I have been fascinated by the Lark Bunting since I moved to Colorado. It’s the state bird here and until today my attempts to photograph one have been unsuccessful. This may not be the best photograph but I’m pleased to have gotten him to pose for this.
The ever changing view at this time of year is worth stopping for. The snow at higher elevations than my 8200 feet isn’t melting.
The bluebird sky and the scent of pines greeted me as I hiked the Sourdough trail, the only hiker on a beautiful morning.
Stopping along the way to admire the vibrant yellow aspens and the breathtaking vistas that surround me.
Moon rising over peaks
Majestic magical moon
Clear skies reveal you
Your magnificence
Golden sphere dancing above
Your presence brings joy
Your beauty brings hope
Mountain peaks waiting below
Cherish your return.
This is the song Jason Aldean was singing when gunshots rang out. It’s a beautiful song from the Night Train CD which is one of my favorites. This particular song holds deep meaning in our house. I’m a country music fan, as anyone who knows me already knows.
Some of my happiest memories have been at country music concerts. There is nothing like the power of a live show and the energy in the crowd. I’ve seen Jason Aldean several times and he never disappoints.
As this morning’s news unfolds the only story is of a horrific shooting at the hands of one man with more weapons than the second amendment ever intended at a concert. I’m again wondering, when will it end.
The details of motive are yet to be answered. I’m listening to interviews with other artists who were there and they are all people I’ve seen before. Just like school shootings impact me personally as a teacher, this hits my heart. It’s a sad day.
October 2 and we have snow. I’m still new to the weather patterns here in the Rockies. If you’ll notice, the mini snowman is adjacent to plants that are still happily growing.
The photos above are from a nearby hike less than twenty-four hours ago. Full fall colors and mostly blue skies. 
This exquisite flower was picked from our garden only two days ago.
And now today, I’ve woken up to snow.
I know it will melt and we’ll again see the 50’s later this week but it’s still not what I was hoping to see out my window only 10 days into fall.
