140: From sunset to sunrise

(Looking down the spiral stairs at sunset.)

We had a lovely sunset yesterday, the colors reflecting off the snow.

The snow looks almost like sand dunes to me.  Perhaps that’s wishful thinking, a result of the desire to be on a warm, tropical beach, soaking up the sun.

We’re having another frigid day here in the Bogs.  It’s too cold to stay outside for long.  I step out for a few minutes, then run back in.  A turtle shifting in and out of its shell.  You’d think I’d be used to the cold by now.

(Blue on blue.)

Or maybe there’s no way to really get used to temperatures near zero.

I keep reminding myself that under all the snow and ice, under the cold, under the soil, seeds and bulbs are beginning to awaken.  Spring is there, waiting for the right time to blossom.

So, while visions of spring dance through my head, let’s look at flowers.  Flowers lit up by warm sunshine.  Sparkles of sunlight on water.  Reminders of how colorful the world can be.

(On the shore of Shadow Mountain Lake.  Colorado.)

This series of photos were taken on a hike near Shadow Mountain Lake in Colorado.  Shadow Mountain Lake is near Grand Lake, the largest natural body of water in Colorado.  Shadow Mountain Lake and Grandby Lake (also nearby) are man-made lakes.

We stayed in a cabin in Grand Lake during our last trip out to Colorado (August 2010).  It was a good location as we were close to Rocky Mountain National Park as well as other hiking areas.

The wildflowers in August are amazing.  I must have taken about a thousand photos of wildflowers.  What does one do with all those photos?

Put them on her blog, of course.  😀

Another Challenge

Sun salutations can energize and warm you, even on the darkest, coldest winter day.

~ Carol Krucoff

(Sunrise.  Ocean City, New Jersey.  September 2008.)

I have a confession to make.  I have been slacking when it comes to my daily yoga and meditation practice.  Some days I do it rather half-heartedly.  Other days, I don’t do it at all which means it can no longer be called a “daily” practice.

(Sunrise.  Ocean City, New Jersey.  September 2008.)

So here it is, my 10-day yoga challenge:  I will commit to getting up early (by 6am) every day for the next 10 days and starting my day with yoga.  I know it takes longer than 10 days to establish a new habit, but I’m trying to reestablish a habit.  Besides, I can always recommit at the end of 10 days.

Anyone want to join me on the mat during those early hours?  There are plenty of free yoga practice videos to be found on the internet.  From YouTube to YogaJournal to YogaYak and more.  I’d love the company.

Since daily blogging has helped me keep my outdoor commitment, I’ll be adding a little something about my 10 day challenge each day.  If I don’t, feel free to ask, “Hey!  Did you do your yoga practice today?”  It will keep me accountable, something I’ve found works well when I’m trying to establish (or reestablish) a habit that is good for me.  Funny isn’t it, that the things that are bad for us don’t take as much work to become habits?  Or maybe they do and we just don’t notice since we’re not really trying to establish them as habits.

Mountain pose teaches us, literally, how to stand on our own two feet … teaching us to root ourselves into the earth … Our bodies become a connection between heaven and earth.

~ Carol Krucoff

Today’s CD

Ocean Colour Scene, Mechanical Wonder.

My friends and visitors from the U.K. have probably heard of Ocean Colour Scene.  I’m not sure about those of you from the U.S. and elsewhere.  I was first introduced to their music by a good friend who lives in England, and have been a fan ever since.  (Thanks, Nickie!)  Listening to this today, as well as looking them up on YouTube, reminds me that I should look into their new stuff.

You can sample some of their music here and here.