spring has returned

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. 
--Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist. 

Winter Evangelist

One of my current pet theories is that the winter is a kind of evangelist, more subtle than Billy Graham, of course, but of the same stuff.
--Shirley Ann Grau

Above: Railroad cars in the snow along the Arkansas Riverwalk Trail.

Duck Park

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.
--Victor Hugo

Above: Ducks and geese enjoying a chilly swim in the duck pond at Centennial Park. Often referred to as "Duck Park" by locals, Centennial Park is found on the south side of he Arkansas River, near the Royal Gorge Railroad at 3rd Street in Cañon City.

Happy New Year!

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.
--Benjamin Franklin

This impressive fireworks display from atop Skyline Drive celebrating the start of a new year could be seen from throughout the city. Happy new year!

gratitude

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.  --Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

I took this photo on a Thanksgiving trip to Colorado Springs a couple years ago. I kept waiting for the sidewalk to clear of visitors. It never did. But I realized it was nice to have people in the shot taking in the beauty of the Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in the background. Such a stunningly gorgeous place to visit!

winter sleep

I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.'
--Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) English writer.