REALIZATION

Rising before sunrise has always been a great way to start a new day. Early morning pre-flights in the Nevada desert, arriving to the university in preparation for that first arrival of students, followed by decades of a tenacious drive to witness as much as humanly possible, and operating with unflinching self-discipline have been the foundation of a richly rewarding lifestyle.

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It is 4:45 A.M. on Sunday, and the drive over the divide is yet another solo adventure to be absorbed among the natural elements of the rural, bucolic western United States. An early morning rain cleansed the lower atmosphere with scattered, low-level cumulus clouds lingering over a deep canyon. The air had an unmistakable taste of freshness following that much needed, morning storm.

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Dropping down into the valley, and setting up for an extended cycle ride, a gentle breeze bathed over the old man’s face and body. Peddling down a familiar country back road commences as the eastern sky begins to come into view with a few residual clouds illuminated by a back lit, rising Sun.

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There are no vehicles passing by, not another human in sight, but the fields and pastures reveal small herds of deer, horses, and turkey foraging for their daily, early morning breakfast. The day’s activity in the valley has begun; it is truly a gift and a pleasure to be witnessing the natural functions, unencumbered by the boisterous, sounds of an overpopulated society. Awaking today was yet another reason to get outside to experience the realization of everyday miracles as a witness to life on the planet.

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Places I have been, visions I have captured, sounds I have heard, experiences I have valued; free in spirit, healthy in body, sound in mind, happy in life. ...dmv