the Winter Brush

through a tree, in winter

I really love to look at the blue sky through trees, so I have a photo, here and there that does that. This is a tree in Nevada, which isn't common. And the cold winter sky.

the print

Technical Difficulties

My DSL box is broken, so no internet until it's replaced. Frontier Communications is very concerned... 3-5 days. Anyway insert endless Jeopardy music here.  

winter in a southern desert

Fringe

Pieces of My Thoughts

Mountain Fathers

The Peony

This weekend got me- a cold and it was cold. Didn't get much done that I would consider useful- although, I did cook quite a lot.

Well, here's hoping for a calm, pleasant week. 

Summer Grasses

A little bit of contrast from the blues and whites of winter. 

Winter Flower

Dusk

Bright Winter Sun

Winter Sunsets Northern Nevada

More Snow

Walking at Night in the Snow

It was one of those nights where I didn't want to do anything but lay in my circle chair and watch television and my stomach grow. But I have committed to good health- and I don't actually like my stomach growing- so I got all geared up to go out in the snow. It wasn't until I got to the edge of town and could see the milky way, and the stars as bright as crystals hanging low in the sky, that I felt suddenly calm.  The snow was white and luminous so that I could see the hills in the distance, even in the dark. I listened to the music pulsing through my headphones and just stood and watched the night. I actually saw what I assume are two military planes get very close together while travelling overhead- to practice refueling? Definitely worthwhile... the reason I prefer walks outdoors to the gym.  I can find peace in my heart (if only for a moment). 

Winter Sun in the Desert

Snow in the Desert

It was a lovely day for a walk in the desert. It finally warmed up enough.  Turns out I am a wuss in sub-zero temperatures.

The endless pillows of deep snow, covering the sagebrush. 

A light touch and it all falls.

Lone plain, if not actually level. 

Figurines-Greek

Greek art is pretty fabulous, what a talent to sculpt such lovely lines.

The more primitive figurines are compelling as well. Hard to believe it's thousands of years old. 

Dirge

Dirge

The glories of our blood and state
Are shadows, not substantial things;
There is no armor against fate;
Death lays his icy hand on kings.
Scepter and crown
Must tumble down
And in the dust be equal made
With the poor crooked scythe and spade.

Some men with swords may reap the field
And plant fresh laurels where they kill,
But their strong nerves at last must yield;
They tame but one another still.
Early or late
They stoop to fate
And must give up their murmuring breath,
When they, pale captives, creep to death.

The garlands wither on your brow,
Then boast no more your mighty deeds;
Upon death’s purple altar now
See where the victor-victim bleeds.
Your heads must come
To the cold tomb;
Only the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom in their dust.

James Shirley

Greek

Some of the statues were displayed unusually well. 

Greek Art- Portland Art Museum

It is so inspiring to go to art museums and galleries. This one was particularly poignant. 

2013

Well, I'm quite excited to start a new year ! Last year I felt like it was a do-over and didn't count new year until the Chinese new year. This year, I feel it today.  I want to wish everyone the best in who they are this year, that you find inside yourself the ability to shine... I want it for myself as well. Hopefully it comes easier with time.

Looking forward to continuing to explore the great planet we are born onto, and continuing to get to know myself to some depth.  Though I plan to get satellite radio for my drives, rather than just being alone with my thoughts. 

2013... after all 

JAS

Start of a New Year

Welcome to us all, after all.