the beautiful “off” season

I particularly love the winter shore. The lonely beach seems to have more to say during the “off” season. I enjoy the endless songs of the water as the waves crash, and the water spreads out in a desperate attempt to explore and experience more of what it’s like to be on land. The taste of cold, salty air…

gentle words

gentle words are a tree of life*
is there gentleness
in your heart today
kindness in your soul
meekness in the tones
of your voice

what impact do we have on others
do we justify the very attitude in us
that we condemn in others
do we demonstrate the very hate
we call out in others
gentle words are a tree of life

are we willing to love
before we declare how right we are
do we see our blindness
as we call out for justice and judgement
all the while marginalizing
diminishing
tearing down
feeling so good
all because we possess unquestionable wisdom
gentle words are a tree of life

and pride will be our ruin
each of us deceived
holding out our torch of truth for others
beckoning the world to listen and follow
content with the darkness inside our hearts
gentle words are a tree of life

LORD
have
mercy

* Proverbs 15:4

last ride in 2020

I’m catching up with a bunch of images that I have taken over the last month. December 19 was a beautiful day, so I took the Yamaha out and enjoyed a ride.

color and light

Just a few images of light and color. November is being rather kind by sharing mild temperatures. The Illinois River and my home are the locations for these images. Thanks November!

more fall moments

Starved Rock State Park, in Oglesby, IL, is filled with hiking trails, canyons, high cliff views of the Illinois River and, in the Fall, the beauty of all those fallen leaves. My colleagues and I go to this park for our annual hiking trip to celebrate birthdays on our staff. We enjoyed a cool, beautiful day! Thanks for stopping buy.

illinois river morning

I would not call the Illinois River picturesque, however, with a little help from the sun and some clouds, it dresses up nicely!

oh that midwest sky

Took a short ride with rain to the north, and rain to the south. I was able to stay in the middle and enjoy the beautiful Midwest sky. Thanks for stopping by.

tracer meets mississippi

Spent the day riding to Savannah, Illinois, located along the mighty Mississippi River. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and the photographer in me wanted to stop every 5 minutes as the beautiful, gentle rolling hills of this region of Illinois guided me to the river. I resisted, otherwise I would still be on the motorcycle! Thanks for stopping by.

chasing the sunrise

This post could also be called, “variations on a theme.” I got out by 5:00 am and enjoyed chasing the sunrise along the shore. The ocean waves were singing, the sky was just dancing… a beautiful start to the day…

a stormin’ minooka mornin’

A beautiful, if stormy, start to the day.