“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?” – A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
A New Perspective
While traveling for work, I was able to visit my dear friend and colleague’s family farm. The objective was to take photos of her father working in the fields. Little did I know that her father would invite me for a ride on his combine! This was the view from the combine, above the wheat. What an…
Smile
The beauty of Mother Earth is always there for us. And she is telling you that she is there and she loves you. – Thich Nhat Hahn
Not My Kids’ Legos
When the kids were growing up, I learned quickly that the bottoms of adult feet have some strange magnetic pull specific to stray Legos left on the floor. Especially in the middle of the night. I became quite familiar with that feeling of cut glass underfoot. Thanks to an afternoon trip to the Botanical Garden, it…
At last…
This sweet little guy was born this week to a lovely friend and colleague. The daily experience of watching a little one develop from early stages of morning sickness to first kicks to “my back is killing me” to “okay, enough of this” to “hello world!” has been nothing short of miraculous. By the time…
Indeed…
Fear less, hope more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Hate less, love more; And all good things are yours. – Swedish Proverb (Photo taken along my biking route)
Surprise!
This weekend my Dad celebrated a very important birthday. He doesn’t like a fuss to be made over it, so I won’t reveal his age. Suffice it to say that it was an important enough birthday that the tennis community in my home town threw a big surprise party for him. And when I say…
National Running Day!
Happy National Running Day!! Who knew that the sport that I’d only known as punishment in other sports would change my life. Running has led me to new friends. It has given me the courage to set new goals and the discipline to achieve them. But perhaps the gift I appreciate the most is that…
In my day…
….we had lemonade stands. Nowadays, well…not so much. But it sure made for a funny break from my hot, crappy run.
Never Too Late
Today I followed along on twitter as 91-year old Harriette Thompson competed in the Rock ‘n’ Roll – San Diego marathon. She crossed the finish line in just over 7 hours, setting a new single age group record. Here’s the article that came out after she finished. While initially I marveled at her current accomplishment, I was most inspired…
We’re not in Kansas anymore…or Colorado
We reluctantly packed up at the crack of dawn this morning and headed home, putting Colorado and the Rockies in our rear view mirrors. But not before a fun send off from a few rather large visitors. One elk stood right outside our back door, while two others mulled around in the neighboring yard. They…
The Adventure Continues
Back to Rocky Mountain National Park this morning. First stop: Sprague Lake. This has to be one of my favorite spots of the day. Below is a fly fishing lesson. Can you imagine learning a new skill with THIS as your backdrop? Check out this brazen little chipmunk. We were within just a foot or…
Enjoying the Views
After a loooong drive through the monotonous landscape of Kansas, which my youngest son likened to running on a treadmill, we finally reached the gorgeousness of Colorado. Per usual, we’ve had a very loose agenda. A few non-negotiables are on the itinerary, but we mostly just go with the flow. As a family with two males, one…
You People
Yesterday I went on a long run while my car was getting serviced at a place down the street. My car wasn’t finished by the time I wrapped up my run, so I headed to a convenience store across the street for a drink. When I got up to the counter, the cashier looked at…
Om…
We have a family of chipmunks in our backyard that continues to provide a lot of amusement. This morning when I sat down to breakfast, I caught a glimpse of Buddha out the corner of my eye. I turned to look and…there he was. Little chipmunk just chilled out on top of Buddha Man’s head.
Art is Trash
Saw an article this morning and I’m still cracking up. An artist named Francisco de Pájaro (all photos in this post are credited to him) searches for trash at night and turns it into art to make people laugh. He has a blog, too, called Art is Trash. This is the best thing ever.
65 years
One neat part of my work today involved taking photos at a nursing home. Including this couple. They will have been married for 65 years in July, but they love each other like a couple of teenagers. Constantly blowing each other kisses, looking at each other, flirting, smiling, laughing, holding hands. It was so sweet,…
More to Love
After a trip to a familiar garden on Wednesday, I was able to visit a new one today. Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Around every bend, there was something new to make me catch my breath. It was right around this spot that I realized that part of my heart would be left behind here. “Rest here…
Happy Place
Had a chance to visit the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois, yesterday. I love this place. I’ve been here several times, but never in the spring. Every visit has been different; every visit has had something new to offer. The only season I’m missing is winter. And I’ll bet that’s beautiful, too.
Sunday in Spring
Whether it’s watching a caterpillar in the grass… …or sharing a blanket with a buddy… …or even waiting to make a debut… …there is something so magical about childhood in springtime. (Glimpses from a friend’s lovely baby shower.)
Let it happen.
So I bought this blooming plant for my dining room table without asking what it is — or even caring. It is truly one of the most gorgeous things I’ve seen. But I love it even more after photographing it. Above photo was intentional. The next two were total accidents. And I love them best….
Unexpected
I know I’ve been blogging floral photos constantly lately — and I confess that I headed to the park this afternoon to take more. But then I became a little sidetracked. Check this guy out! He wasn’t crazy about me, but he indulged me for a few minutes. But then he decided he’d had enough…
Beautiful Bulldogs
Meet Lucey, recent winner of Drake University’s Most Beautiful Bulldog Pageant. She aspires to be a therapy dog and promises to devote her reign to the pursuit of world peace. (Okay, I made that last part up.) I look forward to this announcement every year, but I’m sorry, these are the funniest photos I’ve seen…
hey there, friends 