In Love with Lupines

One of the many marvels of the Rocky Mtns. are the high country meadows, full of wildflowers that burst with brilliant blooms once the winter snows melt. 

Lupines, in particular the purple buds, are abundant just outside our front door.  These flowers sprout every year, come in varieties of colors and bees and hummingbirds love them.

It makes for a very pleasant summer; like a sonnet carried on a warm summer breeze, that comes to you while you're daydreaming the day away.

Wheel in the Sky

Ferris wheels.  Thought to have been "invented" in the 17th century, the Ferris wheel has brought pleasure to children and adults for hundreds of years.  The multitude of colors are an instant attraction to most people.  The circus came to town a few weeks ago.  I found this to be a perfect opportunity to capture the magic of neon lights and colors.

Staining the Glass

Stained glass.  A quick review of history traces the form of art back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans, with its height during the medieval times. 

Stained glass can easily be found adorning places of worship, household windows and even a Tiffany lamp or two.

This particular glass adorns the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, CO.  It depicts Jesus and his apostles in a boat on rough seas. This is a representation of doubt; found in James, as well as the Gospels. 

Flags Unfurled

Flags appear to us in many ways.  Folded 13 times, and handed to loved ones at military honor funerals, or flying high above government buildings and even more spectacular is the flag waving in all her glory in an every day American front yard or Independence Day parade.  

These particular flags were whipping on a very crisp winter's day in Denver, Colorado.  My wife and I had ventured into a battle of sorts; one side of the street, the Occupy Movement, and on the other, the equally boisterous Tea Partiers.  

The brilliance of the golden topped capital dome adds nice contrast to the old red, white and blue.  Long may she wave.


Ever wonder about the significance of the 13 folds?

 

THE AMERICAN FLAG

Did you know that at military funerals, the 21 gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776.

Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country", in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."

Mirror, Mirror

Reflections.  You can harness a glimpse through numerous items.  Mirrors, aluminum, steel; all man made products can offer a view.  However, Mother Nature proves the most pristine reflection is found in a still body of water.  This view offers an inversion of the grey-ish, white clouds and blue sky above.  Stems of pond grass poke their heads upwards to capture the warmth of the sun's passionate kiss.


Mirror, mirror what do you see?  A reflection of life, looking back at me.  Nature's glory is the image I'd most like see.  Blissfully gazing into a still mountain pond, clouds above me waft on by.  A perfect reflection of a brilliant blue sky.  Ann McArthur 6/13/2013

The Squirrel Feast

Nut collecting is serious business for this squirrel.  High above his buffet table, this fellow can run down the trunk and search the ground for nuts and other tasty treats.  On this particular day, this stealth sentry alerted other squirrels of my presence.  






Little twitchy tail, eyes alert to any danger, I hunt the trees and forest floors for the nut.  One little nut at a time, I hoard these treasures for the fall and winter weather, when I will sleep soundly, away from the winter snows.  Twitchy tail, body all a quiver - I am alert.        Ann McArthur 6/12/13

Summer rains and the Moose

The moose got its name from a Native American word “moosu”, which comes from the Narragansett language meaning “he who trims or cuts smoothly.”   The American Moose is an elusive creature most times; however on this particular day, as we were traveling back from Wellington, CO. we came upon a cow moose grazing the grass.  We were on Cameron Pass, that follows the Poudre River.  Although it is recommended not to approach cow moose, especially if they have a calf with them, we saw no evidence of offspring, and so with a zoom lens we were able to capture this beautiful creature enjoying her lunch.  Summer rains had left its cloud bursts on the lush grass.  Shortly after this photograph was caught, the cow wandered into the trees, and off to more private dining.  What a rich day it was.

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Summer Rain
BY Gerald Fisher 8/15/97 Father Sky is gray
As the new light appears
And the laughter of the birds is still
the clouds shed their tears
and the land drinks of this heavenly dew
puddles replace the dust
irresistible temptations for little feet
Turning my face to the sky
and feeling the gentleness of the mist
washing away my cares
filling my heart with happiness
Lifting my spirits
like the quenching of the crops
Raising my arms
I turn to the four winds
and give thanks for this
gentle…Summer Rain.

 

The Heart of a Labrador

Bodhi.  We have written about this old fella before.  While not our canine, we spend a fair amount of time with Bodhi, babysitting while his owner's are out of town.

This blog is dedicated to a friend, Mike, who recently lost his own yellow lab, Magnum.  Labrador lovers know the magic of these mighty dogs.  The love of these dogs draws the best out of the human companions.  

Such is the way of Bodhi, the mighty viking as I refer to him.  He has an enormous amount of love which he slathers and slobbers upon every person he meets.

If only every person in the world could spend 10 minutes with a Labrador, just think what could be accomplished.


 Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

The Dance with a Daffodil

Sometimes life is just this simple.  The Botanical Gardens in Steamboat Springs, CO offer the lover of life a simple walk along a path.  Nature's beauty abounds the senses.  A daffodil with vibrant yellows and a splash of orange is filled with sweet nectar, awaiting a visit from a bee or hummingbird.  Why can't it all be as simple as a delicate flower.

...For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

William Wordsworth