day a week hiking are quite profound, but quite subtle, too. Aches and pains not longer bother us, and the ability just to be able to get up and do the next task at hand is a matter of ease. However, those are not the only benefits. The wisdom and insights I've gained from the others have helped in many situations. The oldest of us is 74 and she is very knowledgeable about wildlife, especially the reptiles. Another is very knowledgeable about the plants. I pick their brains often as I'm always looking to identify some bush or creature I have photographed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnfQMmDwASniDs_9x6JULqQHXcEQ7q84tQoMxIw0q8ObuIwWYyX486mJ6KVq7Ht5JdWLGyGf3s55_uVyFdmWoy85IPMyjTEChzOu77tYofNlFviYhVjm104ssPYTglnVSfQxhMQUqDlUd/s1600/1-DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnfQMmDwASniDs_9x6JULqQHXcEQ7q84tQoMxIw0q8ObuIwWYyX486mJ6KVq7Ht5JdWLGyGf3s55_uVyFdmWoy85IPMyjTEChzOu77tYofNlFviYhVjm104ssPYTglnVSfQxhMQUqDlUd/s1600/1-DSC_0008.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking up one of the steepest parts of the trail</td></tr>
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Two of the original three are still hiking and the third one has found a great job, which is what she wanted. Others have joined us for a while and then they lives moved on - or ceased. I have learned from them all and will be grateful to our little group for the rest of my life. I may move on, too, but I will carry very special memories with me. That kind of baggage I will enjoy hauling. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WMxls4kbAmV6Q4FotZsupeGNbJdmt4_MRSun-n7TB8PRehFMuU9q_-QBL25RwqNevq7rN4p3jw3cTlum_uUaXAnrVrGFveax2IBRPPQLIoZxsaFeaQ2SqzGr4aVjvNiryvVxKRWcAspa/s1600/4-DSC_0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WMxls4kbAmV6Q4FotZsupeGNbJdmt4_MRSun-n7TB8PRehFMuU9q_-QBL25RwqNevq7rN4p3jw3cTlum_uUaXAnrVrGFveax2IBRPPQLIoZxsaFeaQ2SqzGr4aVjvNiryvVxKRWcAspa/s1600/4-DSC_0209.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from above as the trail winds back through the cool marshy area.</td></tr>
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/">Friday My Town Shoot Out!</a><br />
The topic this week is looking up, looking down and looking across. I hope this qualifies. Click the link to see more entries from across the world. <br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-10669777981472319532014-01-03T21:54:00.001-08:002014-01-04T14:45:07.162-08:002014 - Ready or Not Here I ComeFor the first time in as long as I can remember I think I am ready for the new year. No new year resolutions for me, or at least, not in the usual sense. The whole year of 2013 was a constant challenge. One thing after another - close friends dying unexpectedly, other friends moving, me having to move three times, and my much loved dog dying - and yet somehow I managed not to fall into the doldrums too much. It seems as though the more that hit me the more vulnerable and yet more trusting I became - trusting that I would be ok no matter what. Events were happening so fast there for a while I just didn't have time to dwell on anything too much.<br />
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Looking back over this last year I know I'm a very different person to who I was twelve months ago. I have slowed down a lot. No more hectic chasing after things that just don't matter. No more giving energy to people or projects that are dead ends. I don't mean that unkindly. I just don't have the energy to pour into those who don't want to help themselves. Most importantly I've given up trying to make things happen. Now that was a major energy waster! Things worked out just fine in ways I never thought possible when I finally was too exhausted to plan anything.<br />
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This year I have a few intentions - a few ideas of what I would like to have happen - but I am not making any plans as to how to make them happen. I am going to keep things as simple as possible. I will as best I can stay focused on one thing at a time, not get into a flap over what I think I should be doing, and allow life to unfold as it will.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSIlcrWJdyPoRlWVcxBaXM4qh3IjFzvuZn0ddS-3zrplyGr1WvFIRcUlB3nIt_utRx0X7NxlT-cuAQ2wsl6NGiFIDnsoZDCPNBJzJaU_CR9zQJJhBsWnLtNjzKMxHMXlN1YpQd3RVuLPU/s1600/1-_DSC5505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSIlcrWJdyPoRlWVcxBaXM4qh3IjFzvuZn0ddS-3zrplyGr1WvFIRcUlB3nIt_utRx0X7NxlT-cuAQ2wsl6NGiFIDnsoZDCPNBJzJaU_CR9zQJJhBsWnLtNjzKMxHMXlN1YpQd3RVuLPU/s640/1-_DSC5505.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These horses are enjoying sharing - competing for the goodies isn't necessary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1YPwzESAuI8EpZW4d1Rn5Rs70QboKfo3LmssvW1Q8Cjl8EdC19Ff86ce3-bv1FQR_uaoXLVK-I2KklPXuxWiqz1Qlfuk2ii_osWzpfPa0TPmx9ZEuVoO4f4nHG_MV-o3NrD_rCnlCu88/s1600/2-_DSC5414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1YPwzESAuI8EpZW4d1Rn5Rs70QboKfo3LmssvW1Q8Cjl8EdC19Ff86ce3-bv1FQR_uaoXLVK-I2KklPXuxWiqz1Qlfuk2ii_osWzpfPa0TPmx9ZEuVoO4f4nHG_MV-o3NrD_rCnlCu88/s640/2-_DSC5414.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old windmill reminds me of simpler times.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdpZ51PhzEQ_SnjIXcn8Sz5oh1AnnyrPf4Iu0gsIWUS9xNxdi-ToBmIgcqVHSq7YG_AgnottRicBQuW8oPHW4UR8OtQkxldERInqcBoYiSz48uBza_u8FnuM2_z1htBjI4q0J7YyecC8e/s1600/3-_DSC5447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdpZ51PhzEQ_SnjIXcn8Sz5oh1AnnyrPf4Iu0gsIWUS9xNxdi-ToBmIgcqVHSq7YG_AgnottRicBQuW8oPHW4UR8OtQkxldERInqcBoYiSz48uBza_u8FnuM2_z1htBjI4q0J7YyecC8e/s640/3-_DSC5447.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year I will take time to enjoy nature.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJmJqBRT9DD_4fB_J8HPhJVde-U8YSboFN-nmERgyB0g2vzP5wcPXEg9Kr_gllf8iIhkm-EMzhtgsTmU42e5ko_ef6j9zy3AfPJYPfFo2xTBzQ8MP9TQr5Nvr1denrLQgG6JMxVdAFgrM/s1600/4-Porchy+&+Pinky+on+the+Caboose-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJmJqBRT9DD_4fB_J8HPhJVde-U8YSboFN-nmERgyB0g2vzP5wcPXEg9Kr_gllf8iIhkm-EMzhtgsTmU42e5ko_ef6j9zy3AfPJYPfFo2xTBzQ8MP9TQr5Nvr1denrLQgG6JMxVdAFgrM/s640/4-Porchy+&+Pinky+on+the+Caboose-002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I shall use these two beauties to inspire me to just take it easy.</td></tr>
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Linking to <a href="http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/">Friday My Town Shoot Out!</a> Please hop on over and see how others around the world are going to approach the new year.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-28559427001856743392013-06-20T16:57:00.001-07:002013-06-22T13:48:55.379-07:00Neighborhood WatchWhen I first moved to this mostly rural neighborhood nearly two years ago I was impressed with the local dogs. I called them the Neighborhood Watch as I couldn't walk around the block without my presence being noted and barked on every step of the way. Some of those dogs, in fact most of them, looked like they meant business, too.<br />
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As I got to know my neighbors I learned the history of these watchful canines. It turns out that nearly every dog arrived on their respective properties as a stray, refugee or, in one case, from death row at the local animal shelter. The property owners just accommodated them. One neighbor told me they put up a boundary fence to <i>stop</i> more strays arriving as they'd reached capacity!<br />
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In so many ways, without any fanfare, people of this world are following their hearts to do the right thing and in return these dogs are determined to keep their new families safe.<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/">Friday My Town Shoot Out!!</a> This week's topic is 'Through the Fence'.<br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-25705041633257526012013-06-05T15:37:00.001-07:002013-06-05T15:38:11.926-07:00Balance aka The Yin and the Yang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three or four times a week I meet with a group of women and we power walk - although sometimes its a dawdle and chat - over, above and through the exquisite <a href="http://www.bigmorongo.org/index.htm">Big Morongo Canyon Preserve</a> near my home. For about an hour and a half we climb up steep hills, scale rocky ridges, jog down the hills and finish off with a lovely half mile or so of flat through the lush shady canopy finishing back where we started.<br />
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We have great camaraderie. We laugh, we tease, we tell off-colour jokes, we support and encourage each other, and we even have prayer circles occasionally when someone needs an extra boost, and all the while we are getting fitter and stronger.<br />
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Occasionally I'm especially lucky: I get to go home, grab breakfast, then load up my camera and come back to the same park. This time I am alone and can tune in to the beauty around me and here the whisperings of the trees and flowers. I can get down on my belly and really visit with the tiny but beautiful little flowers that line the trail.<br />
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I am so fortunate to have the balance to the vibrant energy of my hiking girls and the introspective energy of my camera, myself and nature.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvCgBAenUNPB59DBGScd_6j30ZSxYewC5eZ6Ow_TrZc9TOTBoOnsnWmzZy87YJz72VcqcTjYllcEj4gqN0gcLhT7nySd_nrbs1Wrx8AdGK4_6NTso0fhcGmj3QnagdeCSZ-h8e7ZQFfuV/s1600/1-stream+orchid-016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvCgBAenUNPB59DBGScd_6j30ZSxYewC5eZ6Ow_TrZc9TOTBoOnsnWmzZy87YJz72VcqcTjYllcEj4gqN0gcLhT7nySd_nrbs1Wrx8AdGK4_6NTso0fhcGmj3QnagdeCSZ-h8e7ZQFfuV/s400/1-stream+orchid-016.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream Orchid (Epipactus Gigantea)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnVHGYkL4OgRTLNhQo-QrwtBnF00VO8hZFX9DoUW0ZCgv-4uejgtIiPGoP3lgeRT7oLY_HdOc4vWBtRJZYg-ov_bWMqQl9vTegANFRReGYaaW1gOQdDCKYVaRq-i3tRY4B0DOcuLkU19v/s1600/2-stream+orchid-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnVHGYkL4OgRTLNhQo-QrwtBnF00VO8hZFX9DoUW0ZCgv-4uejgtIiPGoP3lgeRT7oLY_HdOc4vWBtRJZYg-ov_bWMqQl9vTegANFRReGYaaW1gOQdDCKYVaRq-i3tRY4B0DOcuLkU19v/s400/2-stream+orchid-009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream Orchid</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxeu4UYiIKv884fYu0kpB1v_MQ1jjJy68VIkKUb2nsYLj9nUdf1E1kLTM9mu92rqMpav27nfNfeoXdPXYAnDaqx6K_VRHYN94z5zm3VSQNrc9-2EMNV1_wXdL0_nQ8VFens3mXA4olj3l/s1600/3-_DSC1441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxeu4UYiIKv884fYu0kpB1v_MQ1jjJy68VIkKUb2nsYLj9nUdf1E1kLTM9mu92rqMpav27nfNfeoXdPXYAnDaqx6K_VRHYN94z5zm3VSQNrc9-2EMNV1_wXdL0_nQ8VFens3mXA4olj3l/s400/3-_DSC1441.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJxAqAKZY2GqykqqWCwFpUaBxyL-3cEpu_c3UtXklXWwTKW5hczunlcwOTVSR9qHGmf1_y6ft-S-sqEX8pqAXToA8blDIJ-6uF_95SHckU732FgH2U-zx0ZhoHLis1YxPu5IycEmc1bDb/s1600/4-_DSC1447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJxAqAKZY2GqykqqWCwFpUaBxyL-3cEpu_c3UtXklXWwTKW5hczunlcwOTVSR9qHGmf1_y6ft-S-sqEX8pqAXToA8blDIJ-6uF_95SHckU732FgH2U-zx0ZhoHLis1YxPu5IycEmc1bDb/s400/4-_DSC1447.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yerba Mansa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT4JejRmeVwQl5JX9FBAcySqexAT4pGmTlHMb_4mPzGfhIBNZhen1-Nd-7_owmO5CICwRxpmvgb8AL8g2PdqNrBUVbiJKef0IvwtfsbjsSbghElDp6HElGDGT7RHbicux0cX07-kjiKN0/s1600/5-_DSC1448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT4JejRmeVwQl5JX9FBAcySqexAT4pGmTlHMb_4mPzGfhIBNZhen1-Nd-7_owmO5CICwRxpmvgb8AL8g2PdqNrBUVbiJKef0IvwtfsbjsSbghElDp6HElGDGT7RHbicux0cX07-kjiKN0/s400/5-_DSC1448.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yerba Mansa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmKpW3aDHI7SMBiAWwxntjcoSLYp04Ge190TFm7QNlpFaZYWhOgd21kryk1JyPNsWHwfIbcRH375YuCgRcDz-S1T8rh7LlA4BZWcf8XSwFgBQ1YZhRWE1r49j_OOYSML0AGKYX1csEGhK/s1600/6-_DSC1432.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmKpW3aDHI7SMBiAWwxntjcoSLYp04Ge190TFm7QNlpFaZYWhOgd21kryk1JyPNsWHwfIbcRH375YuCgRcDz-S1T8rh7LlA4BZWcf8XSwFgBQ1YZhRWE1r49j_OOYSML0AGKYX1csEGhK/s400/6-_DSC1432.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lichen on quartz rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHuBuPK5OuihiqdpzQaPtzS3CjUISoksDYEKNb2KDnZ1Nm6V9RoG1kTSaA-_V2OlFpvCaDtvERe9V60KOwp0xKRvc47lHGmHILVLxKOai4SuntKDO0LLVc-o7MJNYTbL5yHbh5w26JejR/s1600/7-_DSC1430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHuBuPK5OuihiqdpzQaPtzS3CjUISoksDYEKNb2KDnZ1Nm6V9RoG1kTSaA-_V2OlFpvCaDtvERe9V60KOwp0xKRvc47lHGmHILVLxKOai4SuntKDO0LLVc-o7MJNYTbL5yHbh5w26JejR/s400/7-_DSC1430.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedgehog Cactus</td></tr>
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Today my message from the World, through my lens, to me was all about balance. The Yin and the Yang. I also got to appreciate once again just how fortunate I am.<br />
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Linking to <a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/2013/06/04/nature-notes-214-let-the-rain-kiss-you-let-the-rain-beat-upon-your-head-with-silver-liquid-drops-let-the-rain-sing-you-a-lullaby-langston-hughes/">Nature Notes at Rambling Woods</a><br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-89045039108598594432013-05-07T16:11:00.002-07:002013-05-08T07:11:57.590-07:00Handling the NoI think we've all had times when it seems every door I see cracked open gets firmly closed in my face as I approach it. Very frustrating. Some of us hardier souls just seem to thrive on a challenge and are determined to either go around that closed door or crash right on through it, but I find it off putting.<br />
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Lately I seem to be coming up against those closed doors too often and am finding it depressing, however yesterday the Universe offered me another way of looking at it. I was walking in my favorite park appreciating a rare cool overcast day when the sun broke through the cloud and flooded the park with golden light. I quickly returned to my car for my camera then made myself comfortable at a picnic table to enjoy this spectacular lighting.<br />
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My reverie was abruptly interrupted by a Red-tailed Hawk making a dive for a bird in the grass right in front of me!! I was shocked and thrilled! The bird made its escape leaving only a few feathers behind and the hawk retreated to a low branch of a nearby tree. I was able to study this hawk for a minute or two and it clearly wasn't showing frustration or depression at its recent disappointment. It simply regrouped and carried on with the task at hand - finding dinner for the family.<br />
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Here was my message of the day: don't dwell in the past, all my energy must be directed towards moving forward in a calm and detached manner. Thank you Hawk, the Messenger.<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/2013/05/07/nature-notes-210/">Nature Notes</a> and <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>. Please follow the links to more nature activities from around the world.<br />
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-49463676631214908652013-02-20T12:00:00.001-08:002013-02-21T11:16:33.828-08:00A Clean Slate<br />
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<i><b>"You have to begin to tell the story of your life</b></i></div>
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<i><b> as you now want it to be </b></i></div>
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<i><b>and discontinue the tales of how it been</b></i></div>
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<i><b>or how it is now"</b></i></div>
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<b> - Abraham Hicks </b></div>
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Someone posted this quote on Face Book the other day. Of all the many little quotes that scroll endlessly past each day, this one stood out. Isn't it funny how you can hear the same message in dozens of different forms but somehow it doesn't 'fizz' until the mind is open to receive it? At least, this is the way it is with me.</div>
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This morning I woke up to an exquisitely beautiful feather down blanket of snow all around. Even before the sun came up my dog and I were out frolicking like a pair of kids in fairy dust. I'm sure it's now apparent that I don't get much snow where I live.</div>
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With the Abraham Hicks quote still simmering in the back of my mind I gradually came to the realisation that this snow was a perfect metaphor for a clean slate. Yesterday is buried and I can begin to tell my story as I now want it to be. Everyday I have this choice, but so often I get entwined in yesterday's dramas that story of my 'life as I now want it to be' is left to default. I can clearly see this is not how I want to continue operating my life.</div>
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But I have a choice.</div>
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Linking to: <a href="http://www.lafcustomdesigns.com/">Walk and Click Wednesdays.</a><br />
<a href="http://www.danielle-batog.com/2013/02/panning-for-gold.html?showComment=1361473722508#c4723507262755657068">Cool Clicks Thursday</a><br />
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Click for yourself and follow the link on over to see more creative entries.</div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-68169966092789211482013-02-05T05:00:00.000-08:002013-02-05T08:04:16.081-08:00Being Open to Opportunity Is One ThingBeing ready to act on it is quite another.<br />
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That is the message I received today as I strolled through my much loved local park. As is usual for me I had my camera and my dog, and, as is also usual for me, I get my best insights when I have the camera to my eye. This park I frequent, Covington Park, is adjoining the<a href="http://www.bigmorongo.org/"> Big Morongo Canyon Preserve</a>, a world renown birding site, so there's always a great chance rare birds can be seen in this dog friendly park next door. I was inviting whoever wanted to show up to pose for me as I walked along. I saw a Red Tail Hawk in the distance, too far away to photograph, but so thrilling to watch as it soared, dived and circled.<br />
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My dog and I slowly wended our way back to the parking lot enjoying the shade of the bare cottonwoods when I was urged to glance up. A beautiful Red Tail Hawk was gliding in to land right above me! It's glorious red tail was glowing like embers in the setting sun as it braced itself for landing. I had inadvertently wandered under the very tree in which it was building its nest. By the time I saw the hawk and snapped a couple of pictures it was too close to me for the lens I was using.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Tail Hawk bringing in nesting material.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4w5HGLeWmha9VtTkiJ4_j-yw4Z1_1Qr9tUWUemBoh6XJJ99YPKdCk4vjkYALz5lmvHOjzXKj5OgT96rOn_RW-g8zdV4mY-j-S17wJFkZCv6LCGvzowEt6kLJZeXrPfoSPQsckG-DEVMrk/s1600/2-DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4w5HGLeWmha9VtTkiJ4_j-yw4Z1_1Qr9tUWUemBoh6XJJ99YPKdCk4vjkYALz5lmvHOjzXKj5OgT96rOn_RW-g8zdV4mY-j-S17wJFkZCv6LCGvzowEt6kLJZeXrPfoSPQsckG-DEVMrk/s640/2-DSC_0034.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm...there's one stick poking me in the you-know-what....</td></tr>
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There was my message: when I send an invitation to the Universe <i>stay awake for the the answer!</i><br />
Getting the camera up and getting the picture would help, too. Of course, it wasn't lost on me that this is a good philosophy for most aspects of my life, too.<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/2013/02/05/nature-notes-197coopers-hawks-were-named-for-william-cooper-a-new-york-scientist-whose-son-james-is-the-namesake-of-the-cooper-ornithological-society/">Nature Notes </a>at Michelle's Rambling Woods Blog.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-75717667781203447182013-01-30T15:45:00.002-08:002013-01-30T15:45:33.680-08:00The Circle of Life"Bringing to light what is right in the world" has been my motto for a while now, however, more and more often lately I've been allowing myself to get sucked into the turmoil that is going on in the world around us. Every day it seems there is more to be concerned about, and it has begun to take a toll on my sense of well being.<br />
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I choose not to allow that to continue.<br />
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Once again I turned to my camera. When I am open the Universe really can offer messages of well being through my lens. If I can pull my focus in to just what is in front of me, which is all anyone can deal with at one time, then I do get to see the beauty and the balance. Just like the four seasons except on a much larger scale, there is a period of new growth, maturity, gradual decline, then decay. Some might say our society is in decay, but that isn't necessarily good or bad, it is just balance. The decay then nourishes the new growth; that is the circle of life.<br />
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I choose to look for the signs of spring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwC5nUos7hYjG41vga7RTfC9xoFbNSGdW_ts0oBhpIuTuSjB_mjB065okfpeJUfGRTTgWslrw7pdLoiAHmK5rhqK9mSUx__8irTpCzSypC_3zvQ0qMLLs8TzQGAcnnJe7CsJO6xp5WSTS/s1600/4-_DSC9063.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwC5nUos7hYjG41vga7RTfC9xoFbNSGdW_ts0oBhpIuTuSjB_mjB065okfpeJUfGRTTgWslrw7pdLoiAHmK5rhqK9mSUx__8irTpCzSypC_3zvQ0qMLLs8TzQGAcnnJe7CsJO6xp5WSTS/s640/4-_DSC9063.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring bulbs. So welcome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q-HxhOiHsBBWD4TQy_eCZ2I_kXUsfncGtUllLb32krMA8pJ1gTXjBDnFW72jsXUV_NcIHFcYVtBrBMOfKzHXRzMt_p8OKFATWDNhoxnX8b4W5n7M8QKKeLs0z7iZ6fphCRBE6sjfUA2y/s1600/5-butterfly+&+bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q-HxhOiHsBBWD4TQy_eCZ2I_kXUsfncGtUllLb32krMA8pJ1gTXjBDnFW72jsXUV_NcIHFcYVtBrBMOfKzHXRzMt_p8OKFATWDNhoxnX8b4W5n7M8QKKeLs0z7iZ6fphCRBE6sjfUA2y/s640/5-butterfly+&+bee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full flush of summer. Butterflies and bees on wildflowers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7p42tFW7X0PIm_ZMng85mVF1dQuOpDj_D3iAsvf_-L50ineRnIkUkL8GhsVFdMAuFfPltikFhyUFa0U0yONvvE27cuoQN41BEeJLr8wIFGfWpjG3rOnkO2XLwRAA_kDBHQaxhv2CXox5/s1600/2-DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7p42tFW7X0PIm_ZMng85mVF1dQuOpDj_D3iAsvf_-L50ineRnIkUkL8GhsVFdMAuFfPltikFhyUFa0U0yONvvE27cuoQN41BEeJLr8wIFGfWpjG3rOnkO2XLwRAA_kDBHQaxhv2CXox5/s640/2-DSC_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glorious saturated colours of the late fall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dusting of snow heralds a winter's morning.</td></tr>
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/">ABC Wednesday.</a> Please follow the link to more fun explorations of the letter 'C'.<br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-74147721695386130952013-01-17T22:16:00.000-08:002013-01-17T22:16:16.406-08:00Magic in the AirWhen I was little I believed in magic. I believed in guardian angels and I believed in miracles, too. By the time I was 8 or 9 the cynical world I lived in had knocked such enlivening thoughts out of me and for many years my life was quite flat. Not bad, just mundane and I was always vaguely resentful that magic had been explained away. It wasn't until I reached my middle years that I began to challenge those cynical voices from my past, and to cautiously entertain the possibility that magic and miracles were still around just waiting for me to believe in them again.<br />
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When I have my camera in my hand it seems the whole Universe endeavors to dance in front of my lens, like the fairies of my childhood, reminding me magic is still in the air. Now I find it easy to believe in magic and see evidence of it everywhere. Below are frozen patterns of ice on the windshield of my car. How magical is that?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAflE0kfYDTFzfSzHSZH4h3NI2roR5gMExFdy2V4yC-ZASHeLUEb2InLxID6ITFcH0vUK46IrQWI9G6_lIqHuqbSAd5u443p5UIqFNCso5-8HgTUDVt5Tm6n7gIHgJENjNfCgU1XBSbhV/s1600/1-frosty+windscreen-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAflE0kfYDTFzfSzHSZH4h3NI2roR5gMExFdy2V4yC-ZASHeLUEb2InLxID6ITFcH0vUK46IrQWI9G6_lIqHuqbSAd5u443p5UIqFNCso5-8HgTUDVt5Tm6n7gIHgJENjNfCgU1XBSbhV/s640/1-frosty+windscreen-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost patterns on my car window</td></tr>
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Linking to <a href="http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/">Friday My Town Shoot Out</a> who's theme this week is 'Frozen in Time'. Hop on over and check out the creative takes on this theme.<br />
<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-48236107152982816632013-01-05T14:24:00.002-08:002013-01-06T11:47:13.395-08:00Staying PresentIn days past I've often been quite reactive. Not necessarily in hurtful ways, at least not to others, but my tendency when things don't go my way is to get anxious and start projecting where this current irritation will lead. My projections never lead to a good outcome. Fortunately I am not a worrier by nature and I usually put a stop to this negative projecting fairly quickly before any harm is done.<br />
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I was driving down my little country road the other day, running barely on time for an appointment when my wheel began knocking ominously. I got out and walked around the car and couldn't find a problem. Perhaps it was because the world didn't end on 12-21-12, or maybe it was simply because the stresses of the Christmas and New Year were over, I was able to stay calm, hoping for the best. It was when I was at the gas station filling up that I noticed one tire was indeed three quarters flat. Once again I put my flappable self on the back burner and dealt only with the facts presented: i) the tire wasn't completely flat and therefore could be driven (carefully!) a short distance, ii) there is a tire shop within 50yards of the gas station. So far so good.<br />
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My next moment to get myself in a flap immediately presented itself - the tire was punctured through the sidewall and not repairable. I needed a new tire! The tire was only a few months old and I wasn't in the mood to buy yet another tire! Breathe... I took a moment to regroup then asked the mechanic to put on my spare. I loaded up the ruined tire, took it to the shop where I purchased it, where I was informed they have a road hazard warranty and my tire would be replaced with new one for the price of another road hazard warranty - $16 only!! <br />
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Here I will make a shameless plug for <a href="http://www.americastire.com/dtcs/home.do?s_kwcid=TC|5864|america%27s%20tire||S|p|11172832826&gclid=CK7H7Z-f0rQCFcaDQgodPC4AzA">America's Tire</a>. You guys rock.<br />
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At the end of the day I realized that even in the middle of the storm you never know just when, against all odds, a ray of sun is going to break through. For me it isn't easy to always be positive but neutral works very well, too, I just need to stay in the moment and keep my eyes open.<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/2012/12/30/the-next-challenge-one-tree/">http://sundaystills.wordpress.com</a> at the challenge this week is one tree and this just seems to fit. Click on the link to see more interpretations of one tree.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-43111087989674146772012-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:002012-09-28T11:53:48.926-07:00HomeI've been thinking a lot lately on what home actually means to me. My town? My country of birth? My family? Nostalgic memories of the past? My current address? Where my heart is (and just where might that be?) Yes, all of that, but more than that.<br />
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I remember studying a poem in school years go, maybe when I was 11 or 12 years old, or perhaps just 10. More accurately I remember just two lines of it:<br />
"home is the sailor home from the sea<br />
and the hunter home from the hill"<br />
Those lines struck a cord with me years ago, and still do. I googled them this morning and came up with two poets who included these lines in their poems. A.E Housman, an English Classical scholar born is 1859, wrote 'Home is the Sailor', and Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish poet, wrote 'Requiem'. I think it was the Stevenson version we studied, but its not really relevant.<br />
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I have traveled quite extensively and I'm not currently living in the country of my birth. Each time I step on 'foreign' land I quickly begin noticing plants, rocks, trees etc which I believed indigenous to my birth country existing comfortably thousands of ocean miles away. It was then I started realising that people are more similar than I'd imagined them to be also, and I could comfortably live is any one of these countries. The boundaries in my mind began breaking down.<br />
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Now I feel 'home' is more of a concept than a place. Home is where I find my nourishment, its more of a feeling than a place. <br />
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I am very happy to call this Earth my home.<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/">Friday My Town Shoot Out!</a> </div>
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Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-10401182266870038152012-06-29T20:35:00.002-07:002012-06-29T20:35:44.550-07:00It's Lavender Festival Time Again!How can one charming little festival bring me so much joy?<br />
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Simple
pleasures are not so easily appreciated these days, I find. We have
become way to complicated in our daily lives, and far too sophisticated
in our needs, wants and desires. The <a href="http://www.hsresort.com/">8th Annual Lavender Festival</a>, Highland Springs, California, addresses this phenomena in an amazingly satisfying way for me. There is nothing like wandering through rows of lavender shrubs, listening to classical music while sipping on an icy lavender lemonade to sooth my soul and ground my spirit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This snapshot speaks to me of what the Lavender Festival is about</td></tr>
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Lavender is such an interesting herb. The very fragrance is soothing calming and relaxing, and supposedly able to relieve exhaustion, irritability and tension headaches. With that in mind it really isn't surprising that the crowds flock to the two weekends a year of total lavender immersion. The body knows what it needs to heal even when the intellect is beyond distracted.<br />
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Deliciously creative meals are available for purchase from various vendors, and then I get to sit at a picnic table in front of a stage where performers offer classical music, country songs or Irish Dancing depending on the day, to be entertained while I eat this organically produced lunch.<br />
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On a hay ride with a history lesson is where I'll be while the lunch is digesting. Can't wait for tomorrow - heck, I'm already feeling like a little kid again!<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://mytownshootout.blogspot.com/">Friday My Town Shoot Out!!</a> The theme this week is a picture that tells a story. Please follow the link to see more great pictures.<br />
<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-70932447656763637842012-05-15T22:55:00.000-07:002012-05-15T22:55:31.659-07:00Rare Experiences and Rapid Repairs"Bringing to light what's right in the world" is the feeling that has inspired the creation of this blog.<br />
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Today those rays of light shone brightly in an unexpected area: Ultimate Motors in Yucca Valley! <br />
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I am new here, and my older car, while usually very reliable, began reminding me it needed some attention to the radiator. Knowing word of mouth is the best advertisement I canvased anyone I came across who's car, er, appeared to have long out lived it's manufacturer's warranty, and asked where they had it serviced. The same name kept coming up so when my Camry started running a little too hot I gave Ultimate Motors a call.<br />
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I now have a new radiator and I'm radiantly happy and, no, it's not because I have money to throw away. Nope, something a whole lot better. I had the rare luxury of a pleasant experience at an auto repair shop. Those boys diagnosed the problem, gave me a reasonable estimate, and then....drum roll, please ... fixed another problem I'd not noticed, completed the work more rapidly than they'd anticipated <i>and</i> came in under the estimate!!<br />
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Yes, there is always some good to be found in this world and if I can spread it I will. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkicsbGOrIe5KQrg6D3iMMtfbwRs8A_yI_uWgMbgVbghN4ZFGORkhy091fEt5Jmy0D_7r77_C_EB-vprEktINsUHgvwgB83FwmM5LZ_H5_gEsyrDS6OCpHCdzy8PmR7MRBOqSp2IOZTBVT/s1600/_DSC5225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkicsbGOrIe5KQrg6D3iMMtfbwRs8A_yI_uWgMbgVbghN4ZFGORkhy091fEt5Jmy0D_7r77_C_EB-vprEktINsUHgvwgB83FwmM5LZ_H5_gEsyrDS6OCpHCdzy8PmR7MRBOqSp2IOZTBVT/s640/_DSC5225.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roxy is relieved to have her ride back.</td></tr>
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/">ABC Wednesday.</a><br />
Follow the link to more R's.<br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-24813352727281512292012-05-13T12:33:00.001-07:002012-05-14T13:53:08.889-07:00The Desert: An Experience in PolaritiesFor every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.<br />
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Isaac Newton figured this out years ago, but I seem to need regular reminders. It is too easy for me to get bogged down by over thinking the details in life and forget that there's also the opposite - allow it to be easy.<br />
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While walking this morning I stood on quite an impressive cactus. Impressive in that it had the ability to go right through the sole of my shoe, bringing me down to earth abruptly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKi0qqqArrjrm1NxmsNq1Z66rtvhiEoiATFp02jd35_F15secwog1ve3ykya0bw6HIPt2Mkckb-iPdVShjP0_NVd36Xgau030Xntv5IH4XlL_e0INfwo5ObD4WdsiGNsJsS3GcaVpnMep/s1600/_DSC6118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKi0qqqArrjrm1NxmsNq1Z66rtvhiEoiATFp02jd35_F15secwog1ve3ykya0bw6HIPt2Mkckb-iPdVShjP0_NVd36Xgau030Xntv5IH4XlL_e0INfwo5ObD4WdsiGNsJsS3GcaVpnMep/s640/_DSC6118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this picture while precariously balanced on one foot.</td></tr>
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I could have used this less than pleasant experience to be hyper vigilant and keep my eyes down for the rest of my walk. It probably would have been quite a sensible thing to do, really, at least until I was through the worst of the cactus area. <br />
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However, had I been more than moderately cautious I would have missed this beauty about eight feet above my head.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A species of Columnar cactus.</td></tr>
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My question to myself this morning is whether I want play it safe or aim for the stars, or perhaps, find some safe middle ground? No, I'm not liking any of those options. Too limiting.<br />
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How about aiming for the stars and knowing every so often I may be brought to earth, but knowing I don't have to stay there? That feels better.<br />
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What would you do? How do you feel about these options?<br />
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Think is my first link to <a href="http://blueberrycraftandhobbytime.blogspot.com/"> Favourite Photo Monday</a>.<br />
Of course, my favourite photo of the week in the flower <b>not </b>the prickly footwear :)<br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-10356514016554871802012-05-09T23:05:00.001-07:002012-05-09T23:05:13.389-07:00Moving at the Speed of SpringSpring in the desert.<br />
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Amazing. Beautiful. Surprising. Rapid.<br />
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The cactus is the most surprising. For 364 days of the year it looks like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJRd0LvjcXetnza58HrGs5QiwH5d6lDk47Upa1VOEpXZfTn5wkwP5MdB-b3cq8PWTz72ybGE9vLOWUMA5Zuyt9bMPVc_wqSuxuA-_wQnE91RfqozGnN-7wNqzZyP9_X1D_ZB87eEXHjuw/s1600/Caro's+choice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJRd0LvjcXetnza58HrGs5QiwH5d6lDk47Upa1VOEpXZfTn5wkwP5MdB-b3cq8PWTz72ybGE9vLOWUMA5Zuyt9bMPVc_wqSuxuA-_wQnE91RfqozGnN-7wNqzZyP9_X1D_ZB87eEXHjuw/s640/Caro's+choice.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedgehog Cactus</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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A lovely species, but not particularly colorful or welcoming. It seems quite self contained, requiring very little from its environment, however, it is carefully awaiting the opportunity to spring to life for just one day......well, more accurately, each flower lasts for the duration of the day. Within in a day or two the cactus shuts down this beautiful, delicate magenta display for the year. Often longer than a year if the climactic conditions haven't proved to be ideal.<br />
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It really didn't take much for me to figure out what the World wanted me to notice this time: when the conditions are right move fast. Take advantage of the moment, don't hesitate and give it everything I've got. Life never seems to offer us just one opportunity, but it may be a while before the next one rolls around.<br />
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/2012/05/08/nature-notes-158out-with-the-cold-in-with-the-woo-e-marshall/">Rambling Wood's weekly Nature Notes</a><br />
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<br />Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-49385918953528996862012-03-18T14:24:00.001-07:002012-03-18T14:30:03.212-07:00Spring QuickeningIt's been a long and varied year for me and my inner fire had become more of an inner smolder, my vision clouded. I've been finding it hard to get back on my path again. Have you ever had a big ball of twine in your hands and not been able to find the end? That's what it has felt like.<br />
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Lots and lots of unexpected good things have come my way during this time, and I have so much gratitude, so I'm thinking I just needed some down time to refocus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId6zuDMTykJUdY1XwlaVABXZmWygQbrrTreM2-kCIrkK7N8sN4krbV9WgNprsvcm3g3VKqs7weIz68k2v4d7l4S_Hnh2NBrgLoI0u8uBo2H000id45kAQI67guijj3GNKryW06rTglkJ5/s1600/Morongo+boardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId6zuDMTykJUdY1XwlaVABXZmWygQbrrTreM2-kCIrkK7N8sN4krbV9WgNprsvcm3g3VKqs7weIz68k2v4d7l4S_Hnh2NBrgLoI0u8uBo2H000id45kAQI67guijj3GNKryW06rTglkJ5/s640/Morongo+boardwalk.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Trail, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><br />
I can now see, in the distance perhaps but definitely there, light at the end of the tunnel. I've found an end to my ever revolving ball of twine. Perhaps its the quickening that comes with the onset of spring, but I know, as always, when I have my camera in my hand I'm more plugged into nuances of the Universe. And now it's time for me to step out once again and see what messages the World has for me. I'm ready.<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://www.murrieta365.com/2012/03/straight-out-of-camera-sunday_17.html">Straight out of the Camera Sunday</a>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-46090591774348200132012-02-05T15:45:00.000-08:002012-02-05T18:12:14.483-08:00'Inviting' verses 'Capturing'I was sitting in the warm sun on my patio this morning with my coffee beside me. My camera was poised in my lap as I idly watched the wild birds engaging in their a.m rituals. Hoping one of them would come close enough to allow me to take a picture, I sat quite still. Quietly I began pondering why I have always been vaguely disturbed by using the word 'capture' when referring to getting that opportunistic shot. It's certainly not as if I'm harming anything, I would only be capturing a fleeting moment in time, and yet I prefer to think of it as 'inviting' the critter to 'allow' me to take the shot. Why was that?<br />
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A cactus wren moved in close and allowed me to take several pictures of it as it contemplated whether to chance grabbing stray crumbs from the dogs' bowls within 15 feet of my chair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0SFmIk3-cw9MPmitYMJHsdouiTGKsjA64bXgG2IjsIM4c9h4NAACQXRC0iDzDsoGGDaMPShEVV1wZCTdQDV1F5UiRQwYmfQ9zunQOqx7sDE5Pdts4lCV8fsK8p3RAL2Oo_MfC8FJO-uk/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0SFmIk3-cw9MPmitYMJHsdouiTGKsjA64bXgG2IjsIM4c9h4NAACQXRC0iDzDsoGGDaMPShEVV1wZCTdQDV1F5UiRQwYmfQ9zunQOqx7sDE5Pdts4lCV8fsK8p3RAL2Oo_MfC8FJO-uk/s400/DSC_0021.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJLaZ9MUgDBXn8kLFvDRtjOV4zz0PYKEbYCuFvyVEf1E120chOFhyphenhyphenTbDbRcjBi3u8Qkg1wNTQIS2mVhkCUjTIEbU3eA8DcBPRruKNqlQwxOwYaXdppd1pk68uNnTIyULaOTfUMmxC0Z5Q/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJLaZ9MUgDBXn8kLFvDRtjOV4zz0PYKEbYCuFvyVEf1E120chOFhyphenhyphenTbDbRcjBi3u8Qkg1wNTQIS2mVhkCUjTIEbU3eA8DcBPRruKNqlQwxOwYaXdppd1pk68uNnTIyULaOTfUMmxC0Z5Q/s400/DSC_0007.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJLaZ9MUgDBXn8kLFvDRtjOV4zz0PYKEbYCuFvyVEf1E120chOFhyphenhyphenTbDbRcjBi3u8Qkg1wNTQIS2mVhkCUjTIEbU3eA8DcBPRruKNqlQwxOwYaXdppd1pk68uNnTIyULaOTfUMmxC0Z5Q/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>As I watched the wren came to the decision that breakfast was a viable option. <br />
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We both got it!!<br />
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The wren got food and I got understanding. For me, before a capture there must be a chase or a hunt. That energy of competition doesn't sit well with me and I'm sure, because of this, the animals and birds I'm trying to 'capture' will also pick up on that energy and move away. Oh sure, I set an intention to come home with some pleasing shots, and then I just let go of expectations and invite subject matter to materialize. I'm usually not disappointed.<br />
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This is exactly the message the World had for me today, confirmed by these bonus shots I was offered just as I got up to move inside:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-0A3R7QRNApyYwsQTitLtSagyXzLZXYYEJEIZbDv9b4xysoDjOK3wrkdrbKZKcRHnlSlAxcVQYO_HpyvHSldZPh23taHo9IM7RGx6wFEnHRBwowSgNAckuiVPk1BBnyXsZ5cndm1_jp_/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-0A3R7QRNApyYwsQTitLtSagyXzLZXYYEJEIZbDv9b4xysoDjOK3wrkdrbKZKcRHnlSlAxcVQYO_HpyvHSldZPh23taHo9IM7RGx6wFEnHRBwowSgNAckuiVPk1BBnyXsZ5cndm1_jp_/s400/DSC_0032.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhiMz559vYTPnMSDnXU0bdMA1s3qLgK10dRbm4fSd22bcc8kH5k33jDvIs1fKovHD89gAnWug6OG3QPE4YrfXeZnZHq7M3PqXGmMFBLmOWkRfCsEBjEOMi8Yz9oxo1qCwuDMRpj-gNvzF/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhiMz559vYTPnMSDnXU0bdMA1s3qLgK10dRbm4fSd22bcc8kH5k33jDvIs1fKovHD89gAnWug6OG3QPE4YrfXeZnZHq7M3PqXGmMFBLmOWkRfCsEBjEOMi8Yz9oxo1qCwuDMRpj-gNvzF/s400/DSC_0028.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
That little wren felt safe enough to invite it's partner close to that annoying clicking camera. I've never had the opportunity get a photo of the pair of them before. I am honoured.<br />
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Linked to <a href="http://www.murrieta365.com/">SOOC Sunday</a>, for Straight Out of the Camera Sunday. All pictures have been cropped slightly and the two bottom ones sharpened slightly.<br />
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Linked to <a href="http://camera-critters.blogspot.in/2012/02/camera-critters-200.html">Camera Critters</a>. <br />
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Please click on the links above to see more entries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0SFmIk3-cw9MPmitYMJHsdouiTGKsjA64bXgG2IjsIM4c9h4NAACQXRC0iDzDsoGGDaMPShEVV1wZCTdQDV1F5UiRQwYmfQ9zunQOqx7sDE5Pdts4lCV8fsK8p3RAL2Oo_MfC8FJO-uk/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-72300347402334672052012-01-24T11:18:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:38:02.646-08:00Switching Trees<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: orange;">"it's an ill wind that blows nobody good"</span></span></span></span></div></blockquote><br />
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I've always prided myself on having loyalty and integrity. It seems lately, though, I've really had to reconsider exactly what loyalty means to me. <br />
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Being loyal to my family, my friends and my place of employment are codes of conduct I've embraced all my life. Lately it has been dawning on my that perhaps I've been leaving out a very important part of the equation: Loyalty to myself, my own inner promptings.<br />
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As I've been mulling over a situation in my life of late I have really made me aware of the contradictions in my belief system. I was being challenged whether I was going to go with the conditioning of the tribe or the urgings of my heart - loyalty to the tribe or try something different.<br />
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Quite appropriately we've had a huge windstorm here a couple of days ago and it seemed my inner turmoil was matched only by the outer turmoil, and when the wind finally settled the answer came, as it usually does, from the World, through my Lens.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj0XzDF5A5lobeADoTzmK3JNrDSme9Fmw_ZRFfQBOL7cDC30P-iZpVoZBsiFyZLShJY6WxyzLrSB0F7ZRPSx9vG8PsKNGvrHXE8KZzInd7rqadcMG7uJMAVa_xhhtYn7uXZOvi04A1Fyg/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj0XzDF5A5lobeADoTzmK3JNrDSme9Fmw_ZRFfQBOL7cDC30P-iZpVoZBsiFyZLShJY6WxyzLrSB0F7ZRPSx9vG8PsKNGvrHXE8KZzInd7rqadcMG7uJMAVa_xhhtYn7uXZOvi04A1Fyg/s640/IMG_0101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8SiRl-NtAZIR3CqP4zpddGl8-Gc2NHw2OE9MmwMKM6tPokN1CBm-f4VnV7N0Ytm3Y8b6rKgZ0SK0WxK1PINEGy7zi9GqprTxJtTAVDbMJgGXZlw1heUGo9a6GuF6RZvj8hA8sbaGW3Nh/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8SiRl-NtAZIR3CqP4zpddGl8-Gc2NHw2OE9MmwMKM6tPokN1CBm-f4VnV7N0Ytm3Y8b6rKgZ0SK0WxK1PINEGy7zi9GqprTxJtTAVDbMJgGXZlw1heUGo9a6GuF6RZvj8hA8sbaGW3Nh/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" width="179" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQJXn3Hwx0N8sx80hL7J5fMjVC8jcw-d1CoYO4KSIhymQBsRNEWxSweuhk59Z_XztB9edWk9L0ws3-c2jmVX6Q4NaRoka6B6ALp3XHUbYre61DZxGluV7Keew_x68mf4NHGBesCRyCzqa/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQJXn3Hwx0N8sx80hL7J5fMjVC8jcw-d1CoYO4KSIhymQBsRNEWxSweuhk59Z_XztB9edWk9L0ws3-c2jmVX6Q4NaRoka6B6ALp3XHUbYre61DZxGluV7Keew_x68mf4NHGBesCRyCzqa/s320/IMG_0103.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Palm Springs Library taking a hit.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I drove around the neighbourhood, being re-routed on several occasions, noticing all those beautiful trees that had been blown down by the 70mph winds. Strong, robust, seemingly invincible eucalyptus, the aromatic pines and the luxurious English evergreens laying on their sides a-waiting the chainsaws. The tall slender palms, however, had swayed their way through the worst of the winds and were still standing. <br />
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There was my answer. I can stand strong and rigid in the face of adversity, like I've always done, and risk getting face planted like those trees, or try something different. How about I stay grounded and be flexible to the breezes of life just like those palms?<br />
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/2012/01/abc-is-evolving-phenomenon-and-we-like.html">ABC Wednesday</a> - 'B' is for Blow, Breeze, Beautiful<br />
<a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/2012/01/25/nature-notes-143ufos-learn-a-new-trick-ice-circles/#comment-26360"> Nature Notes </a>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3604467812460733067.post-4872438430248180362012-01-17T15:10:00.000-08:002012-01-18T09:09:15.889-08:00Angel on the MountainOn the west end of California's Coachella Valley, gracing the steep slopes of Mount San Jacinto above Palm Springs, is the unique rock formation known as the Angel on the Mountain. It is visible, when you know where to look, of course, from a great distance and adds credence to the belief of many that the Coachella Valley is a sacred and spiritual area.<br />
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Even the name, Coachella, has some spiritual history behind it. Some believe the word is derived from the Spanish word,<i> caracola</i>, meaning conch shell. After all, many years ago the valley was at the bottom of the Salton Sea and as the water receded conch shells were exposed. Others believe the word predates the Spanish Explorers and is, in fact, an Indian word meaning <i>hand of God</i>.<br />
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No-one knows who first noticed the Angel, though I imagine the original inhabitants, the Cahuilla Indians, were aware of it, and the Spanish Explorers also. At the turn of the twentieth century white settlers to the area were building their dwellings facing the Angel. Perhaps for good reason as the Coachella Valley is also well known for have the infamous San Andreas Fault-line running the length of the valley. Now that is a story for another day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDhf_7Z8Eyy4I_tMLVYfr9JiwXDY5hmfdijyQwbZvm_LabygP4WKd2EeQFVoFjBBSqJ2m_as2K_rGAVYNsEN-opy_f3WNSM7sGr2c7TiX5ML_NNffSVrP51DMopo4v1CNp2U8Um3sPI68/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDhf_7Z8Eyy4I_tMLVYfr9JiwXDY5hmfdijyQwbZvm_LabygP4WKd2EeQFVoFjBBSqJ2m_as2K_rGAVYNsEN-opy_f3WNSM7sGr2c7TiX5ML_NNffSVrP51DMopo4v1CNp2U8Um3sPI68/s640/IMG_0048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stone formation of the angel with it's wings spread out it directly above the word 'Angel'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've added a closer up view. Unfortunately the pictures aren't of the quality I'd like as the mountain is huge and my lens only moderate, so I've had to crop quite aggressively to be able to see the figure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM8SfoSPS1WZpLZLiOTOmKR0p7gytfZHNhP4Ouu4ne_je0T0NObU_mEG-ByCMkDXjYCFfhr59XsFv5eCB8f1zXLJ10pitAhV_a2s1RFwWJ_go7AfNYs_OSWBrfCY0Ca_2fPhbGYikr54O/s640/IMG_0051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="536" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The figure is to the left of the word this time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM8SfoSPS1WZpLZLiOTOmKR0p7gytfZHNhP4Ouu4ne_je0T0NObU_mEG-ByCMkDXjYCFfhr59XsFv5eCB8f1zXLJ10pitAhV_a2s1RFwWJ_go7AfNYs_OSWBrfCY0Ca_2fPhbGYikr54O/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a></div><br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/2012/01/abc-round-10.html">ABC Wednesday.</a> Please click on the link to see more interesting ABC's.<br />
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And <a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/2012/01/18/nature-notes-142happy-5th-birthday-to-rambling-woods/">Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.</a> Happy blog birthday, Michelle! Keep on blogging, I love what you have to say.Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676889985529767445noreply@blogger.com14