Category Archives: Seasons

Things Are Not Always What They Seem

Mar
09
2012
by IBK | 0 Comments

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Today’s image is  a flower box in front of a brightly painted window of a Victorian style storefront in Crested Butte, Colorado.  The collection of vibrant colors delight residents and visitors alike as they enjoy the summer days in  mountain towns.  But wait … this picture was taken during the waning days of  autumn’s  leaf season when all the deciduous greens turn a golden yellow in our Colorado high country.  So these beautiful  flowers are artificial.  Someone forgot to remove them when the summer tourists left.

It takes a lot of work to keep those beautiful baskets of flowers pruned and watered as they greet us at our vacation destinations . I’ve seen the landscape contractors out early in the morning with their long water wands attached to a tank on their pickup truck as they move from one hanging planter to the next. As beautiful as they are, flowers cannot survive hanging on a pole at high altitude or in city smog without managed care.

The artificial flowers last longer and require no water, but they have no power to draw us to the authentic show that nature provides in it changing seasons.

What is most authentic for you in this season of your life and what will you prune that’s artificial?

IBK

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Same Place Different Season

Feb
16
2012
by IBK | 4 Comments

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I’m delighted to say that my health is restored. After spending so much time indoors recently I was waiting for a sunny day during this snowiest of Februaries in Denver and when the partially sunny day arrived last Friday, I grabbed my camera and made my way to the Denver Botanic Garden.  This was my first trip to the garden in the winter and I wanted to see the array of orchids displayed indoors by the Denver Orchid Society.  They were nice, but not quite what I wanted to capture.  I had limited time so I went for a quick walk through the deserted outdoor garden.  I was running out of time and my battery was almost gone, when I captured today’s image.

 

I’ve photographed these fountains before, but without the beautiful greenery and flowers  of spring , summer, and fall in bloom, I found them more beautiful than ever in their winter surround.  There is most certainly beautiful life in every season.  On my first post 60th birthday today, I certainly experienced that with the help of family and friends in my own garden.  What beauty is showing up in your season?

IBK

 

Also posted in Seeing In New Ways Tagged , |

“Open Doors Denver”

Jan
27
2012
by IBK | 2 Comments

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“Open Doors Denver” is an annual  two day event event  in April sponsored by the Denver Cultural Affairs Office. The purpose is to celebrate design and architecture at over  70 sites  which are open to the public over the course of 2 days. It is a delight as a photographer to have access to places high above the city streets as well as walking into landmark building with unique views of of rooftops at eye level.  Part of the fun is a photo contest where the public votes for their favorite pictures.

The door in today’s image was the last one of the day as I was heading home.  We are intrigued I think about the idea of doors in our lives opening with new possibilities, and yet what I loved about this rather ordinary picture is that the door was closed but offered a reflection of three lighted windows across the street.

It is an interesting dilemma re: doors.  Sometimes the door isn’t open so we have to wait for the right timing;  sometimes it is slammed shut; other times the door is wide open and we are unable or unwilling to walk through it; in another scenario we must open the door; and finally perhaps  the door is wide open, we’ve entered and the time comes to close the door behind us.

There are many opportunities and much that is painful when doors open and close.  I wish you friends for the journey and courage to look for the light that illuminates.

IBK

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A Partridge with a Heart in a Fir Tree

Dec
30
2011
by IBK | 1 Comment

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Oh wait, that was a “Partridge in a Pear Tree on the First Day of Christmas “in a song of the same title.  Anyway my little bird and I hope that you and yours will have precious songs   to sing in the coming new year.  Some of the songs written in a minor key will challenge us but in the midst of our transitions let us keep singing.

Joy,

IBK

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“To every thing there is a season …

Dec
16
2011
by IBK | 4 Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven …” the writer of Ecclesiastes tells us in the First Testament.

This week brought news of  changes in season for several people of my acquaintance.  A young seemingly healthy man and his family were confronted with a serious health challenge which will extend into several seasons; another is pondering what next regarding career changes; a third is facing continued tension over several seasons regarding past financial challenges.

My wish for them and all of us who are navigating new seasons, is that we remember to be encouraged by the beautiful and familiar that is always with us.  Light in the midst of winter’s darkness; hope that the melting ice brings water for the new growth in the spring; and most of all the love of creator,redeemer ,sustainer, and  family and friends to hold us  in their hearts  as we  courageously blaze new trails  yet unknown .

IBK

 

 

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