from the World Lens...

'Inviting' verses 'Capturing'

2012-02-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

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?

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.

As I watched the wren came to the decision that breakfast was a viable option.

We both got it!!

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.

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:

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.

Linked to SOOC Sunday, for Straight Out of the Camera Sunday. All pictures have been cropped slightly and the two bottom ones sharpened slightly.

Linked to Camera Critters.

Please click on the links above to see more entries.

Switching Trees

2012-01-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

"it's an ill wind that blows nobody good"

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.

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.

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.

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.


Palm Springs Library taking a hit.

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.

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?

Linking to:
ABC Wednesday - 'B' is for Blow, Breeze, Beautiful
Nature Notes

Angel on the Mountain

2012-01-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

On 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.

Even the name, Coachella, has some spiritual history behind it. Some believe the word is derived from the Spanish word, caracola, 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 hand of God.

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.

The stone formation of the angel with it's wings spread out it directly above the word 'Angel'.

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.

The figure is to the left of the word this time.

I'm linking this to ABC Wednesday. Please click on the link to see more interesting ABC's.

And Nature Notes at Rambling Woods. Happy blog birthday, Michelle! Keep on blogging, I love what you have to say.

Enter 2012

2012-01-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

A beautiful orange sunrise confidently announced the arrival of the new year. A rich, saturated orange - the orange of the sacral chakra, the chakra of creativity, of joy, of enthusiasm.

And yet, at every moment we are free to choose creativity, joy and enthusiasm. We don't have to wait for the new year to restructure our lives. Our power to create the life we choose is always in the present moment. This moment! Right now!

This glorious sunrise was another reminder to me from the World, through my Lens, that I have all the tools I need to create the life I want one moment at a time for I am part of the Divine Creator.

And so are you.

Gratitude in Little Ways

2011-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

I recently saw this quote on a placard in a gift store and it has really stuck with me:

"What if you woke up in the morning and only had what you were grateful for yesterday"

That got me thinking in depth for a long time. A lot of the most influential teachers of our time having been hammering the gratitude concept for a long time now. Louise Hay and Oprah are two household names who really believe in being grateful for even the smallest things, and the quote above reminded me how deep gratitude can go. I have so much to be grateful for even when the World around seems to be dancing a different dance to what I am used to.

Most of my pondering happens when I'm out hiking with my dogs and camera. It seems the World can speak to me through my Lens easier this way, the left brain steps back to let the right brain take over for a while.

How ordinary and often overlooked is this little sparrow? They are all over the world and they are survivors. They don't have the pretty plumage of most other species and therefore really don't stand out in a crowd, unless they are in a crowd of their own dominating the bird feeders. Then they are noticed with irritation for hogging all the feed and not allowing the 'prettier' birds a chance to eat.

White-crowned Sparrow

This little fellow posed for me in a Juniper bush and allowed to take two or three nice pictures before it departed. What's more Sparrow was so close that I was almost too close to get a clear shot! After reading my quote and pondering it, I thought maybe my just-a-cute-little-sparrow may appreciate my giving it some importance: officially this is White-crowned Sparrow (juvenile).
At least this is the title us humans have bestowed upon it.

So, little one, thank you for so graciously posing for me and making my day!

I'm linking this to ABC WEDNESDAY. This week we're up to "W". Follow the link to more ABC's.

I'm also linking this to Michelle's Nature Notes at the Rambling Woods blog.

"Majoring in the Minors"

2011-11-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

I only had a moment to swing up my camera and get one shot of my dog standing on point overlooking the terrain below. The lighting was perfect, he was back lit by the setting sun, and he was still only for a second.

I snapped the shutter!

And my satisfaction immediately crumbled to dismay . . . . . I realized I hadn't adjusted my camera back from the spot metering mode I had been using in a tricky lighting situation a few moments earlier. With my first glance in the back of the camera I understood that I had completely overexposed my one chance at the shot. If I'd taken the time to check my settings first I'd have missed the shot altogether.

But, as usual, there was an insight to be gained. When I saw the picture on the computer screen it was obvious that indeed the background highlights were blown out, but the dog himself was quite acceptably exposed. It occurred to me that this is a great metaphor for moving forward in my life: I can keep my focus on my goal, act fast, not get sidetracked by details, and ultimately I may find those details, which seemed so necessary, will simply fade into the background.

I read some time ago many of us waste our lives by "majoring in the minors". Today I learned in a small way that bypassing the minors isn't a bad thing at all.

Good Deeds and Gourmet Hot Chocolate

2011-11-15T14:40:00.001-08:00

I was at my favorite cafe the other day catching up on an early morning coffee and bagel before moving on with my day. As usual, it was quite quiet at that hour with only a few leisurely diners, so I had time to observe the interaction between one of the servers and a regular patron.

As the server was returning to the kitchen he beckoned her over and began telling her what a great job she was doing, and that every time he had been into the restaurant her service had been thoughtful and attentive. He wanted to aknowledge her in some way. This was genuine sounding, not a 'hit-on'. The server told him he could call the number on the bottom of the receipt and make any comment he wanted.

I was smiling as I left the restaurant. The man was holding the receipt in one hand and had his cell phone to his ear with the other as I walked out the door. That server will now have a permanent positive comment on her work record. It really doesn't take very much to make a difference in someone's life, but it doesn't stop there. The patron was happy, as was the server, her manager, me and anyone else we came into contact with. You see, everyone benefits of our good feelings. We can't possibly know what good a single, seemingly insignificant act can do. Now that's better than a gourmet hot chocolate!

A Small Adjustment Makes All the Difference

2011-11-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted here and it's not because the World has finished with me, and it's not because my lens has been quietly packed away in a box somewhere. My life seems to have been on fast forward all year and I've finally slowed down enough to breathe and to notice. Notice the subtle messages from the universe around me.

Once again I'm adjusting to a new home, my sixth home this year and I'm trusting it will be my last for a while. This is a beautiful home with lots of wild desert landscaping all around and plenty of hiking trails for me and my dogs. The one drawback of this paradise is that there is also a lot of cactus, which has been playing havoc with the dogs' paws. It was getting to the point that our walks were becoming quite restricted and our enthusiasm was waning. One of the dogs in particular was having a hard time. The brave little fellow is blind so avoiding the stickers was even more of a challenge for the both of us. He got to the point he was shuffling along with his nose to the ground like an old man.

I remembered I had bought him some boots a few years ago and, miraculously, was able to find them again. What a difference!! This afternoon he flew down the trail with a spring in his step and all the confidence in the world. Success.

Isn't it interesting how, even when I know I'm on the right track with this latest move, life still seemed to be a bit of a struggle, but with just a little lateral thinking and a small adjustment I can make a huge leap forward. That is what the message the World presented me thru my Lens today. I'm sure there are a few more minor re-directions I can make to other areas of my life, too.

One happy dog.

Fuzzy has always been my ATV dog. A go anywhere kinda guy.

These boots were made for walking,

And that's just what I've done.

Now I'm gonna take a nap

Right here in the sun!

Special thanks to Ruffwear for these great quality dog boots. I'm linking this to the Theme Thursday blog. The theme this week is gadgets and I think these boots qualify.

High Vibrating Ripples

2011-09-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog in January of 2010 it was my intention to draw attention to all that is right in this world. More than ever before I'm hearing of an earthquake here, a volcanic eruption there, flooding somewhere else, political chaos and so on, until I was beginning to wonder if my little voice was making any difference at all.

I do know that it does.

Like ripples in a pond, each uplifting thought or deed radiates higher vibrations far out into the energy field of this planet doing unknowable good. It really doesn't take much effort to notice something nice or light-hearted, and very little more to do something for another. When I do what to me seems a fairly insignificant deed the high vibrating ripples I send out can prove to be a foil against the unrest all around me. I will feel good, the recipient will feel better and the wave of elevated mood continues.

Have you ever noticed how good you feel when someone unexpectedly does something for you without asking a thing in return? I love that feeling. I know the more I do that for others the more that will happen to me. I can't change the world but I can change my world.

Update 2011-09-03: Immediately after posting this yesterday I grabbed my dogs and took them out for a walk and as luck would have it I hadn't got far when one of them started hobbling badly. I noticed a large piece of cholla cactus attached to her heel. Those are the worst cactus to get caught up in as they are a round spiky barbed ball therefore very difficult to remove by hand. As I was attending the dog (and getting myself speared) I heard a voice asking if I needed some tweezers. A woman was trimming her hedge on the far side of the what seemed like a solid 8 feet tall wall of fiscus completely out of sight to me, and yet there she was offering assistance! Not only did she produce a solid business like pair of tweezers out of thin air, she also asked that I bring the piece of cactus to her for proper disposal ensuring no one else got injured. Now this is what I mean by a mood enhancing event.

*note to self: always carry your swiss army knife on walks and/or an old fashioned hair comb to slide between the skin and the cactus to lift it out.

No Limit Women!

2011-08-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

I think it's absolutely wonderful that so many people are no longer buying into a life of limitation. Great thinkers for hundreds of years have encouraged us conceive, believe and achieve. That we are the generals of our own lives, and many of us are finally getting it. It doesn't have to be anything grand like inventing a computer, or a motor that doesn't use fossil fuels. No, it's the little freedoms that we are claiming as our own that are making differences in our health, well being and attitude to life.

Yesterday the World inspired me with what it had to show me. I was sitting relaxing under a beautiful old oak tree in a wildlife preserve area and off in the distance I saw a group of riders coming my way. Their horses were moving towards me at quite a determined clip and they had my total attention.

I used to ride back in the day, and it was the most exhilarating feeling to have the wind flying through my hair as the hooves pounded beneath me. The creak of the saddle leather, the smell of those sweaty shoulders in front of me, those delicate ears constantly swinging back to check on me then flipping forward to watch the terrain flying up to meet us, the mighty burst of power when I recklessly asked for more speed....aahh....that was living! I was a teenager back then and absolutely fearless on a horse as most teenagers are.

As these riders swung out from the oak grove and into the parking lot beside me I saw they were all women. The first couple dismounted and allowed their horses to drink in the watering tank and the others lined up in couples behind them, patiently waiting their turn. As they swung off their sweaty steeds it became apparent that most of these ladies weren't teenagers. In fact, several of these bold riders probably were grandparents to teenagers. They looked very stiff, quite sore, and yet I didn't not hear any complaints. Their faces were beaming with pride and they petted and loved on their gentle partners, pulled the saddles off and fed them treats.

These women had no such limiting belief that they were too old, too heavy or too infirm to ride. No way! These gals were out for a good time. What an inspiration they were.

"Was it as good for you as it was for me?"

Heading home for a hot shower.

The Law of Least Effort

2011-08-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

It's been quite the year of not-so-much-fun events for me this year.

I've had plenty of opportunities to grow as each new challenge dropped unexpectedly into my lap from seemingly a great height, bringing with it a new set of situations I have to find a way of dealing with. I know that I'm not the only one and I truly feel for those whose situations seem to be an unrelenting grind of exaggerated proportions.

It seems to me, though, that when I can take time to quieten myself down after each broadside the World does offer a teaching, or simply just an alternative way of looking at the situation. Yesterday, after the latest upheaval, I was sitting quietly re-reading that classic book of Dr Deepak Chopra's "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" looking for some inspiration. As I was reading the Law of Least Effort I noticed some movement in the bushes outside my window. Some little rodent was in the bush. I'd seen glimpses of it before but as soon as it felt my eyes on it it instantly disappeared. It occurred to me that I would borrow Deepak's law and see if I could get a picture of the little rodent, after all I don't believe in coincidences; that creature was in the bush in front of me for a reason. I quietly and easily, without any exaggerated effort, got out of my chair, collected my camera, sat back down and looked through my Lens. The little fella was still there and it made it quite clear that it was watching me as I was watching it, and it was not in any mood to leave until it was good and ready!

So what was different about my energy that invited the animal to share the space this time and not on other occasions? The only difference that comes to mind is that this time I was going to take a picture of it. On other days it was oh my gosh! Look at that! Where's my camera?... oh, never mind - it's gone already.

This was the teaching the World had for me this time. As the famous Yoda said, there is no try. There is only do or not do, and when I release all the drama and angst from any situation the way becomes clear, although not always easy. The Law of Least Effort in action.

I'm not quite sure what animal this is so I'm linking this to the Nature Notes at Rambling Woods as I'm sure Michelle or someone else will identify it for me.

“It is Never too Little ….

2011-07-27T16:47:00.001-07:00

even when the task seems absolutely daunting”.

That is the message the World presented to me though my Lens today.
The beautiful patch of desert that is now my home is quite close to a town, and unfortunately illegal dumping of trash seems to be the name of the game. Vast acres of once pristine desert has been liberally dredged with trash. Very disheartening, I thought.

The World, however, had a different take on it. This morning as I was walking earlier than usual I came across my neighbors diligently bagging up trash. When I commented on it they told me that every day when walking they gathered up stray trash and placed debris in piles along the trail, then on trash pick-up morning they hauled their piles out to a pick up point.
Now there are three of us gathering trash each day.

the beginning of another trash cache

One of the trails requiring attention.

I am linking this to http://ramblingwoods.com as my Nature Notes for the week.

It's a Wide World Out There

2011-07-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

My blogging has been by the wayside for a while now. Its just a fledgling little blog and my life got a little complicated, so it just didn't seem to matter.

Or did it?

The World had an interesting message for me this week: my life isn't just all about me! Yes, I laugh when I hear this phrase, however, we are all connected in ways that really are unfathomable from our simple 3-D perspective. The truth is I cannot ever know just how my actions are going to affect others, no matter where they are, so it really does pay to be mindful.

My little blog with it's 15 followers is reaching people of the far side of the world who I didn't even know used computers, and the message the World had for me was meaningful to them, too.

This one is for you, Jen, and thank you so much for visiting here.

Moving, Moving, Moving

2011-06-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a year for me and I'm not yet half way through it. Oh, my!

Once again I'm settling into a new home. There has been plenty of opportunity for me to go down "Freak Out Lane" as this is my forth home since January. Plans are made, then they disintegrate before my eyes; what seems solid proves to be an illusion, so walking the path of faith and gratitude seems to be what I'm required to do, at least for the moment.

As always, the World is communicating with me through my Lens - when I take time to notice, of course! It's been very interesting as I haven't had a regular internet connection, and so without the distraction that goes with internet surfing, I'm finding myself being grounded and in the present moment. Paying attention to the moment and being grateful to friends, family and circumstances in my life.

Sundown in the desert.

Mesquite flowers

Chilling in the park

Chilling in the stream

Right now, the only 'now' I have, the World shows me all is well in my world.

National Public Gardens Day 2011

2011-05-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

I'm constantly finding what I choose to dwell on is being manifested for me very quickly these days, sometimes to my dismay and other times to my delight. When I connect the dots from my thought to its manifestation it becomes apparent cleaning up my thoughts is good idea.

This is exactly why the World Lens is all about finding what's right in the world and highlighting it.

Today I stumbled across a little known event happening tomorrow. It is the 3rd Annual National Public Gardens Day. This day was organized by the American Public Gardens Association and Rain Bird to promote the importance of public gardens in the community. They would like to promote and educate the public on environmental stewardship, seasonal considerations, geographic considerations and, of course, plant and water conservation.

This year the NPGD has teamed up with Better Homes and Gardens who are offering a free admission coupon to a participating garden in your area. You can click the link above to download your coupon.

Any attempt to promote awareness and care of this beautiful planet is enthusiastically encouraged by me so no prizes for guessing where I'll be tomorrow morning with my camera......

I'm linking this to the Nature Notes blog

The Tenacity of a Mesquite - Nature Notes 20110420

2011-04-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Mesquite on Sunrise Street, Palm Springs

Sometimes circumstances throw curve balls at us. Who hasn't had one of those? Some may even consider we are currently all facing a global curve ball.

For me every day brings something different, not always bad, often it's good, but it all requires assimilating. It seems as though I am being tested on a whole lot of levels: am I going to trust that I am safe and that everything will work out for my best and highest good, and the highest good of those around me, or will I succumb to that overwhelming fear many are facing. It's not easy trying to anticipate what's happening next and how I'm going to deal with it - whatever 'it' is. As I was pondering the quirks of fate and the unknowingness of it all the vision of an ancient Mesquite tree I'd seen recently popped into my mind.

Look at this old girl! She's been broken, she's been twisted, she's been hacked with a chainsaw, and she's even been down, but still she prevails. The tortured limbs are still able to send up fresh green shoots. This old mesquite has been through more than I'll ever know but she's not succumbing to her 'story'. Once again the World brought me back into balance through my Lens. I trust I will never have to go through what this old tree has been through. No, I'll just keep sending up new shoots and not look back.

Nature Notes for this week.

Nature's Simplicity

2011-04-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm always drawn to shapes and patterns when I'm out with my camera. I love the light, too, of course, what photographer doesn't, but naturally occurring patterns fascinate me. With effortless grace Nature creates the simplest designs to most intricate with artistic flair. When something goes "wrong", like this wildflower below with it's damaged stem, Nature just incorporates into her new design. No fuss, no bother, just move forward.

What an insight the World had for me through my Lens this weekend!

Linked to Macro Monday. Click the link to see some other wonderful entries.

Hemet Stone Maze

2011-03-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

One of the first things I noticed when I moved into this area a couple of months ago was an historical marker pointing up a side road declaring that the Hemet Maze Stone was this way. I had no idea what a maze stone was and my sense of curiosity was burning, so I donned a hat and hiking boots and went exploring.

I found out the Hemet Maze Stone is quite literally exactly as it says: a maze etched into a boulder face i.e a petroglyph. Rock Art. There was a bronze plaque placed in front with a scanty bit of information about it, which I later found out to be at least partially incorrect. Even more interesting to me was that my archaeologist acquaintance who is well known expert in Rock Art, really couldn't tell me much about the stone, either.

In a nutshell, thousands of years ago, a purposeful and gifted stone mason from who knows where, spent a long time carving an intricate maze into a large rock for a purpose which has escaped our 'modern day' comprehension.

I love a good mystery!

I would love to meet the artist. I admire the single minded devotion to finishing the intricate design that is still waiting to be interpreted 3 - 4 thousand years later. But perhaps that's what the World is reminding to me through my Lens: that there really is no mystery - hard work, focus, and attention to detail will still produce quality work just as it did several thousand years ago.

Macro Monday 3-28-2011

The Weeds that Feed & Heal

2011-03-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

At the end of my street there is a large area of vacant land which, rumour has it, will eventually turn into strip mall. In the meantime I walk there daily watching nature run rampant. As the weeds grew taller and reached for the sky with their cheery yellow blossoms I began to dread what may happen as surely the vegetation would begin dying off after seeding, and create a fire hazard.

I had ominous visions of heavy trucks laden down with spray, attacking those lively plants....

And so each day as I walked the World began to speak to me through my lens. It began to occur to me that 'weed' is a pretty general term for all the growth in the field, so I explored a little closer. I am by no means any sort of plant specialist but with a background in agriculture and internet access it didn't take me long to identify some of these 'weeds'.

Common Mallow, Foxtail Barley & Bronze Button

In this bunch (above) there is Common Mallow and Foxtail Barley. Common Mallow leaves are edible when picked young and can be cooked like spinach. It is apparently high in iron and calcium. It has also been used in the past for it's medicinal properties as relief for chest colds, sore throats and skin conditions.

Foxtail Barley is definitely not a popular weed to have around as the seeds can penetrate the skin, eyes and paws of animals, however it is the original barley from which the popular grain originated. It is still edible as a grain although it isn't easy to harvest it, and it's dried root can be moistened and used as a compress for puffy eyes and styes in eyes.

Another couple I was able to identify were the Wild Mustard below on the left and Filaree aka Storksbill on the right. Wild Mustard is another that doesn't have much of a fan base but it also has it's uses. It's seeds can be used as a spice, it's leaves have cancer fighting properties when eaten as a vegetable (blanch in hot water first to remove some to the bitterness!), and it's flowers are used to produce the Bach Flower Remedy, Mustard. This remedy is used to treat depression. Good ol' mustard! As for Filaree, it's young, tender leaves can be added to salads, and as a medicine it has been linked to relieving rheumatism, gout and excessive bleeding after childbirth.


Wild Mustard

Filaree aka Storksbill

One of my favorite weeds is the pretty little Bronze Button, aka Pineapple Weed. It has delicate lacy leaves which emit a strong fragrance when crushed, supposedly of pineapple. That seems a slight exaggeration to me but it definitely has a pleasant spicy sort of odor.

Bronze Button aka Pineapple Weed

This pretty little plant has flowers which may be eaten raw or dried and turned into a tea. It can also help repel insects from the garden, too, quite a beneficial trait to have.

Daily I walked through my healing weeds wondering what was to become of them until one morning a large portion of the field was encased by an electric fence. Interesting. Nothing more happened for several days then the sheep arrived - nature's Roundup. Over the next week or so the field was eaten down section by section, and before those healthy critters had finished the field the first part was already enthusiastically growing back, just as nature intended it should.

For other nature inspired blogs please visit Nature Notes at the Rambling Woods blog.

Dog Rescue

2011-03-21T00:55:00.000-07:00

I was out driving the country roads over the weekend and came across a truck stopped on the side of the road with the driver and one other attempting to lure a little dog close enough for them to catch it. As I pulled up another car stopped and it's driver came to the aid of the first couple. The first driver produced some scraps of food left over from his lunch and the second conjured a dog leash from somewhere. Other cars came slowly by and were quick to offer to help also, but it wasn't necessary as fairly quickly the little stray was cinched up in the leash and was in the arms of caring rescuers.

It was interesting to observe the interaction between the rescuers once the dog was secured. They all wanted to give the dog a home!! Eventually the mutt of mixed fortunes went home with the family with the food, and everyone who had come together for the common good of a helpless dog dispersed to follow their own agendas once more.

It encourages me to know that while most people are under more pressure than perhaps any time in recent history, they can still set aside their concerns long enough to step out to help a needy creature and then want continue it's ongoing care.

I have to wonder who's rescuing who here?

Soaring Hawks, Diving Crows

2011-03-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

As I was taking a long pleasant stroll in nature today with just my dogs for company I gradually became aware of the screeching, cackling and squawking of a large group of crows high over head. It must be nesting season as I've seen the crows being noisy and rambunctious quite often of late. With nothing else on my agenda I took a seat on a comfortable rock and sat back to enjoy the fray.

They were very high so it wasn't easy to make out what the fuss was about but their agility in the air was impressive to watch. The birds got lower and closer to me and I continued to watch them, this time through my lens. With the increased magnification I could see one of the birds was much bigger than the others and they all seemed to be picking on it. A huge hawk had entered the crows fly zone and they were not impressed. I watched and clicked some shots as they ganged up on hawk until finally he flew high into the sky to an altitude that seemed to placate the crows.

As the hawk flew higher and further away the crows didn't seem to settle down at all. They all went into a aerobatic routine. Diving and soaring, twisting and swooping, it was as though they were doing their own version of a victory dance. They'd driven the intruder off and they congratulating themselves.

I had to wonder though, who was the victor? The crows who furiously defended their air space with incredible feats of swooping and diving, but never actually making contact with the hawk, until he'd had enough? Or the hawk? That big beautiful solo bird who had simply elevated himself above the squawking bunch, to enjoy the infinite blue skies above?

Perhaps everyone got what they desired today. The crows have their family, the hawk has his solitude and I got a reminder - I can be a crow or I can be a hawk but trying to be both will only bring conflict.

Wading Through Weeds

2011-03-08T00:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted here and it isn't because the World hasn't had a few things for me to look at. In fact, quite the contrary. Every which way I look lately there has been something new for me to assimilate - or choke on. It seems I've gotten myself lost, and although the World's Lens is clear and sharp, my eye is foggy and confused.

I finally had to laugh at myself the other day when I was walking the dogs through a vibrant field of weeds down the end of my street. The weeds were taller than the dog in a lot of areas and there was just no way he could see where he was going. It dawned on me that this was exactly the situation I was in!

I thought I would allow him to lead and see what he'd do. That bold little fellow just picked a direction and kept moving. Oh, he stopped and sniffed the air a few times, but then just ploughed on through the growth until we reached the edge of the field where the way then became easy, of course.

What I found even more enlightening was noticing what he didn't do. He didn't stop. He didn't sit on his rear and wait for me to take over, and he certainly didn't panic, either. He just put his head down and waded his way through those weeds until he was out in open.

I think it is time I tore a page from Fuzzy's book. It is time to put my head down and keep moving through the obstacles until I can see where I'm going again.

Listening to the Heart Beat of the Earth

2010-12-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

This morning was purely magical. One of these warm, quiet mornings that soothed my soul.

The peace and tranquility took a while to seep in, though, and, ironically, it was the rapid tap-tap-tapping of a visiting Woodpecker that finally did it. I quietly put down my gardening tools, found a sun-drenched Palo Verde tree to lean against and listened to what some Native American tribes believe is the Heartbeat of the Earth, Woodpecker's rhythmic tapping.

I listened to the stillness.

I listened with more than my ears and eyes this time. I felt the slight breeze of warm air on my skin, smelled the scent of early lemon blossoms, heard the other sounds of activity going on around me which I'd been oblivious to: the calling of Quail, the big black Raven chortling up in the palm tree and the whisper of his wings as he flew over me, the little Lizard scrambling up on a rock to catch some late season sun, the two Hummingbirds quarreling over dining rights to a nearby bush, one of the Dogs lapping some water from the pool. Only the World knows what other activities were going on that I didn't have the sensitivity to notice.

They are always there for me to tune into, these messages from nature. The World seems to be reminding me that its dialogue is coming to me through all the senses. Even now as I finish writing this a little Hawk is crying out from the top of a tall palm. All the other birds are quiet now, it is Hawk's turn. The beat goes on.

To the victor, the spoils.

Temporarily sated from the endless chore of feeding herself.

Gratitude and Platitudes

2010-11-28T20:56:00.000-08:00

A joyful in-the-moment kinda guy.

Thanksgiving 2010 is one I'll be remembering for a while.

I learned that my being in gratitude can simply be another politically correct platitude. Something I can parrot with the best of them. The World had a message about gratitude for me these past few days, and quite a hard-hitting message it was.

My much loved dog came down with an intestinal disorder about a week before Thanksgiving and after the second trip to the vet I realized this wasn't necessarily going to be an easy fix. There also loomed the possibility that there wouldn't be any fix at all. I quickly came to the understanding of just how difficult it can be to stay out of fear and be in gratitude, the very thing we seemed to be asked to do a lot in these trying times.

Finally, as of last night, Fuzzy got his spark back and this morning he is close to normal again.

A special thanks to a vet who cared so much about Fuzzy as to call me for a progress report on Thanksgiving morning.

Following the Dream

2010-10-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been noticing a lot of moving and restructuring in the lives of several of my friends and also in the lives of a lot of acquaintances. I've been feeling a few rumblings in my life, too. It seems that heavens and the Earth are demanding something from us. I feel I, for one, am being asked to grow. Become more of who I can be. I have observed that those who are throwing caution to the winds and are embracing this urge for change are finding themselves in much better situations than the one they just left - albeit with their heads still spinning. Following the dream has paid big dividends for at least one good friend.

Some of those around me are resisting the urge to grow, me included in some ways, and they are struggling somewhat. I've observed fortune is favouring the bold, so, to quote one of my bold friends, it's time to hang on to my tail cos I'm going for a ride!!

The Cleansing Storms

2010-10-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

The dark ominous shadows of clouds over Deep Canyon.

Over the past few days my part of the world has been deluged with unexpectedly heavy rains along with crackling lightning and deep growling thunder. The sun and the clouds have been in vigorous competition to control the skies, one minute dark and brooding, next golden light flooding down. I've found it exhilarating! In the calmer moments between the downpours I wander outside and enjoy the cool moist desert with it's most unique and unforgettable odour.

The vegetation, so used to surviving in the harshest of conditions, is absorbing this life giving elixir from the heavens as fast as those cells can handle it, for who knows when the next rain will come? Within a couple of days new growth will be evident everywhere I look. That is the nature of the desert.

The rich saturated colours of the rain soaked landscape.

I can't help but make the connection between this desert storm and storms I've had in my life. Whenever I've been coming down with some sort of sickness I've felt heavy and sluggish with trouble concentrating on anything. As the condition moves through me I get to feeling worse until healing begins again. It is the same when I'm struggling with an emotional issue. Nothing is clear and I have no energy. I'm stagnant. But then I come out the other side and I'm brimming with health and vitality again My thoughts are clear, my heart is optimistic again and I have my mojo back. Stagnation gives way to new growth again.

In my world I've found every cloud does seem to have a silver lining.

A late rose blooming after the rains.

Cloudy Vision

2010-10-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

It was late afternoon recently and I was inside finishing off few last minute chores before walking the dogs. It got quite dark quite quickly and I, thinking it was later than it was, scrambled to get done and get out before night really set in.

On stepping outside with chaotic dogs ensnaring my legs I looked up to see it really wasn't that late at all. The sun was being shut out by a very thick cloud almost directly above me. What would have stopped me in my tracks, if the dogs hadn't already managed that, was these uncanny rays of light bouncing back up into the sky. I was awestruck at the time and still am now when I see this picture I snapped with a simple little point and shoot camera. I have not manipulated this image at all, this is as I saw it.

I got to thinking about the metaphor the World was presenting to me here through that simple little Lens. I've often heard the saying of someone being 'under a cloud' and this is literally what I saw. That life giving powerful sun was being deflected by one little cloud. Light was all around, but not under, the cloud.

I wonder how many times in my life I've been under a cloud and not realised I only had to take a few steps sideways to get back to the light?

Stalking Cacti

2010-10-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

I've been closely watching a cactus in my neighbourhood these past few days. Every year almost without warning it throws out a beautiful big fragrant white flower, then just as quickly it's gone again. That seems to be the cacti way. I've never managed to get a picture of it though I surely have tried. This year was to be the exception. I've been stalking that plant with my camera!

Well, the World had a message for me through the Lens as it usually seems to, but this one wasn't what I expected at all. That potentially magnificent cactus bud simply did not open! It went from a fat juicy bud almost bursting at the seams to a withered up dead appendage, in just two days. I had even visited it after dark in case it was one of the night blooming Cereus, but no, not even at night was it about to open. I was/am so disappointed.

I got to thinking what could the message be here for me. What point of view, or what metaphor, was the World offering me? Then it hit me: what if I died, bursting with unrealized potential? It probably wouldn't concern me at the time, I'd be dead, right? But what about the World around me? We all came into this World with unique gifts and talents which, if we don't discover and use them, could the Universe/God, family, friends, or even our community, be just as disappointed as I was when the bud withheld it's gift from me?

Popular author and public speaker, Wayne Dyer, often reminds us 'not to die with our music still in us' and now, more than ever I can see his point.

Remembering the Good Ole Days

2010-09-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Jasmine from Nature's Whispers Blog has encouraged her followers to explorer the history at our doorsteps and share it with each other. Leading by example Jasmine has blogged about some very interesting historical sights near her home in Wales in her "Sharing Treasure" segment which I invite you to check it out.

I got to thinking about where I live and the stories this place could tell! My home is in the Palm Springs, California area which was the playground for the rich and famous Hollywood set from the late '20's through to the latter part of the century. Back in the day most of the stars contracts only allowed them to travel 100 miles maximum from the studios on their days off when they were under contract. Palm Springs is exactly 100 miles from Hollywood. And so the heydays began...

Set into the landscaping of a private home near me I had noticed these plaques and thought this would be the perfect time to turn my Lens to the past and see what message the World has for me.

Bill Morrow: Well respected screen writer and producer in the early to mid century. He worked with Bing Crosby and shared the screen writing for the Frank Sinatra Show which ran from 1957-8.
Pete Petitto: A good friend to Bing Crosby and his family. Pete was Crosby's road manager and also managed the Crosby boys, Bing's sons on their singing road trips.
Trav Rogers: He first arrived in Palm Springs in 1929 leading a string of 15 horses. Quite the entrepreneur, Trav was a man of vision. His first move was to set up riding stables and bar simply called The Stables. It quickly became popular with the monied set and upgraded it's name to Rogers Ranch Club. The downstairs bar was remembered by many, if only because of it's name - the Mink and Manure Club! Apparently the bar floor had horse stalls either side and a long table for the ladies to place their mink coats in preparation for partying down. 30 years later Trav was still an active developer. He and another created a yacht club in the north shore of the Salton Sea, a few miles to the east of Palm Springs. It was the largest on the west coast at the time. Not bad considering the Salton Sea is landlocked.
Edie Fischer I was unable to find any information on but I will keep digging.

I have always been fascinated with history. I wonder at the challenges people faced and how they overcame them. I wonder at the stories they used to tell before tvs dominated the evenings. I wonder what they would like to say to me, here in 2010, if I had the ears to listen?

Fall's Bounty

2010-09-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Autumn has arrived this year with more than a little fan-fare. For the first time in 20 years the fall (or spring if you live in the southern hemisphere) equinox and the full moon arrived on the same day. Somehow those coinciding events made the arrival of the fall more meaningful to me this year.

I was driving through apple country looking at those beautiful ruby globes ripening on the trees. The trees were looking a little tired and their foliage was somewhat dried up but the apples were rosy, crisp and bursting with sweetness. The parent tree had given it's all to it's off-spring and was now ready to cut the fruit loose. Those plump apples with their seeds inside could continue to take their genetic message out in to the world.

I got the feeling that that is where our beautiful Mother Earth is at with us. She has given us her all and is tired, polluted and dried up. Some even believe the Earth is going through menopause now. She's done mothering us, it's time for us to stop sucking the Mother dry and start creating our own lives. It's an interesting philosophy and whether is stands up to closer scrutiny or not, it carries a sensible message which few could deny.

I am grateful for the bounty and beauty of this Earth. Using my camera I give back to the Mother in the best way I know how, by encouraging others to use their gifts. We all have them, you know. And we can thank God, Goddess, Mother Earth for those, too.

Allowing

2010-09-22T01:22:00.000-07:00

The World had an interesting message for me this week, although I have a strong suspicion that he/she God has been hammering away at me for a very long time in attempt to get me receptive enough to hear it!

It was one of allowing. As in letting go of trying to control situations that are not mine to control. I have had too many responsibilities accumulating, and in my efforts to do everything well quite a few things began to slip through the cracks. As a result I've had my load lightened i.e I've had to allow someone else take over what I was never well suited for anyway.

It has been quite challenging to watch someone else do what I have been doing in a completely different, and dare I say, 'wrong', way and allow them to do it without my interfering. The ego has taken quite a battering, and yet when I can just allow the situation to be, (I can't change it anyway!), and let go of the outcome it's amazing how much time and energy I have to do what I do best. I can give myself my undivided attention and stuff gets done. What's more, I'm having fun doing it.

One of the tasks left on my to-do list is photographing all the plants on the property and cataloging them in file. I am having so much fun with this. I can turn my Lens on the plants and let the magic happen.
My work has become my play time. In fact, I can even imagine I can see fairies dancing in the creosote flowers below.

It became apparent to me for perhaps the first time in my life that there are no fairy badges of honour presented to those who stubbornly persevere with joyless labour, and yet if I allow myself to yield to the nudging of the the Universe my life is so much easier, more fun and definitely more productive.

And maybe the fairies do dance, too.

Transmutation

2010-09-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

Today in the garden several snake skins were revealed as the bushes' wild summer growth was trimmed back. Those skins were so surreal. There were four of them, ghostly white and when the sun hit them they glowed in quite an eerie way.

The snakes had outgrown their skins and, without much fuss or anxiety that I'm aware of, had simply discarded them and moved on with their lives. I'm sure it must have itched a little as it came off and possibly even left the snake with a few tender spots for a day or two, but I didn't see any dead snakes entrapped in their shedding skins so all must be well in their world.

Isn't that the way it should be with us as well? Snakes are said to transmute their forms which isn't quite the same as transform. To transmute means to switch it up, so to speak. To evolve in some way. I wonder just how many times have I stayed where I am, resisting the urge to evolve. Keeping myself small because I'm afraid of a little discomfort if I step forward into a more powerful version of myself.

I looked at my plants transformed from an enthusiastic tangle of branches to a tightly shaped bush ready to grow again, then looked at the snake skins. The snakes were done with their old forms, they had transmuted into new forms. There was no going back for them. They were totally committed to their new lives.

I realize that is what I'm being asked to do. This world is ready and patiently waiting for me to step into my power and live to my potential. Living small is not helping anyone, least of all myself. I will move forward, that's a given as nature has control, but will it be a bold and joyful transmutation or digging my heels in, kicking and screaming. The choice is mine.

"Being Neighborly"

2010-08-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

My next door neighbor is a very feisty, out spoken 85 year old lady. She lives on a big property with only her memories for company. Originally from a big family where all the siblings were as outspoken as she, this diminutive, in size if not in spirit, old lady is now alone. She never married and her closest family are on the east coast, as far from her Californian home as it's possible to get without crossing the ocean.

I have become terribly important to her as she desperately tries to maintain her independence fearful of being a burden on anyone. What a dilemma! I want to always be available to help her out when needed and yet losing myself to her every whim really isn't healthy for me, which ultimately won't be the best for her either. I get stressed beyond measure as I shirk my 'real job' to help out a neighbor. She, in turn, has to put up with my attitude silently because her usual means of defense is a very aggressive tongue which she can't use as she can't afford to alienate me. How mean spirited of me and how humiliating to her. I guess this is exactly what is meant by the expression 'as cold a charity'.

I was pondering this situation today as I walked her property checking for areas the need attention. I couldn't help but think in a heart centered world all of this old lady's neighbors would be looking in on her and valuing her for her wisdom, her stories, her contributions to the world and she would feel valued and wouldn't laser people with her tongue - er, well, perhaps not as often! So, that has to start with me. How can I help her live her life with dignity? It's very easy for me to say that she isn't my problem and no-one could blame me for staying on my side of the fence, but that isn't an option for me. We are all brothers and sisters. If one of us is cut we all bleed. As I prayed for coping skills and boundary reinforcements I noticed these ceramic doves my neighbor has attached to her palm trees. Universal symbols of peace? Perhaps my prayers were heard after all? We'll see.

Present for Thunderheads

2010-08-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the World, Universe, he/she God, call it what you will, loves us so much it is always offering us presents? One of a kind unique gifts that all too often we never even notice?

I live in the desert. Seeing any cloud is a rare and treasured occasion for me. So imagine my delight when those pure white puff balls lounged on the mountains tops above me for several days. This time I was present for my presents and it is with joy I'd like to share the World's gift to me through my lens.....

The Battered Butterfly

2010-08-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

I always find time to wander around in my garden at some point during the day. Usually the World has something to share with me .... well, always, but sometimes I'm too into 'doing' to notice. I've been trying to get a nice picture of a swallowtail butterfly all summer and the other day one was flitting around the lantana inviting my attention. I took a couple of nice images and it wasn't until I downloaded them that I noticed this lovely butterfly has had a few trials of it's own. Both wings were shredded.

How perfect! A perfect imperfection! If I care to look at anything deeply enough I'm sure I can find an 'imperfection' but isn't that what makes us special? Life experience can leave it's scars, but the healing, growing beyond and the wisdom learned that gives us our unique character.

Enjoy your life, little butterfly. You've earned it.

Getting Back to Me

2010-08-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those weeks that where the challenges have bombarded me from all sides. By the end of the week self doubt was setting in heavily - I could have coped with these better....why on earth did I allow them to get away with that?...how could I have forgotten that? - and so on. Finally, yesterday afternoon, late as the sun was going down, I 'remembered' that I've always found solace outside in nature. In this case nature was my back yard, heaven on earth to me. Soon I received the inner promptings to go a get my camera. The World had something to say to me through the lens.

I was reluctant as I could see there was only a few minutes of decent light left but when I have a camera in my hand my thinking really does shift. With that in mind I dug it out from where it had been buried all week and these are the messages that came to me from the World thru my lens.

Catching the last of the sun's rays this black bee was high up in the flowers selecting nectar for it's hive. No self doubt there.

On the edge of the lawn commanding attention is the grand old prickly pear cactus. This year it is laden with fruit and I was reminded that nature's bounty is everywhere.

Further along with my wanderings this scruffy little bird invited my attention. I was reminded that it didn't matter how I look as God created us and values us all equally. We are not ranked according to our 'plumage'.

By now it was bordering on too dark to take a compelling picture but the World wasn't finished with me. I spotted a dove settling in for the evening on a branch safely out of reach of opportunist predators. As I gave it my attention I noticed it's mate was on a branch beside it. Doves are beautiful peaceful creatures and when I saw the two of them on different branches it occurred to me I needed to bring some balance into my thinking to create space for that peace and tranquility I'd been lacking over the week.

Feeling calmed and comforted I put those crazy thoughts to rest for the evening. This morning as I was revisiting my pictures with the thought I could use a few of them in this commentary the World sent me one last message.....

"See? There really is nothing to be concerned about! I will even scratch my chops right in front of you because there is nothing to be afraid of."

This little guy was literally right outside my office window and I was able to pluck my memory card out of the computer, throw it in the camera and take this without leaving my seat. How's that for a metaphor?

Gandhi would be Encouraged

2010-07-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Mahatma Gandhi is remembered and often quoted for saying "the greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can by judged by the way it's animals are treated".

This beautiful mare is enjoying a loving caress knowing she is safe and her future is secure now. With decades of carefully manipulated breeding behind her she was expected to run like the wildfires glinting in her fiery coat - and make a lot of money for someone. Instead she found her way to a feedlot, just another unwanted and frightened soul with a fast approaching expiry date.

Gandhi would be encouraged to know that this nation is morally progressing. Gigondas, and several of her companions are now living in stress free luxury. They were rescued by folk who care about the way this country's animals are treated.

The Bee Tree

2010-07-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

The graceful remains of what was once a beautiful strong oak tree commands it's own space in the lush vegetation around it. Many may wonder what use is it now? Surely it's dangerous and could fall at a moments notice so why doesn't someone just cut it down?

Ah, but Mother Nature doesn't mind that it is old and bare. While that oak tree may not produce acorns any more it is still a valuable member of the forest as it provides a safe and spacious home for a large colony of bees.

Isn't it interesting that in nature forms change constantly but nothing is ever discarded as useless. I think, too often, we forget we are also part of nature and that the same rules apply to us. We value youth, health and vitality in this society, but some of us forget there has to be balance. For all this doing, there must be 'beeing'. Nature doesn't value one as being more important than the other.

The old declining oak tree hosting vigorous and industrious bees, perfect harmony.

Ducks in a Row?

2010-07-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

The expression 'having to get my ducks in a row' means attempting to get control of various circumstances and situations in order for a planned action to be successful. Never an easy thing to do.

I have found when I try to control a situation too rigidly, I'm cutting myself off from the creative flow and can be setting myself up for failure. At the very least an action is postponed. I am learning that if I can get most of the ingredients in position then forge ahead allowing myself to be in the moment, then very often those last couple of ducks will find their place. Usually it's not where I was trying to force them to fit, either, but where they are most beneficial to a successful outcome. Or not. It is then that I find I really didn't need them anyway.

Life has a miraculous way of sorting itself out if we just allow it to.

Keeping in Touch

2010-07-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

Our lives are becoming more hectic and although there is a huge push afoot to simplify, it is easier said than done. The internet is a powerful tool for sending a message to one person, or to the masses, instantaneously. Sending texts or emails to the latest personal communication gadget has become the accepted way to dialogue with one another. Just as fast as the message is sent, it is usually deleted. It disappears back into the ether without further thought.

Every once in a while I like to sit down with a cup of coffee and take the time write a long, thoughtful letter to a friend, or perhaps a relative. I smile when I imagine them dragging that endless pile of fliers and bills out of their mailbox and finding my letter buried amongst them. An invitation to find a moment to relax and maybe even think about others who would appreciate being remembered the old fashioned way. And do you know what? That letter is probably going to be around and revisited for quite a while.

The Lonesome Gods

2010-06-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

The Lonesome Gods is the title of one of the prolific western writer, Louis L'Amour's last books. In it L'Amour comments that in days gone by the Ancient Ones who walked this land before us, worshiped their Gods, the land and nature. They created what we know as petroglyphs. We no longer fully understand the symbolism of each of these mysterious drawings. Many of us have moved far from being in touch with our sacred earth. The Gods are awaiting our return. We need not be lonesome anymore.

Remembering Our Heroes

2010-05-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day the thoughtful among us honor those American soldiers who have lost their lives in service. Young men and women who believed in their cause strongly enough to die for it.

There have been other heroes in our lives who may not have died on the battlefield but deserved to be remembered more the once a year none the less. Not necessarily to mourn their dying but to remember their living! People of courage and character who by their examples have offered us ways of living lives that are honorable and uplifting.

Perhaps we could even learn from them and honor them while they are still alive?

A Tribute and a Dedication

2010-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, or perhaps often, we cross paths with someone who inspires and encourages us. One who sees in us what we can't see for ourselves.

I dedicate this blog to my special friend who died a year ago today. A generous and patient teacher, a beautiful spirit and with a talent so rare and pure the Universe could only share you with us for a little while. You are my inspiration. You gave me my wings but couldn't be around to see me fly.

I miss you, Ramon, and I salute you with every click of my shutter.

"Daughter"

2010-05-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

"Life is magnificent.....It is truth dreaming of love. Our lives, this world, is our canvas with which to paint upon with such glories that the Universe has never before witnessed."

These are lines from a play I attended this weekend. "Daughter", by renown writer Bradley Rand Smith, is a look at the possibility the Yeshua ben Joseph (Jesus) has returned as promised, but in the form of a woman.

Exquisitely acted by 3 women, this play didn't embrace any one religious or spiritual viewpoint. It seemed to pull from various beliefs and offered a very thought provoking and uplifting way of celebrating our lives and our differences - our canvases - with tolerance and compassion.

Our Potential thru the World's Lens

2010-04-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

From a human perception this is a simple little variegated agave and yet, thru the World's lens it is tall and stately, reaching up to the heavens. This strong little plant has no human doubts to hinder it. It will simply allow the forces of nature to assist it in reaching it's full potential. The ancient texts all say humans have this very same potential. Let's allow some allowing for ourselves.

Looking for the Light

2010-04-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that even the most ordinary things become extraordinary when the light catches them at a certain angle? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could always remember to look for that light. It's there somewhere.

Rosemary for Remembrance

2010-04-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

There was a simpler time when flowers were more than just a lovely eye-catching splash of color in the bouquet or garden.

Their beauty could uplift spirits, their scent could invoke nostalgic memories, their fragility remind one of innocence.

Those flowers are still there, their eternally optimistic faces shining up at us. Remember...?

The animals always know

2010-04-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

In this fast, and often confusing world, animals still have unerring instincts.

Playful Spirit

2010-01-15T18:08:00.000-08:00