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We tend to get spoiled in Colorado, with an annual average of 300 sunny days.  Today isn't one of those days, with its cloudy overcast and 49 degree temp. I know, it is late October, but still we're spoiled, right. So with the forecast of yet more cold & snow this week, I thought I would brighten your day a bit with this image titled "Sunburst".  

Do you enjoy an occasional overcast day & if not, what do you do to brighten it up?

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by............ Jim

I lived in Colorado for several years before I realized there was more to the state than mountains, snow and aspen trees. I had heard about the The Great Sand Dunes in Southern Colorado, but never took the time to see what they where all about. I mean, sand dunes in Colorado, this isn't a desert state, right. 

A couple of years ago I made it one of my goals to see for myself what all this sand dune stuff was about and WOW, what an amazing place and a photographers dream. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve contains the tallest sand dunes in the North Americas, rising about 750 feet (230 m) from the floor of the San Luis Valley on the western base of the Sangre de Cristo Range.

I have to share with you that I'm really, really not a morning person and I rarely ever see a sunrise. This image demanded that I get up well before the rooster crowed, drive in the dark of pre-dawn to the spot that I had scouted the previous day and wearing a head lamp get my equipment set up and ready. However, I have to admit it was all well worth it and I've included one of my favorite images, "First Light" from my visit and hope you enjoy it as well. Oh, and I now have one less item on my bucket list!

Thanks for stopping by.......Jim

I know you have heard the saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your Life" many, many times before. Believe it or not I'm just starting to get it, or maybe it's more accurate to say, I'm just now getting closer to living it. Having gone through the recent shedding of so much material stuff, as well as other life issues, I am now able to get a clearer vision of what is really important. The personal aging process has also brought about the shortening of time frames for goals and accomplishments.

What used to be projected in 20, 10 and 5  year action plans is now measured in this year, next month and today reality checks. Two areas of key importance have risen to the top and they are health/exercise and the love of art. Neither can be taken for granted or neglected if improvement is needed or desired. So I share with you this month's painting "A Brand New Day", which hopefully shows some daily to monthly growth in my creative pursuit of the arts. As far as exercise goes.......I'm working on that, one day at a time as well. 

Enjoy & thanks for following..........Jim

This is my first blog on my new website, so I'll try to keep it short and to the point. Shop local, buy local and do it often! This Friday is the Gallery Walk for October and as with the 1st Friday of each month (all 12 months) it is a very highlighted evening for the Visual Arts community in Fort Collins.

The art galleries and all the artists that they proudly represent have put out their best creations. They are open late, till 9pm, are excited to meet you and invite you to explore thier wonderful creations with them.

I know you've had a long week, so celebrate TGIF and come to Old Town Fort Collins. Do a little dinner, enjoy some superb art and.....oh ya, Shop Local! Be sure to make your 1st stop Old Town Art & Framery - 173 N College Ave and see my newest painting "Mirror Obscura"!

Thanks & have a great weekend!

Jim