Virginia Craft

As of January 2025, I'm currently immersed in an open-ended silent meditation retreat so I'm not checking Mastodon.

Be kind and loving to yourself and all others 🤍

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Retreat Website: laughingwithwolves.com
Adventure Website: unboundroutes.com

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npub1s230lurlk3gmks8gt5t3gh2wqdtljl2zyzyrymyugpvz2yu4923snerp98

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va_at_freeradical.zone@momostr.pink

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nprofile1qqsg9ghl7plmg5dmgr5969c5t48qx4le04pzpzpjdjwyqkp9zw2j4gcpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dssadase

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npub1s230lurlk3gmks8gt5t3gh2wqdtljl2zyzyrymyugpvz2yu4923snerp98

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Last Notes

2024-12-31 17:30:58 UTC

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Thank you so much, Mike! I'll do my best :)
I hope you're well! ❤️

2024-12-31 12:27:58 UTC

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Thank you so much, dear Tim! I will be back for sure and I'll look forward to reconnecting with folks here. It's been such a joy to do so!

2024-12-31 12:15:26 UTC

On January 2nd, I’ll begin a strict, solitary, long-term #meditation retreat at the Tibetan Buddhist hermitage where I’ve been living. I’ll largely step away from communications to dive deeper into silence and cultivate a healthier mind. It’s been a joy connecting on #mastodon, and I’ll truly miss you all. But this isn't forever—I’ll be back :) In the meantime, spread #kindness and keep adventuring!
With love 🤍
My retreat website: laughingwithwolves.com
#mentalhealth #compassion
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/747/371/344/766/703/original/a29f998c54256942.jpeg

2024-12-30 20:55:06 UTC

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It's still early! I hope you get more and can enjoy this winter 😍❄️

2024-12-30 19:54:51 UTC

A little late for #MountainMonday, but never too late for #mountains!
Here's another shot from my back "yard" here in #Colorado. This was with the first morning's light when the mountains broke through the clouds after a snowstorm. I love how beautiful fresh snow is!
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/743/514/083/994/889/original/b8c62172c1eb4a78.jpg

2024-12-24 13:33:21 UTC

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For sure! You're fortunate to be so close :)

2024-12-24 02:23:04 UTC

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Ah gorgeous!

2024-12-19 12:56:22 UTC

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Ah beautiful! I love the desert in spring! The delicate desert flowers don’t demand attention—you have to look closely and notice them.

2024-12-19 12:43:15 UTC

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Thank you so much! 🥰
I was bubbling over and knew I had to stop!

2024-12-19 11:56:23 UTC

Driving home from a town trip yesterday, I just had to pull over to take a photo because the sunset light was illuminating this golden field with Tibetan yaks, all the while a lenticular cloud is hanging out over the #mountains!
#weather #Colorado
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/679/349/940/714/690/original/6299b1590d50bd2f.jpg

2024-12-17 19:42:19 UTC

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Oh, that's hard... In getting a new puppy, it's not about replacing Gaspar (which you would never do!). A new puppy is a different bond and a new chapter in life, not a replacement 🤍

2024-12-16 13:17:56 UTC

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Ok, I'll revise: *relatively* short 🤣
When I did the CT, I had the thought that it would be a great beginner's thru! Still challenging, but not hard.
Yes! So many adventures!!!

2024-12-16 13:10:03 UTC

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I really loved it and highly recommend it for a shorter, dip-your-toes-in-the-water thru-hike! It's just beautiful the whole way! 😍

2024-12-16 12:57:53 UTC

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Right place, right time! 😊

2024-12-16 12:53:38 UTC

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Hahaha! This makes me so happy 😂
@npub1ttg…v0xy

2024-12-16 12:50:38 UTC

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Yes! I love it when there's thick snow on trees! This is silly, but it always makes me think of the "frosting" on Frosted Mini Wheats 😂

2024-12-16 12:49:04 UTC

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Oh, look at that—gorgeous!

2024-12-16 12:47:47 UTC

For #MountainMonday, here's a shot of yours truly in the San Juan Range on the #Colorado Trail, with those classic iron-rich, red-toned #mountains.
I love this section of the Rockies!
#hiking #backpacking
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/662/528/575/970/763/original/d5aa807192b1df4a.jpg

2024-12-12 15:05:12 UTC

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If only! 😂

2024-12-12 11:50:42 UTC

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Oh so soft and mystical!

2024-12-12 11:41:31 UTC

Azul races and zooms and zips and flits and darts and whirls and spins and dashes around in the snow!
#DogsOfMastodon
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/639/648/881/522/887/original/77313d6e0095c8f7.jpg

2024-12-09 19:33:42 UTC

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An absolute reward to emerge from the green tunnel and catch views like this!

2024-12-09 12:28:38 UTC

Oh glorious #MountainMonday, where I get to see mountain photos from around the world!
Here's a shot of the remnants of a very surprising mid-July snowstorm in the Sierra. I'm a sucker for #mountains, dramatic weather and skies, and solitude, so this checked all the boxes! :)
#California #hiking #backpacking
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/622/836/704/243/975/original/51661c30c8a9190a.jpg

2024-12-08 13:05:35 UTC

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😍
I'm so glad you got this during your stay here! It's pretty special

2024-12-08 12:56:39 UTC

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Snow just makes everything more beautiful!

2024-12-07 22:03:16 UTC

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Yes! 😍
Though, soon the day will come when it's truly too cold for me to wear sandals in the winter here at 8000'... Sad days 😜

2024-12-07 20:44:37 UTC

I finally came up with a name for my style / preference to wear warm clothes on top and shorts with sandals on bottom when it's cold: my "backcountry mullet."
That is, business on top, party on bottom 🤙🏼
#trailrunning #running #hiking
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/613/484/702/667/756/original/0fa59e4d4330715f.jpg

2024-12-07 17:11:16 UTC

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Wow! Gorgeous!

2024-12-07 15:45:23 UTC

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I started to keep track of the photos I liked the most and it ended up being most of them, with all of them being fantastic in their own right! Thank you for this intimate connection with these delicate flowers, as ethereal as stars :)

2024-12-07 13:45:16 UTC

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That will be really nice, I'm certain! 😃

2024-12-07 13:27:49 UTC

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I did Alan Dixon and Don Wilson's version.
Skurka did somewhat of an interpretation of their route, as a different thing.
Dixon and Wilson are great!

2024-12-07 13:08:22 UTC

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No, this was just a thru of the off-trail, route-finding Wind River High Route.
I highly recommend this route! So gorgeous! 😍

2024-12-07 11:54:05 UTC

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How wonderful! I'm sure the snowshoes were an adjustment, especially being so big. Hopefully he had fun though! 😃

2024-12-07 11:13:39 UTC

Sometimes we just need a good ol' mountain reflection. Here's a shot from my thru-hike of the Wind River High Route in #Wyoming. I absolutely adore the Wind River Range and dream of going back!
#mountains #hiking #backpacking
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/611/160/929/072/330/original/ee084ac36a2c5e34.jpeg

2024-12-05 13:23:10 UTC

I'm so happy the earth's crust has shimmied and shaken around to give us #mountains!
Here's one of my favorite spots to go up to: Groundhog Basin in the Sangre de Cristo Range of #Colorado. It's a great spot to be alone with the trees and creatures!
#hiking #backpacking
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/600/394/529/557/443/original/6f8e0065ee86483d.jpg

2024-12-04 19:57:41 UTC

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I wholly share this sentiment :)
@npub1hge…lgh0

2024-12-04 19:28:38 UTC

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Love it! 😃

2024-12-02 20:42:49 UTC

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Hahahahah! When he added the funnel, I cracked up! 🤣😂

2024-12-02 12:23:27 UTC

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Perfect! I love when things align like that :)

2024-12-02 12:14:23 UTC

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It actually wasn't too bad, surprisingly! Larger rocks were cleared so it was a bunch of smaller ones. The ground was slightly uneven, but the whole thing was worth it because of how grand and beautiful that spot is! 😍

2024-12-02 12:02:10 UTC

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Ah gorgeous! So happy you had a real Colorado experience with a snowstorm and all! 🤍❄️

2024-12-02 12:01:38 UTC

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Wow, that's cool!
Also, I'm so happy your mission was accomplished and you had a great time with family in a beautiful place! ❤️

2024-12-02 11:58:31 UTC

#MountainMonday is here again, hooray!
Here's one of my most memorable camp spots. This was along the Sierra High Route, and that's Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak with Southeast Glacier in between, as seen from Lake Catherine. Setting up the MLD Trailstar tarp with all of those rocks was no easy task but the beauty outweighed the hassle!
#mountains #California
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/583/104/702/647/978/original/1545e791f4d47834.jpg

2024-11-30 03:11:11 UTC

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Thank you so much for taking time to read the post, dear Tim! 🥰 It's my sincere hope that it can be helpful for people.

2024-11-30 01:19:38 UTC

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Ooo I love that feel!

2024-11-30 00:19:09 UTC

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So beautiful!

2024-11-29 19:46:25 UTC

Thanks to those who responded to my query the other day, I felt inspired to create a blog post for non-techie and techie folks alike on why and how to quit mainstream social media, and how to join #mastodon and the #fediverse. My hope is that this is an easy-to-use guide that simplifies the whole process for people who feel overwhelmed just trying to figure it all out. Please share this with anyone you know who may be interested :)
https://unboundroutes.com/2024/11/29/quit-social-media-join-mastodon/
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/568/037/930/546/745/original/4884e4837af66caf.webp

2024-11-28 15:58:10 UTC

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And I'm SO happy for you and your family that you get this time here!

2024-11-28 15:44:55 UTC

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Oh, to be surrounded by nature and creatures is so joyous! 😍

2024-11-28 15:22:57 UTC

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I wish I was capable of doing that with such comfort! 😂

2024-11-28 15:04:06 UTC

This puppy loves being in the snow! That little hind leg lifts ever so conveniently to receive belly scratches :)
#DogsOfMastodon
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/561/178/751/265/098/original/32c3acf53460ccc1.jpg

2024-11-28 14:59:39 UTC

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Yay!!! This looks so beautiful and fun! Love the shot of the Mule Deer too! ❤️

2024-11-27 18:02:18 UTC

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I'm so glad you're getting a real Colorado experience! 😄🤍
Here are things from my neck of the woods here in CO. The mountains are being shy still 🫣
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/556/227/984/627/877/original/02bf5c3b273bf70b.jpg

2024-11-26 17:31:51 UTC

Nothing is more sobering than #driving in a snowstorm in the #mountains & seeing a car rolled over on the side of the road 😳
Also, if you're driving in snowy conditions, please leave plenty of space with the car in front of you. Riding their tailgate isn't a good idea b/c if they need to stop suddenly or if they go out of control, you're likely to hit them (or worse) which isn't good for either one of you. This is "Driving in the #Snow 101."
So please, practice patience and leave space.

2024-11-26 15:33:37 UTC

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Perfect! Then enjoy the beauty and have fun! 😃❄️🏔️

2024-11-26 15:25:24 UTC

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And now I wonder if you're getting caught in this big snowstorm we're having in the state? If so, I hope you're able to stay put and keep warm. Or go play in it, of course 😉❄️

2024-11-26 01:49:09 UTC

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Amazing! Look at that cute, fuzzy neck 😍

2024-11-25 14:14:01 UTC

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Wooo! Yay Colorado and mountains!
Have such a great family trip ❤️

2024-11-25 13:03:38 UTC

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I have a sense that where you live has lush greenery and is quite gorgeous! We just all live on a really beautiful planet 😍

2024-11-25 12:34:57 UTC

For #MountainMonday, here is a view from my back "yard," taken yesterday evening just before sunset. Those mountains are between 12,000' to over 14,000' in elevation (3657m to over 4267m).
I do my best to keep #mountains close wherever I live! :)
#Colorado
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/543/593/964/278/242/original/6f46ac98e16d1e15.jpg

2024-11-24 13:53:51 UTC

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I totally get that natural high! 😍

2024-11-24 13:20:37 UTC

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You have one of those smiles that I just can't help smiling when I see it! Contagious! 😀

2024-11-24 13:03:25 UTC

Thanks to another person on here who showed me this image. You never know what someone has been through or is going through. Kindness can transform out of any adversity just so long as we have the conative intelligence to do so.
Let's be kind to each other 🤍
#trauma #abuse #kindness #compassion
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/538/045/894/070/092/original/9b157983123d0c08.jpeg

2024-11-23 16:20:04 UTC

You know what feels good? Just letting yourself laugh at things. You know, like a kid who laughs at the silliest things. And doing so without letting the adult in you get in the way with judgments, critiques, fears, and such. Just laugh! :)
#humor

2024-11-23 16:13:41 UTC

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Hahaha! While we're at the, I'll go ahead and throw in the Sierra 😂 Not to mention all of the other amazing ranges in the world. So many mountains! 😍

2024-11-23 16:11:17 UTC

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Ah it's such a distinctive area! I was amazed at how western the mountains looked. I could live in Maine or New Hampshire and be very happy 😊

2024-11-23 16:06:34 UTC

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You're making me nostalgic for the Whites!
That one photo looks a lot like Franconia Notch area

2024-11-23 16:04:30 UTC

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Love that golden hour light!
And the silky Rapunzel waterfall hair 😍

2024-11-23 13:44:58 UTC

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Oh, thank you so much. This truly means a lot :) I so appreciate our connection as well, dear Tim!

2024-11-23 13:35:03 UTC

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Thank you so much, dear Tim! I didn't realize that when I edited my post that it would reappear in people's feed afresh. Haha! 😅

2024-11-23 01:10:44 UTC

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I love this photo and that title!

2024-11-23 00:07:55 UTC

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Yes, the translate feature! Sometimes I try to figure out which word is which or become fascinated by the German compound words that are a million characters long 🤣

2024-11-22 23:35:40 UTC

Two things I love about #mastodon:
1. All of the different #languages that I get to pretend like I can read (think baby gibberish).
2. The #photos from different parts of the world that let me glimpse countries I dream of going to.

2024-11-22 21:45:35 UTC

Thanks to another person on here, I've been pondering vulnerability. I'm generally very reserved and only share things that feel "safe"--as in, likely won't garner much, if any, criticism. I was abused as a kid, so I know that this is a protective mechanism. I love #writing, yet I mostly keep it to myself and also hate doing it because it means I have to put myself "out there." I've only been on #mastodon for less than 2 mos but am already starting to feel safe. I'm grateful for this community!

2024-11-20 23:56:19 UTC

I am helping a friend try to find the right #mastodon instance for them to get started. This seems to be the mystery and the major hurdle to cross for new users to take the leap into the #fediverse.
Does anyone have any advice for how someone completely new can do this? I've tried simply searching online and it's a hot mess of server names with meager (if any) details 😵‍💫

2024-11-20 13:37:44 UTC

"Cultivating a kind mind is the best and most important thing we can ever do. It is the most precious endeavor we can dedicate ourselves to."
– Khandro Kunga Bhuma Rinpoche
#kindness #meditation #compassion
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/515/540/688/987/059/original/4cef67654efb8c47.jpg

2024-11-18 13:58:06 UTC

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Yes! A total win-win!

2024-11-18 13:50:04 UTC

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Slow is good!
My ex (who I adventured with) pushed my limits with speed. Not the fastest ever, of course, but faster than I would've wanted!

2024-11-18 13:41:32 UTC

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Hahah all true! If you ever do the CT, I highly recommend the Collegiate West option. It adds a bit more miles, but if you're ok at higher elevations, then the beauty is totally worth it 😍

2024-11-18 12:55:31 UTC

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Thank you for taking the time to watch, dear Tim! :)
Although it wasn't my first thru-hike, I would highly recommend it to anyone who wanted to dip their toes in the water. And to anyone at all who is interested! I've often thought about how I would like to do it again, it was so beautiful and fun! And yes, so many cute creatures!

2024-11-18 12:28:30 UTC

Happy #MountainMonday! Here's a section of the San Juans in #Colorado during my and my former partner's thru-hike of the Colorado Trail. Once again, the dramatic skies in Colorado made for some incredible light!
If you'd like to see more #mountains from that trek, here's a short video he made:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ds464NwF5ts&pp=ygUYQ29sb3JhZG8gVHJhaWwgdGhydSAyMDE2
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/503/922/278/067/691/original/16ee860c1f2072fd.jpg

2024-11-17 12:38:56 UTC

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Hahaha your caption 😂
Also, I really like this photo!

2024-11-17 12:26:32 UTC

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Yes! That's my ideal as well! 😍

2024-11-17 10:15:37 UTC

Sunset light at Gamboa Point in Big Sur, California.
I used to live 3 miles (4.8 km) from this spot and would sit here often, looking at this view. I do miss the balanced #mountains and #ocean of Big Sur, as well as the northern and southern ecosystems that meet perfectly in this area. And that turquoise color that is the brackish mixture of fresh and salt waters gets me every time.
Oh Big Sur, you'll always have my heart...
#BigSur #California #SilentSunday
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/497/735/270/628/738/original/dff9a7a36d8da339.jpg

2024-11-16 01:43:24 UTC

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Hahah not bad either way, but I also like being able to see the unique plants that make up the big green forest 😅🙃

2024-11-15 21:57:50 UTC

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I love all of the textures in those photos! It's pretty amazing that the crisp quality captures the details so well. Otherwise, it would all kind of blend into one big, green forest!

2024-11-15 21:55:57 UTC

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"Dawn on Fractalus" is incredible! I mean, they all are, but that one...wow!

2024-11-09 01:48:19 UTC

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So wonderful! A cause to celebrate! 💃🏻

2024-11-06 12:13:27 UTC

Of course the US #electionresults are beyond disheartening...
What can we do now?
I believe the only thing we can really do is create pockets of virtue where goodness reigns and we do our part to be kind and loving humans.
What not to do?
Let's not create further separation through divisive thoughts and actions. Rather, let's cultivate #kindness and #compassion toward all beings—especially those who are most confused and mentally afflicted.
#trump #election2024 #presidentialelection

2024-11-04 22:35:22 UTC

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I love this! Street photography can be so interesting, rich with stories.
I also love how the steam moves perfectly through the photo without obscuring it.

2024-11-04 18:12:08 UTC

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Ahh I love the Whites! And you look so happy 😃

2024-11-04 11:42:20 UTC

For #MountainMonday this week, here's something a bit different & a throwback.
This is a short (~2.5 min) video that my former partner artfully made from our thru-hike of the Lowest-to-Highest Route in #California, an off-trail #backpacking route that goes from the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere (Badwater Basin, Death Valley, -282' or -86m) to the highest point in the lower 48s (Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route, 14,505' or 4421m).
Feast your eyes & ears!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EA19t2gmshw

2024-11-01 16:54:23 UTC

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Just say no to lightning! 🙅🏻‍♀️

2024-11-01 16:46:50 UTC

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Ooo exciting! Luckily when outside in it, it doesn't last long

2024-11-01 11:39:45 UTC

The #mountains produce such interesting #weather and I'm continually enthralled by watching the dramatic displays in the skies! This was two days ago, and there were scattered snowstorms all across the valley and in the mountains. To left of the storm, you can barely make out the sand dunes in the Great Sand Dunes National Park here in #Colorado
These things make me want to jump up and down like a little kid!
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/407/479/116/870/899/original/63adaa08e67e0253.jpg

2024-10-31 23:16:05 UTC

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Great update and photos! I'm guessing that when the time is right, creativity will flow from this "break" and slowness lately. In the meantime, it looks like you're engaged in meaningful activities. A win-win!

2024-10-30 12:07:28 UTC

Just got up into the #mountains at ~12,500' (3810m) after our first snow of the season. Sweet puppy dog Azul went berserk and lost his mind! Here he is, all tuckered out and content to snooze on a snowy blanket.
#DogsOfMastodon #Colorado
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/396/268/887/854/928/original/e5006061a86a4be4.jpg

2024-10-29 21:32:00 UTC

I love how the seemingly desolate nature of deserts brings your awareness to the finer details that lie therein. Without the overstimulation of more lush, fertile terrain, the mind's eye is redirected to a spaciousness where the slightest feature is exponentially accentuated.
A rock isn't just a rock in a #desert.
Here's a shot from the Great Sand Dunes National Park in #Colorado.
https://nfts.freeradical.zone/media_attachments/files/113/392/818/005/213/596/original/d6b3b5b0368f40d9.jpg

2024-10-29 15:41:18 UTC

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This was so inspiring and I appreciate learning more about your process. There's a lot to be said for slowness and it brings with it a rich intentionality that's often lost when rushing to post the latest thing or adhere to the desires of social media and such. Your blog post outlined succinctly not only your process but your progress as an artist. Embrace the slow--it's much-needed in these hasty times.
(Also, I especially love the photo "Badwater Beach"!)

2024-10-29 02:11:17 UTC

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I've recently discovered your desert photography and I'm completely enamored!