Happy New Year!

What a way to begin the new year... a gorgeous hike on a 50+ degree day in Colorado. This photo does not give you a sense of how tall the red rocks are at Roxborough State Park, but it does capture the dynamic color and shifting light that makes it a joy to hike and observe. This photo was taken from the South Rim Trail at about 6100 feet of elevation. 

Breathe

I was struck by a column in the Denver Post yesterday by Natalie Constanza-Chavez, titled "Find holiday spirit in a single breath," -- about slowing down and focusing on nature and your breath to center yourself in this crazy time, in this busy season, of this increasingly difficult year. It's a well-written and timely reminder of what is most important. 

It reminded me of a moment a week or so ago when I spotted a huge red-tailed hawk sitting on the ski rack of my car in the driveway in our very urban neighborhood. It was so large and stately and unexpected that it took my breath away. It was an amazing sight and I keep thinking it must mean something. Sometimes nature rushes in to speak to us in some way.

Anyway as the holidays approach and the year draws quickly to a close, I plan to slow down as much as possible and thoroughly enjoy my work, friends/family, and holiday preparations. The matriarchy in my family is renowned for creating beautifully wrapped and decorated holiday packages and I love that tradition. I plan to spend time making fewer gifts more special this holiday. Who knows how many batches of spiced pecans may need to be stirred up?! 

Artists for Obama

Here is a photo of my daughter and I taken at the Obama rally in Denver on Sunday, attended by 100,000+ Coloradoans. It has been interesting to live in a "battleground state" during this election season! Among many other reasons, I am supporting Obama because of his support of the arts and their importance. The Obama campaign has an arts policy fact sheet on their website. If you'd care to take a look at more specifics and supporters, check out the full platform report. The Obama Arts Policy Committee asked committee member and author, Michael Chabon, to "describe the critical importance of the arts at this moment of remarkable opportunity and challenge in our nation’s history." His essay on page 5 of the report is great.

More Garden Colors

From the Denver Botanic Gardens -- spectacular at this time of the year. The crisp evening air seems to make all the blooms even brighter just before fall hits hard.