The High Plains of Colorado - Pawnee National Grassland

This photograph was taken at the Pawnee National Grassland of Colorado.  It is an especially depopulated area of the Colorado plains since farming was abandoned there during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.  However on the day I visited it rained off and on, but I was still able to capture some dramatic sky shots in between the rolling storms. It is a vast expanse of grass that is so empty and open it simply renews your spirit to be there. Nothing gets in the way of the constant wind, whether it is fierce or gentle. I love the stark minimalist landscape. It is refreshing to city eyes.

Grassland

A vast landscape with a dramatic stormy sky over Colorado's high plains and two lone birds flying along the horizon. Can you hear the grass rustling and feel the wind in your hair? 

Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

prairie grassland art

And if you like a little music with your viewing this song was suggested by a reader to go with this photograph.

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Sky God

Waiting.  Watching.  Floating.  Listening.

The mountain sits.
The watcher waits.
The clouds slowly slowly slowly drift.

The watcher waits.
The mountain looks back unmoved.

 
Sky God 

A rugged peak punches a hole through the drifting clouds at Maroon Bells, Colorado.

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Rabbit Brush Ridge - A Snowy Minimalist Landscape

We are all ready for spring; flowers, green landscapes, and warm sunny days. Spring makes me think of planting flowers too. My new home has a glaring absence of plants, of which I am very ready to remedy. I love gardening and it will be my challenge in the next few months to get rid of stone and add a touch of nature's beauty. 

But in the meantime, I wanted to share one more winter day with you. We were just returning home from a hike on a morning fresh and crisp with new snow. I looked up the hillside to see this beautiful minimalist view of the ridge line and a gorgeous blue Colorado sky. I hope you like it and do not mind one more winter day.

 

Rabbit Brush Ridge

The sun's low angle creates interesting shadows on the minimalist snowy landscape of a Colorado ridge.  The brown husk of last years rabbit brush lends some relief to the blank horizon.

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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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Nature Blank Cards

Stillness. Happiness. Lightness.

I love these words. They are so simple yet so powerful. They are words to live by.

I came up with an idea a few weeks ago to combine one meditative word with one complimentary image. I wanted the look minimalist. Then I went searching for the right paper. It had to be special. I chose Museo paper, a creamy textured art paper that produces beautiful soft images.

It was so fun and rewarding coming up with these new card designs. I hope you like them. Right now there are only three in the Zen Nature Card Collection, but I'll be searching for more combinations to add soon.

Happiness Card
Mountain Bluebird
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Lightness Card
Flicker Feather
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Stillness Card
Cottonwood Tree in Fog
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Zen Nature Card Set of Three
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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A Cold Winter Run on the Prairie

One of the many people I have met on this vast online network is a wonderful young man that served in Afghanistan. He first contacted me about one of my photographs when he was overseas because it reminded him of home. I was honored to donate my work to his locker and he surprised me later by ordering a large version for his family's home when he returned.

The reason this photograph reminds me of him is because he is a long distance runner. Although his usual terrain is desert sand, I could as easily imagine him on this frigid snowy prairie, being just as dedicated to his morning run as this lone runner and his two dogs. So this one is for you Pj. Thanks for being there for all of us.

Runner
A lone runner and his two dogs venture out on a cold winter day on the Cathy Fromme Prairie, Fort Collins, Colorado.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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Minimalist Nature Landscape Photography

The dogs' breath came out in steamy plumes as we walked through the frigid fog of a mountain morning. The sun was just starting to burn off the mists on the snow covered prairie. Tracks of various animals; coyotes, rabbits, weasels, and mice crossed the crusty snow in patterns of pursuit or escape. The wide open space which seemed barren at first glance was full of life. It captured me with its simplicity as nature always does. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Cattail Prairie
The wide open snow covered prairie with a stand of winter cattails and a view of distant mountains is perfect for creating that serene, comforting, artistic feeling in your home, office, or studio. Cathy Fromme Prairie, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope - Flicker Feather

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I am so happy to share with you that my photograph "Flicker Feather" has been featured on Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope. Have a great weekend friends!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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