Project Athena - Day 294 (Bridges)

March 28, 2015

Now That's a Bridge

Several years ago, Lara and I took a wonderful Colorado road trip to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We didn't really plan where we would go, we just got in the car and drove. We saw some amazing scenery along the way and this was one place we stopped so I could photograph this awesome arch bridge, near Leadville, CO. At the time, I did not know it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I just knew it was a photo opportunity that would not come again for a long while.

I am pulling it from the archives today because I love this picture and also I have run out of cool looking bridges found in northern Colorado. Hope you enjoy.

Red Cliff Bridge, built in 1940 near Minturn, ColoradoNikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 55mm • F/8 • 1/125s • ISO 200 — **Red Cliff Bridge, built in 1940 near Minturn, Colorado**
Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 55mm • F/8 • 1/125s • ISO 200

Project Athena - Day 293 (Bridges)

March 27, 2015

Building Bridges

Did you know that "Woodward, Inc. is the world's oldest and largest independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of control systems and control system components (e.g. fuel pumps, engine controls, actuators, air valves, fuel nozzles, and electronics) for aircraft engines, industrial engines and turbines, power generation and mobile industrial equipment." (Wikipedia).

What I know about this company is that they have gorgeous grounds that rival some of the most beautiful arboretums in the world; back in the 60's, 70's and early 80's they required their male employees to wear military style haircuts and neckties to work; they are currently building a new mega-facility in north Fort Collins on what used to be my favorite golf course (glad to see they have not torn down the old barn and silo); they are self-insured, meaning their employees get great medical coverage with a MD on site; and they pay their bills on time.

What I didn't know is that I could actually park in the visitor area to take this picture. Thanks Lara, former Woodward, Inc employee, for the tip.

Project Athena - Day 292 (Bridges)

March 26, 2015

Crossing Another Bridge

I just got home from a beautiful life send off for my friend Fay. It was a beautiful Buddhist ceremony, called “Shing Kam: Pure Realm of Shambhala,” written by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Fay, who was a Shambhala Chaplin, also shared her final teaching on practicing kindness, which was a gentle yet deeply moving message and exactly how she lived her life.

It felt great to also reconnect with friends I've not seen in awhile, to revel in the well lived life our sister Fay and to practice the kindness she wanted for us all. I am sure she is well onto her next journey by now and smiling all the way. As you cross the final bridge into where ever that may be dear Fay, know that all is well.

Poudre River Trail Bridge, Fort Collins, COFujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 25.4mm • F18 • 1/50s • ISO 320 — **Poudre River Trail Bridge, Fort Collins, CO**
Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 25.4mm • F18 • 1/50s • ISO 320

Project Athena - Day 291 (Bridges)

March 25, 2015

Bridge Over Changing Waters

It's winter-like again here in Colorado. Cold, windy, rain and snow mix. So, from the archives of this fall, I pulled this picture that I shot on the CU campus.

As I reflect back on the last six months since shooting this image, I feel both gratitude for all the experiences this project has brought my way and a longing in my heart for something unknown. As my wise mother shared with me last week, "life is not meant to be lived like it is a dress rehearsal. This is it. Every moment of every day is the real deal."

This truth has been having its way with me every since she spoke these words. I am seeing how I currently live my life like I am rehearsing for something to come. I am absolutely addicted to my comfort zone and while I hear my heart begging me to break free of this, I appease myself with platitudes like "when the time is right....you will finally get to.....blah, blah, blah."

Underneath all that, I then feel anger, resentment, even rage for marginalizing myself. I can see now how that anger sits under the surface of almost everything I touch. Even this project, at times, has felt like I am practicing for my dream role in life and I keep it small to maintain my comfort level.

I am ready for a shift in my reality. I don't know what it's going to take to start showing up more FULLY in life but I will start with putting out a prayer for this shift to begin now along with a willingness for change. I am asking for courage to be here as I sense there may be some bridges burned in this exciting transformation.