Before and After the Rain

Here are some pictures taken at approximately the same locations a few weeks apart:

dam 12-05-12

dam 12-18-12

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creek 11-05-12

creek 12-18-12

* * *

bridge 11-05-12

bridge 12-18-12

It's so pretty when the creek is flowing, but now the weather has turned cold, at least it feels cold to me.  Enjoy the weekend! :)

Winter Reflections

Greetings from the desert!  I've been pretty busy lately, but I wanted to pop in to say hi, and share some wonderful news.  My little grandson, Tyler Jet, who lives in Massachusetts, is coming to visit for a week in February!  He will be nine months old and will finally get to meet his Tucson uncles.  Needless to say, I am very happy and excited about seeing Tyler Jet and his parents next month.

Here are some watery reflections from a couple of weeks ago:

See more Weekend Reflections at James' Newtown Area Photo.

Weekend Reflections - Dam

The end of the week is a nice time to reflect on recent events. One of the highlights of the week was visiting the dam with Jen from Unglazed. If you haven't already visited Jen's Unglazed blog, check it out and I'm sure you'll appreciate her sense of humor, love of nature and gorgeous bird photographs. She also hosts A-Z on Monday. I'm grateful to Betsy of Joyful Reflections for introducing us.

This is Sabino Creek at the top of the dam. The water level is low for this time of year, but at least there was enough for reflections. I was fascinated by the cactus in the distance.

When I went by the dam a couple of days later, I found the cactus still reflecting in the water, but it wasn't as sunny as when Jen was with me. See how subdued the colors are below:

For more Weekend Reflections posts, visit James at Newtown Area Photo.

Tao of Contentment

as water

nourishes all things effortlessly

and is satisfied to settle in low places

we too can be content with what we have

rejoice in the way things are

understand there is nothing lacking



enjoy simple everyday lives

realize the mystery



when there is no desire

all things are at peace


~adapted from chapters 1, 8, 37 and 44 of the Tao Te Ching

Patience

Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?

The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.
Not seeking, not expecting,
she is present, and can welcome all things.

From the Tao Te Ching - Chapter 15, Written by Lao-tzu, Translated by S. Mitchell