The right sky

Summer is half gone, wheat harvest is here and I have still not found the time to ride my bicycle.

Because there is so much to do on a daily basis, I wake up around 5 a.m.--generally--and sit outside in the cool air, sipping my cup of tea. The other morning it was the right sky to see the sunrise, my first in Nebraska.

The right sky? Yes, the right sky—when you see all the colors imparted into the clouds. But there has to be just the right amount of billowy clouds. The cool deep blue sky with little puffy spots catching the opening rays of the sun brings a good morning smile from nature. Deep reds and oranges mixed together into brilliant ambers and golds, with maybe a hint of silver from the clouds themselves...it's remarkable.

It's right.

When I’m out talking with people, I often look up into the sky and say “this may be a good morning for a sunrise,” or at night a sunset. I am returned a strange look from people when I explain “You need the right amount of clouds to reflect the colors.”

The other day, after chasing a combine crew, with the day ending, I said those words, “it may be a great sky for a sunset,” to the farmer and the crew boss.

I got that look.

I'm sorry, but I want to photograph combines working with that beautiful sky as a background.

On that same day I got to experience the thrill of riding in a $360,000 John Deere machine, my first. That was the coolest--looking out that big windshield and watching the grain being cut, seeing how the machine grabs the wheat, cuts it and pulls it up into the hopper.

Things like this intrigue me. I want to find out more, but give more back. Letting people see what might be out there.

Watching a sunrise or sunset is something I can do every day, but it is never the same every day. There is a peacefulness that can be sensed in a sunrise or sunset. Watching the day begin and end is exciting, not knowing what will come at me through the day. Life is wonderful when the plan comes together.

Watching a combine crew work from the sidelines or from the cab is watching a true work of art that few in this urban world will experience. It is one of those things that you never forget, like a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.

With summer still here whatever you do, see or experience something that you love. The bicycle can wait.