Recently, I’ve been expanding my hikes. Today, I walked from Groesbeek to Gennep, through beautiful forest lanes and spring flowers. How I’m enjoying the spring!



Recently, I’ve been expanding my hikes. Today, I walked from Groesbeek to Gennep, through beautiful forest lanes and spring flowers. How I’m enjoying the spring!
I’ve been experimenting with a photo studio in my attic, with a tripod, a black sheet, my phone and the natural light from the window. I’m happy with the result!
We’ve had some big storms this year, and many trees have fallen, like this old beech tree. Even in destruction, there is beauty!
Winters in the Netherlands are often grey, damp and dark. But every once in a while there’s a perfect crisp morning!
As the days grow shorter and colder, there is a lot of moisture in the air, more often than not in the form of rain. It seems to wash away colors and details, leaving only the most essential information.
Today I was fortunate enough to show my parents one of my favorite places!
According to a Buddhist saying, “The flowers in spring, the moon in the fall, a refreshing wind in summer, the snow in winter- what do I need more? Every hour is an hour of happiness for me.”
Being in nature and perceiving its beauty certainly gives me happiness!
“I let it be, this unbreakable light
So that I become one, uncomplicated and whole.”
Anton Ent
“I see a stream with slow moving sections and patches of turbulence. I can sense it is drawn towards something bigger than itself – the lake sitting miles from its origin. I notice the water doesn’t question where it’s going – it just keeps moving.
“I look at the rocks under the strong current and observe that they are still and solid. They remain secure enough not to lose their grounded and nurturing attachment to the earth while being incessantly thrust upon. I suspect they trust in their purpose to slow down the speed of the water.
“Occasionally, I watch a leaf fall from its source. It lands in the stream and begins its way to the chaotic water. I ask myself if the leaf was clumsy and lost its true nature or if it was forced there by the winds because it was too stubborn to let go. No matter. It doesn’t fight the inevitable or swim like mad to return where it came from. The leaf surrenders to the short lived patterns of being spun around, dunked, and flipped over, knowing she will make her way to a new stretch of calm water.
“I take a deep breath by this stream and tell myself that it’s time for more faith when my waters are turbulent, for more trust, and a stronger sense that I am moving where I need to go – a place I can’t see yet, but know is there.”
– Carol Cooley
(Photo taken in Wilderness, South Africa)