Red Rock Canyon Snow

Red Rock Canyon ©K.C.C.

Snow in the desert! Our desert is just beautiful this week. It snowed Monday up in the Spring Mountains which includes Red Rock Canyon State Park. I drove up during the snow in the late afternoon. The area was covered and the snow keep falling for the few hours I was there. It was snowing so hard and fast that I finally just quit getting out of the car to take pictures. The last hour, most of my pics were taken from the front seat :::gg:::.

Las Vegas is getting some more snow in the mountains today. And it's COLD. I don't think we've been above 45* all week. Which is really cold for us. Brrrrrr.

Simply Recipes' "Maple Cookies"

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked,
in which you can walk with love and reverence."
— Henry David Thoreau

Each of Us Has A Name

Each of us has a name
given by God
and given by our parents

Each of us has a name
given by our stature and our smile
and given by what we wear

Each of us has a name
given by the mountains
and given by our walls

Each of us has a name
given by the stars
and given by our neighbors

Each of us has a name
given by our sins
and given by our longing

Each of us has a name
given by our enemies
and given by our love

Each of us has a name
given by our celebrations
and given by our work

Each of us has a name
given by the seasons
and given by our blindness

Each of us has a name
given by the sea
and given by
our death.

~ Zelda ~

(Trans. by Marcia Lee Falk in
Beloved on the Earth, ed. by
J. Perman, D. Cooper, M. Hart, and P. Mittlefehldt)

Cloud-Hidden

Cloud-Hidden

This chapter is closed now,
not one word more
until we meet some day
and the voices rising
to the window
take wing and fly.

Open the old casement
to the lands we have forgotten,
look to the mountains and ridgeways
and the steep valleys, quilted by green,
here, as the last words fall away,
the great and silent rivers of life
are flowing into the oceans,
and on a day like any other
they will carry you again,
abandoned,
on the currents you have fought,
to the place where you did not know
you belonged.

And just as you came into life
surprised
you go out again,
lifted,
cloud-hidden
from one unknown
to another
and fall and turn
and appear again in the mountains

not remembering
how in the beginning
you refused
to join,
could not speak of,
did not even know
you were that
deep
calm
welling
almost forgotten
spring
of eternal presence.

~ David Whyte ~

(Where Many Rivers Meet)

:::Miss you Dad:::

Grace

Grace

Thanks & blessings be
to the Sun & the Earth
for this bread & this wine,
this fruit, this meat, this salt,
this food;
thanks be & blessing to them
who prepare it, who serve it;
thanks & blessings to them
who share it
(& also the absent & the dead).
Thanks & Blessing to them who bring it
(may they not want),
to them who plant & tend it,
harvest & gather it
(may they not want);
thanks & blessing to them who work
& blessing to them who cannot;
may they not want - for their hunger
sours the wine & robs
the taste from the salt.
Thanks be for the sustenance & strength
for our dance & work of justice, of peace.

~ Rafael Jesus Gonzalez ~

(In Praise of Fetile Land, edited by Claudia Mauro)

Thanksgiving

I have been trying to read
the script cut in these hills—
a language carved in the shimmer of stubble
and the solid lines of soil, spoken
in the thud of apples falling
and the rasp of corn stalks finally bare.

The pheasants shout it with a rusty creak
as they gather in the fallen grain,
the blackbirds sing it
over their shoulders in parting,
and gold leaf illuminates the manuscript
where it is written in the trees.

Transcribed onto my human tongue
I believe it might sound like a lullaby,
or the simplest grace at table.
Across the gathering stillness
simply this: "For all that we have received,
dear Goddess, make us truly grateful."

~ Lynn Ungar ~

(Blessing the Bread)

Greetings to the Natural World.

The People

Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.

Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother

We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Waters

We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms-waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.

Now our minds are one.

The Fish

We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Plants

Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants

With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs

Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

The Animals

We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one

The Trees

We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds

We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds

We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers

Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.

Now our minds are one.

The Sun

We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon

We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of woman all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

The Stars

We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers

We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.

Now our minds are one.

The Creator

Now we turn our thoughts to the creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

Closing Words

We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.

'Ohenton Kariwahtekwen' - Iroquois Thanksgiving Address

Still

Still

I said I will find what is lowly
and put the roots of my identity
down there:
each day I'll wake up
and find the lowly nearby,
a handy focus and reminder,
a ready measure of my significance,
the voice by which I would be heard,
the wills, the kinds of selfishness
I could
freely adopt as my own:

but though I have looked everywhere,
I can find nothing
to give myself to:
everything is

magnificent with existence, is in
surfeit of glory:
nothing is diminished,
nothing has been diminished for me:

I said what is more lowly than the grass:
ah, underneath,
a ground-crust of dry-burnt moss:
I looked at it closely
and said this can be my habitat: but
nestling in I
found
below the brown exterior
green mechanisms beyond the intellect
awaiting resurrection in rain: so I got up

and ran saying there is nothing lowly in the universe:
I found a beggar:
he had stumps for legs: nobody was paying
him any attention: everybody went on by:
I nestled in and found his life:
there, love shook his body like a devastation:
I said
though I have looked everywhere
I can find nothing lowly
in the universe:

I whirled though transfigurations up and down,
transfigurations of size and shape and place:

at one sudden point came still,
stood in wonder:
moss, beggar, weed, tick, pine, self, magnificent
with being!

~ A. R. Ammons ~

(Collected Poems 1951-1971)

Hubble Ultra Deep Field

This is so amazing. Just watch! And if you can, watch in full screen by clicking on the 'second to the left' button at the bottom of the above frame.

Zion Gold & Red

"Zion Gold & Red" ©2009 K.C.C.

Fall is finally upon us here in the desert southwest. The weather is fantastic! Zion National Park is such a close road trip out of Las Vegas, 3 hours max, that it is easy to run up in the morning and return the same evening. Since the Zion valley floor is so narrow, direct sun time is somewhat limited. Which is either a photographic blessing or curse depending on what you want to capture. So plan your photographic timing around the light times. Both 'sunrise' and 'sunset' are vastly different than on a flatter plane.

Above trees standing along the river are back-lit showing off their greens and golds. Most of the reds are already gone at both the upper and lower levels of the valley. Nevertheless, all the gold and yellow is stunning against the red sandstone walls and cliffs.

The weather is perfect for anything...camping, hiking, and picnicking. I hiked up to the beginning of "The Narrows" but didn't pass the water entry line. Didn't have on waterproof day-wear or more importantly, a dry sack for the camera gear. (Wet cameras would make it an expensive trip.) The 'hike' took about 2 hours up because I had to keep stopping to photographic something. So much Autumn splendour to enjoy and photograph. Your 'enjoyment' time will vary ;-).

Lots of people were out and it was fun interacting with them. Everyone seems to always want to know, "WHAT are you taking a photo of?" Or they'll comment as they walk by, "That sure is the shot of the day." Then when they see me somewhere else NOT taking a picture, they'll want to know how my photos came out. Tourists and photo pros alike all want to exchange emails to share what they have seen and captured.

I've noticed carrying a camera larger than a sandwich is kind of like walking with Luna. One is always noticed and 50% of the time some interaction takes place. People are funny, as if seeing a camera or a dog out of the house is some new experience. We're a weird species we are.

Simply Recipes' "Spicy Vegetarian Chili"

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”

--Edward Abbey

The Wanderer

Look what I found wandering about at the Valley of Fire. This Tarantula was about the size of my palm and quite the fast walker. I had already used up both my CF cards shooting the Valley of Fire but, as always, had my Sony P&S with me. Got about 15 shots before I decided to let it meander on its way. It didn't rear up once which I was waiting for so I guess I didn't scare it too much with the black box zooming in about 5 inches away. Could have watched it for an hour if I had had the time.

While I RUN from other spiders, Tarantulas never seem to make my nervous system jump or crawl in the same manner as ugly, creepy, jaw-grinding little 8-legged runners of horror. YUCK.

One another note, we're going to be 82* today. We've had a beautiful fall so far. It is definitely the time to be out in the desert.

Simply Recipes' "Apple Walnut Gorgonzola Rustic Tart"

There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There's no such thing as life in-between.

-- Pat Riley

Red Car

Last weekend was the Henderson Super Run. 1000's of cars take over Water Street along with 1000's of people looking at said cars. I took about 300 photos. This is one. It's been 'photoshopped' a bit. What a great program. I covered the street in gravel and made the red truck next to this hot rod disappear by 'covering' it in whatever purple bush had been sticking up behind it. Did a number of other tweaks too. Big fun.

Ode I. 11 - Horace

Ode I. 11

Leucon, no one’s allowed to know his fate,
Not you, not me: don’t ask, don’t hunt for answers
In tea leaves or palms. Be patient with whatever comes.
This could be our last winter, it could be many
More, pounding the Tuscan Sea on these rocks:
Do what you must, be wise, cut your vines
And forget about hope. Time goes running, even
As we talk. Take the present, the future’s no one’s affair.

~ Horace ~

(The Essential Horace, edited and translated by Burton Raffel)

September Meditation

September Meditation

I do not know if the seasons remember their history or if the days and
nights by which we count time remember their own passing.
I do not know if the oak tree remembers its planting or if the pine
remembers its slow climb toward sun and stars.
I do not know if the squirrel remembers last fall's gathering or if the
bluejay remembers the meaning of snow.
I do not know if the air remembers September or if the night remembers
the moon.
I do not know if the earth remembers the flowers from last spring or if
the evergreen remembers that it shall stay so.
Perhaps that is the reason for our births -- to be the memory for
creation.
Perhaps salvation is something very different than anyone ever expected.
Perhaps this will be the only question we will have to answer:
"What can you tell me about September?"

~ Burton D. Carley ~

Luxor At Night

Recently I did a really fun 'field trip' with the Nevada Camera Club. It's interesting to see my home town in a different manner...with a different eye so to speak....than I'm used too. As an almost-native (30+ years), I don't do much touring inside the city. This field trip had me out on the Strip at 11:00 p.m. taking photos with all the tourists. It was hot, jam-packed and fun.

We also had the opportunity to take photos of the World Market Center downtown and from a condo in the Panorama Towers. This is one of the captures I got from there:

Luxor At Night

Photo: Me (©K.C.C.)

Night photography is WAY more difficult than I ever imaged in Vegas. The lights get 'blown out' on timed exposures. But this, after some Photoshopping, came out pretty good I think. Of course, it looks better at the original size of 5+ mbs as opposed to 65 kbs. But, this is nice anyway.

Simply Recipes' "Tomato Pie"

Man, I really like Vegas.
-Elvis Presley

Great Barrier Reef Dead in 20 Years

Phil Walter/Getty Images

"An aerial view of The Great Barrier Reef on August 7 in Cairns, Australia. A recent report by marine scientist Charlie Veron claims that the reef will be so degraded by warming seas that it will be gone within 20 years, and that this situation is now irreversible. "

I would imagine this is now happening to much of the reef system in the Caribbean too. How sad for all the living things in the ocean. Mankind seems to ultimately contaminate and kill everything it touches in time.

I spent a few years living in the Caribbean. All the undersea creatures that befriended man ultimately ended up dead. Whether it was a grouper that would tag along at a fin edge or the turtles that loved to swim and bite the bubbles of exhaled breath. A barracuda that liked to swim next to me just waiting for a dropped tidbit while I fed the Southern Stingrays against the glass of a Sub-Sea . All dead because they trusted a human in the water until another human came along that wanted to kill them for food or sport.

Mankind. The final death. We should be ashamed.

Humankind has not woven the web of life.

We are but one thread within it.

Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.

All things are bound together. All things connect.

--Chief Seattle (Possibly not.)