A few leaves that survived the cold winter juxtaposed against the growth created by the longer and warmer days of spring. I looked at this scene today. I made images of what I saw. I thought about how it might reflect on my own situation.

This morning I traded places with the tree for a while and just wondered. What had this tree been through in its lifetime? From brutally cold winter days, to the searing heat of many summers, through the blustery days of spring and fall, this tree is still alive and well.

This tree has given me shade. It has allowed me to photograph it with nary a complaint. It has seen my kids grow up. It has seen the economy flourish as well as flounder. But it continues to muster up the energy to show us its strength each spring. This is inspiring to me.

Every fall, this tree tosses out all of its belongings and hunkers down for a while only to welcome spring with a glorious display. This particular tree decided it would be wise to keep just a few important attachments to its history.

Spending some time with this silent companion has inspired me to do some of the same. To try and make a change to my situation. Toss out most of the old stuff, keep what is important, and start to grow again.

My 13-yr old son Braden and I went downtown this afternoon to see what sort of mischief we could find. We ended up finding a great burger joint along with some spring flowers.

He made this image:

He’s pretty good at this stuff, even if I do say so myself.

Did you know that it is the International Year of Astronomy?

I do. But that doesn’t really matter. I am always looking to the heavens. The sky is such a wonderful thing to look at. It is very humbling to me. It is very majestic to me.

B and I headed to the Sunriver Observatory Saturday evening.

The stars tried their best to be bright, in spite of the light of the moon.

The company was excellent.

Our minds were yearning.

Our eyes were willing.

We saw great things.

We were in wonder of the worlds that surround us.

Unfathomable objects light years away.

The tools to see them readily available in our hands.

Honest fun was had by all.

I tried to make some images but was too intrigued by the moment.

I hope you enjoy.

With the clear skies of spring on the horizon, I hope that you can take the time to look up. Look to the heavens for even just a few minutes.

It helps to clear the mind.

Really, it does.