The State of It

The world feels more turbulent now than at any other point in my life. I can still remember being in my early twenties, thinking things were chaotic and disagreeing with the politics of the moment. At the time, it all felt overwhelming. Yet looking back, those days now seem almost quaint—simpler, gentler, and far less divided than what we face today.

We’ve reached a moment where issues rooted in basic human decency are being pulled into the realm of political conflict. Things that once felt foundational—our shared cultural norms, the progress made over generations, and the sense of steady forward motion—now seem fragile. Many of us watch with unease as hard‑won values are eroded, alliances strained, and entire groups of people unfairly cast as villains.

I can only hope that we find a way to endure this unprecedented period of pressure, and that from it we learn to build stronger, more lasting safeguards so future generations never have to weather the same storms. In the meantime, all we can do is keep looking ahead and hold on to the belief that a safer, more compassionate future is possible—one built on the understanding that every person is deserving of basic human rights.

After all, it is our infinite diversity, in infinite combinations, that gives us our greatest strength.

"Love is color, love is loud, 

love is never saying you're too proud.
Love is trusting, love is honest, 

love is not a hand to hold you down."

- Tonic, "You Wanted More" 

California Dreaming

 

Cypress Reflections

Cypress trees rise majestically from the still waters of the Louisiana Oxbow lakes, formed by the meandering path of the mighty Mississippi River. These ancient trees, create a hauntingly beautiful landscape that feels suspended in time. The lakes, with their calm waters and tranquil surroundings, serve as peaceful havens for both reflection and recreation. It’s a place where nature’s quiet beauty invites a sense of serenity, offering the perfect backdrop for moments of contemplation or leisurely exploration.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Costa Maya

The morning sun casts a golden glow over the cruise port in Costa Maya, gently breaking through the soft veil of clouds. As its rays touch the surface, the water below shimmers in a rich, deep blue—creating a serene and picturesque start to the day.

Joe Pool

The waves of Joe Pool Lake, just outside of Dallas, TX, gently beat against the shore, their rhythmic motion creating a calming, almost meditative sound. The water rolls in with a quiet persistence, shaping the landscape with every ebb and flow. It’s a peaceful scene, where nature’s steady pulse contrasts with the bustling city not far away, reminding you of the quiet power of the water.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Scenic Surprise

 

Scenic wonders can be found in the most unexpected places, if you take the time to look. These particular ducks, calmly gliding across a small pond tucked behind a rest area on the way to Houston, are a perfect example. It’s a quiet, serene moment that many might overlook, yet it holds its own beauty. The stillness of the water, the peaceful movement of the ducks, and the simple yet soothing scene create a reminder that nature has a way of surprising you—even in the midst of a busy journey.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

A Study in Water

  

Virgin Sky

The deep blue sky contrasts beautifully with the blue-green waters of Saint Thomas, creating a breathtaking view toward Hassel Island. Where the land meets the sea and sky, a sense of magic lingers—a place that stirs the imagination with its endless beauty and timeless allure.

Black Rocks

Weathered lava flows from Mount Liamuiga have shaped these striking formations along the coast of Saint Kitts. Over time, the relentless pounding of the waves against the jagged rocks has sculpted them into towering natural spires, rising from the water like the steeples of an ancient cathedral. The contrast between the dark, rugged stone and the endless motion of the sea creates a mesmerizing and dramatic landscape, a testament to nature’s artistry and the power of the elements.

Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Windows over the Bay

Looking through the trees from Telegraph Hill downs towards Treasure Island the the Bay Bridge spanning the San Francisco Bay.  

Another view of the Bay Bridge and part of the San Francisco skyline. 

Under the Sea

 

Unofficially also a Watery Wednesday post. 

Skyline

Poking through the morning mist the behemoth that is New York City stirs across the shore from New Jersey.  My second visit to the Big Apple in 20 years; familiar yet so very different.  The city itself is mesmerizing, if you’re not careful it will hypnotize you. 

In New York,

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,

There's nothin' you can't do.

Now you're in New York….

These streets will make you feel brand new;

Big lights will inspire you….

~Empire State of Mind

Porthole

 

Calm Seas

I had thought I would retire this blog. In light of recent events, I feel it may be time to step it out of retirement and return to something more quaint.  Perhaps even hopeful.  

Paluxy River

 

Living in a metroplex like DFW you can forget what nature looks like outside of your area.  Walking down the Paluxy River served to remind me of the beauty of Texas and gave me a moment to get back to my roots.   Back home in Mississippi, I used to walk in and on rivers pretty often, that seems like a lifetime ago. 

Footprints In Time

Yesterday I took a trip to Glen Rose, TX to visit the Dinosaur Valley State Park.   I have seen dinosaur bones in a museum and even dinosaur tracks in museums, but I have never seen dinosaur tracks “in the wild.”  I was not only amazed by how preserved they were but how they felt like a direct link back to these creatures.   The footprints look as if they could have been left yesterday buy animals just walking through, not some animal that died over 90 million years ago.   It also amazes me to think that these footprints have withstood eons of time and were still so well preserved.  It would honestly amaze me if a footprint survived a week not only millions of years.   I mean consider this… a living breathing dynamic creature walked across the shoreline of an ancient sea and left footprints.   The creature went on it’s way and lived it’s entire life.  The species that creature belonged to went extinct.  That ocean receded.  Meteors hit the earth, continents shifted. Climates changed.  New animals evolved and even went extinct too.  People evolved.  Wars were fought, civilizations rose and fell like the waves on that long gone ocean.

And yet those foot prints remain.

 

What may look like holes in the rocks are actually footprints for a giant sauropod believed to be Sauroposeidon.

The three toed footprints are believed to have belonged to Acrocanthosaurus.