Our recent visit to Colombia included a few days in the quaint town of Filandia, Quindio, near Armenia. This colorful "coffee-culture" pueblo is a popular destination for vacationing Colombians. One of the attractions is a large tower on the edge of town from which, on a clear day, one can see both cities of Armenia … Continue reading Colombia 2022 – Filandia
Three Portraits from Colombia
…scribbled with ink dip pen. Abuela Dilan Edwainis
Colombia 2022 – Los Insectos
This is a photo gallery of some of the many beautiful insects seen around the tiny village of Montebello in the Western Andes of Colombia where the Montezuma Rainforest Ecologe is located on the edge of Tatamá National Park. My favorite is the preying mantis toward the bottom that is decked out with an incredible … Continue reading Colombia 2022 – Los Insectos
Four Sketches from Colombia
We are visiting Colombia for a few weeks. Here are a few of my sketches from the Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge near Pueblo Rico, Risaralda in the Western Andes. Bamboo is seen growing like a weed throughout Colombia. It helps prevent erosion on hillsides and its strong tubular stems (culms) provide useful building material. The Flame-rumped … Continue reading Four Sketches from Colombia
November Aspen
The appearance of an aspen forest in November is much different than its summer green and autumn gold versions, yet its beauty is undiminished. Below the surface, these trees faithfully store energy throughout the bitter winter hoping to send the sap upward from the roots to the branches with the warming spring to come. Click … Continue reading November Aspen
Jayber Crow
I generally do not read fiction. My reading preference has historically been nonfiction. A thought-provoking and well-crafted essay appeals to me like nothing else. Years ago, I discovered the essays of a man named Wendell Berry who wrote agrarian pieces about the importance of sustainable farm practices, treating the land with care and conscience. See … Continue reading Jayber Crow
Kelly
We said goodbye to our beloved Kelly last weekend. She lived a good long life - playing with our sons, displaying entertaining streaks of mischief, and generally being too smart for her own good. Her job was a therapy dog at Longmont United Hospital where she served along side Renée for 14 years (from the … Continue reading Kelly
“Dry Side of the Mountain”
Here comes the rain (Doo-d-doo-doo)Here comes the rainAnd I say, "It's alright"Little darling, it's been a long hot dry summerLittle darling, it feels like years since it's been here Here comes the rain (Doo-d-doo-doo)Here comes the rainAnd I say, "It's alright" We live in the foothills northwest of Lyons, Colorado. This is on the leeward … Continue reading “Dry Side of the Mountain”
7-7-77 in Blue Collar
My essay, "7-7-77," is about the time I cut off the tip of my finger in a mortar mixer. This story was recently featured in a book called "Blue Collar," published by Free Spirit Publishing in Mumbai, India. This book includes an interesting mix of authors ranging from the usual "academic literary professionals" to several … Continue reading 7-7-77 in Blue Collar
To Birth a Child
If, ten years ago, you would have asked me if I would ever read one of my poems to an on-line audience, I would have snorted out a hilarious laugh. But Friday evening, May 13, 2022, that is exactly what I did. The Penumbra Literary and Art Journal held a Zoom launching of their Spring … Continue reading To Birth a Child
Doc Spratley
My essay and drawing, "Doc Spratley" was recently published in FLARE: The Flagler Review. This story is a flashback of fishing with my dad in the 1970s and fast-forwards to his final days on earth. Hope you enjoy.
Why Are You Weeping?
My good friend, Jeff Gagliardi, recently painted this image of Mary Magdalene at Jesus' tomb on the first Easter morning. This painting is currently on display at Grace Commons church at 1820 15th Street in Boulder, Colorado. Scroll down to see Jeff's text that goes with the painting. Why Are You Weeping? Oil on canvas, … Continue reading Why Are You Weeping?
Second Booster Microchip Cancellation
When the Covid vaccine first came out, I was excited to hear that it would help keep Covid symptoms to a minimum, but it also contained a microchip to keep track of my whereabouts. You see, I often get lost, and now someone would be able to help me get back home. What a bonus! … Continue reading Second Booster Microchip Cancellation
The Sickle and the Reaper
I know the "Hammer and Sickle" symbol is outdated, but you hopefully get the idea. I am trying to depict what is going on in Ukraine represented by their Trident. This image is certainly my prayer. The power-hungry ego monster with enormous resources attacked a people that possess a spirit he vastly underestimated. But his … Continue reading The Sickle and the Reaper
Fox in February Snow
My ink drawing, "Fox in February Snow" was published in the "Clever Fox Literary Magazine." See page 23: https://issuu.com/cleverfoxlitmag/docs/clever_fox_lit_mag_-_issue_002_-_final/22 Fox in February Snow (pen and ink)
Larry Norman (1947-2008)
An brief overview of the legacy of Larry Norman.
Anna Nalick
Throughout the centuries, poets have used a variety of ways to describe the brevity of life and our inability to turn back the clock. The biblical poets wrote about how our life is "like the grass that withers," and "a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away," and how "our days … Continue reading Anna Nalick
Sketches from Mexico
Here are some ink sketches after spending three weeks in Mexico… a week in Todos Santos (Baja) and a couple weeks in Kino Bay and Alamos (Sonora). Click on thumbnails to enlarge. American Oystercatcher at Estero Santa Cruz Bottlenose Dolphins play in Kino Bay Entry arch into Alamos Tortuga 1 Tortuga 2 Tortuga 3 Juvenile … Continue reading Sketches from Mexico
Tres Tortugas Marinas
We had never previously visited Mexico's Baja Peninsula until now. We have spent a week here on the southwest of the peninsula for the wedding of my niece in Todos Santos. We were able to witness the release of a dozen sea turtle hatchlings which instinctively stumbled their way toward the surf. Here are three … Continue reading Tres Tortugas Marinas
Uncle Nicolale
A short vignette of family history from Romania.