Haikus of Nature


This weekend, I took a class on Haiku at the North Carolina Arboretum.

I’ve never written Haiku before, but I enjoyed it very much, particularly being in Nature on a beautiful, warm, sunny day in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I thought I’d share a few of them here, and I hope you enjoy them.

 

Namaste,

Barbara

 

Cascading Water clear

White water falls down the steps

Water reflects sun

Linville Falls
Photograph and Copyright 2017 Barbara Mattio

 

Giggles bubbling up

Did you see, did you?

The sunshine is warm

 

Monarch Butterfly at the NC Arboretum Photograph and Copyright 2016 Barbara Mattio

 

 

Carolina Blue sky

Cotton ball clouds sail away

sunshine smiles upon Earth

Sky over the NC Arboretum
Photograph and Copyright 2016 Barbara Mattio

 

 

 

Fountain water drops

splashing into the garden pond

Insects dance in Fall

 

Fountain at the NC Arboretum
Photograph and Copyright 2016 Barbara Mattio

 

 

Walk on Mother Earth

Find new way to tred lightly

Reach up for the sky

 

 

Silence is illusion

Peering behind silent drape

Nature full symphony

 

Wildflowers at the NC Arboretum
Photograph and Copyright 2016 Barbara Mattio

 

 

Beautiful Sights


A little over a week ago my sister and I took a day trip to Linville gorge and falls. It was a beautiful day. I left my cane at home and took my hiking sticks. It was some rough walking for me however I was able to get some great photographs which I am going to share with you. Thanks to all of you for your continued support. I really appreciate it.

 

Namaste,

Barbara

 

 

 

 

Not as overwhelming as Niagara Falls but still very powerful. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

There are two falls separated by a rock wall. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

water tumbling over the rocks. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

 

Linville Falls. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

Sun over the path. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

Surrounded by mountains. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

Ferns along the trail. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

 

Mountain vista. photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

 

 

Water flowing. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

Mountainside. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

 

Water flowing among the rocks. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

Wild Orchard
Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

The Linville Gorge, North Carolina
Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

 

A view of Grandfather Mountain from the Linville Gorge area.
Copyright by Barbara Mattio 2017

Washington DC in Photographs


I am starting the New Year with photographs of the American capital, Washington, D.C.  I have always thought Washington to be a beautiful city. I have been there many times for marches, art exhibits, and for treks through the government agencies. The FBI, the US Mint, the Ford Theatre — where Lincoln was assassinated — were some of them.  I wanted to begin 2017 with a bit of beauty and a feeling for our Capital City before the upcoming change of government. I hope you enjoy Washington.

 

Namaste,

Barbara

 

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The full moon rises above the flags at the Washington Monument on Monday, June 20. June's full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon, coincided with the summer solstice for the first time since the Summer of Love in 1967. Getty

The full moon rises above the flags at the Washington Monument on Monday, June 20. June’s full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon, coincided with the summer solstice for the first time since the Summer of Love in 1967.
Getty

 

The U.S. Capitol dome can be seen behind piles of snow removed from parking areas and walkways around the Capitol grounds on January 26. The Washington area was resuming partial business on Tuesday as trains and buses restarted near-normal service, while federal offices remained closed following the massive blizzard that hammered the U.S. East Coast. REUTERS

The U.S. Capitol dome can be seen behind piles of snow removed from parking areas and walkways around the Capitol grounds on January 26. The Washington area was resuming partial business on Tuesday as trains and buses restarted near-normal service, while federal offices remained closed following the massive blizzard that hammered the U.S. East Coast.
REUTERS

 

Patrons, reflected in a rain puddle, watch near the Washington Monument as the Independence Day fireworks go off on the National Mall on Monday, July 04. Getty

Patrons, reflected in a rain puddle, watch near the Washington Monument as the Independence Day fireworks go off on the National Mall on Monday, July 04.
Getty

 

The Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of African American History and Culture, NMAAHC, sits near the Washington Monument on Tuesday, August 9. The Museum would open to the public on September 24 in a ceremony attended by President Obama and many other dignitaries. Getty

The Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, NMAAHC, sits near the Washington Monument on Tuesday, August 9. The Museum would open to the public on September 24 in a ceremony attended by President Obama and many other dignitaries.
Getty

 

Children play in the snow on the National Mall after a snowstorm on January 23. Getty

Children play in the snow on the National Mall after a snowstorm on January 23.
Getty

 

The Washington Monument is seen from the Lincoln Memorial on February 12. When it was completed in 1884, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world, and it remains the tallest structure in Washington, D.C. Getty

The Washington Monument is seen from the Lincoln Memorial on February 12. When it was completed in 1884, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world, and it remains the tallest structure in Washington, D.C.
Getty

 

Joggers run past blooming cherry blossoms that surround the Tidal Basin on March 24. The National Park Service had predicted that the cherry blossom trees would reach peak bloom later that day. Getty

Joggers run past blooming cherry blossoms that surround the Tidal Basin on March 24. The National Park Service had predicted that the cherry blossom trees would reach peak bloom later that day.
Getty

 

Construction Manager Shane Gallagher leads members of the media on a tour of the rebuilt cast-iron dome of the U.S. Capitol, which was formally completed on Tuesday, November 15, on time for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. REUTERS

Construction Manager Shane Gallagher leads members of the media on a tour of the rebuilt cast-iron dome of the U.S. Capitol, which was formally completed on Tuesday, November 15, on time for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
REUTERS

 

From the top of the Department of Commerce building looking south across Constitution Avenue NW, the NMAAHC sits between 14th Street, left, and 15th Street, right, near the Washington Monument. Getty

From the top of the Department of Commerce building looking south across Constitution Avenue NW, the NMAAHC sits between 14th Street, left, and 15th Street, right, near the Washington Monument.
Getty

 

A visitor to the Jefferson Memorial casts a long shadow as she holds up her tablet to take a photo on October 12. REUTERS

A visitor to the Jefferson Memorial casts a long shadow as she holds up her tablet to take a photo on October 12.
REUTERS

 

People frolic in the snow near the Washington Monument during a winter storm on January 23. A deadly blizzard blanketed the eastern United States in near-record amounts of snow, shutting down New York and Washington in a colossal storm expected to affect more than 85 million people. More than 4,400 flights were cancelled as the mega-storm brought airports in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore to a halt, shuttered transport in the US capital and prompted New York officials to issue a sweeping travel ban. REUTERS

People frolic in the snow near the Washington Monument during a winter storm on January 23. A deadly blizzard blanketed the eastern United States in near-record amounts of snow, shutting down New York and Washington in a colossal storm expected to affect more than 85 million people. More than 4,400 flights were cancelled as the mega-storm brought airports in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore to a halt, shuttered transport in the US capital and prompted New York officials to issue a sweeping travel ban.
REUTERS

 

A tree is awash in autumn color as the moon rises over the White House on election night, November 08. REUTERS

A tree is awash in autumn color as the moon rises over the White House on election night, November 08.
REUTERS

 

The Jefferson Memorial is surrounded in fog as a man rides a bicycle along the Tidal Basin, on November 30. Getty

The Jefferson Memorial is surrounded in fog as a man rides a bicycle along the Tidal Basin, on November 30.
Getty

 

The Washington Monument stands at the National Mall on December 02. The National Park Service announced that day that the monument will remain closed until 2019 for updating the elevator system in the structure. Getty

The Washington Monument stands at the National Mall on December 02. The National Park Service announced that day that the monument will remain closed until 2019 for updating the elevator system in the structure.
Getty

 

People look at a Christmas tree at CityCenterDC in downtown Washington on December 04. Getty

People look at a Christmas tree at CityCenterDC in downtown Washington on December 04.
Getty

 

The sun sets at the U.S. Capitol as the 114th session of Congress comes to a close on Thursday, December 08. The House passed a spending bill to fund the government through April before heading home for the holiday recess. Getty

The sun sets at the U.S. Capitol as the 114th session of Congress comes to a close on Thursday, December 08. The House passed a spending bill to fund the government through April before heading home for the holiday recess.
Getty

A Day Off


We have had company from out of state. We have spent time exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was a beautiful weekend here in the North Carolina mountains. We had sunshine, blue skies and the smell of Autumn in the air. I have included some of the photographs that I took in our travels. I hope you enjoy a peak of the color and beauty of the mountains.

 

Namste,

Barbara

 

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Two tone tree

Two tone tree   Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

 

A row of color. Photograph and coppright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

A row of color. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Bonsai in autumn. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio,2016

Bonsai in autumn. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

 

 

pinecones

pinecones  Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

 

 

Holly and berries. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Holly and berries. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

 

Budding cacti.

Budding cacti.  Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio by 2016

 

 

 

The Shed

The Shed    Photograph and Copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

8 Things Happy People Do Differently


Today we are taking a day trip to see a bald mountain. Why? Well, because Rhododendrons which cover the bald area in bloom. People told us about them and we thought it sounded like a local myth. It isn’t. I will, of course, be taking photographs which I will share with you. Have a great day everyone.

Namaste,

Barbara

 

 

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What is the Importance of a Tree?


A few days ago, when I went to the Light Center because I was ill, I was thinking about the mountains. The trees were soaring over head and the air was so clean and fresh. I thought about how amazing it must have been to have traveled here 100-200 years ago. I was looking at the trees and wondering how long they had been there. Below are some of the pictures I took.

Veterans of Foreign Wars asked the government to set aside a fitting stand of trees to the memory of Joyce Kilmer. Kilmer was both a WWI soldier and a poet.  He is remembered most for his nature poetry and his poem “Trees.”

 

Trees

 

I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth’s sweet

flowing breast.

 

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray.

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair.

 

Upon whose bosom snow has lain.

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

—Joyce Kilmer

 

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Evergreens. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2014

Evergreens. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2014

“Let my mind bear sweet fruit and

fragrant flowers,

as this tree is planted of the soil of Thy spirit.

—with branches downwards:

 

I see Thy hand

blessing me

—-rising upwards.

 

in the night:

My heart stands in waiting and hope

as the trees stand through the darkness of night.”

—Hazrat Inayat Khan

 

 

The trees give us clean air and shade in the summer. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

The trees give us clean air and shade in the summer. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

“How wonderful, O Lord, are the works of your hands!

The heavens declare Your glory,

the arch of sky display Your handiwork

In Your love You have given us the power

to behold the beauty of Your world

robed in all its splendor

The sun and the stars, the valleys and hills,

the rivers and lakes all disclose Your presence.

The roaring breakers of the sea tell of Your awesome Might,

the beasts of the field and the bird of the air

bespeak Your wondrous will.

In Your goodness You have made us able to hear

the music of the world. The voices of loved ones

reveal to us that You are in our midst.

A divine voice sings through all creation.”

—Jewish Prayer

 

 

The tree seem to scrape the sky

The trees seem to scrape the sky. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Earth Day


 

 

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Magnolia blooming in Black Mountain, NC. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2010

Magnolia blooming in Black Mountain, NC. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2010

 

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The Atlantic Ocean at twilight. Photographed and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2009

The Atlantic Ocean at twilight. Photographed and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2009

This is a compilation of prayers about healing Mother Earth.

They are from many different spiritual paths. All prayers rise to heaven and all prayers are known to God. There is not just a certain religion whose members pray and receive answers or attention.

In this world, every prayer counts, and we are One Family living on One Mother Earth. Let us, all pray, whatever words come from your heart and soul. I hope you will see that the meaning of the different prayers is all the same.

 

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“Let us be united,

Let us speak in harmony,

Let our minds apprehend alike.

Common be our prayer,

Common be the end of our assembly,

Common be our deliberations.

Alike be our feelings,

Unified be our hearts;

Common be our intentions,

Perfect be our unity.”

— From the Rig Veda

 

 

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“It is up to us to receive and transmit our Torah.

It is up to us to see that the world still stands.

May the time be not distant

when nation will not lift up sword against nations,

neither shall they learn war any more.

They shall beat their swords into ploughshares,

for the earth will be filled with the wonder of life

Then shall we sit under our vine and our fig tree

and none shall be afraid.

—Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro

 

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“Cattle browse peacefully

Trees and plants are verdant,

Birds fly from their nests

And lift up their wings in your praise.

All animals frisk upon their feet

All winged things fly and alight once more—

They come to life with your rising.

Boats sail upstream and boats sail downstream,

At your coming every highway is opened

Before your face the fish leap up from the river.

Your rays reach the green ocean.

You it is who place the male seed in woman,

Who create the semen in man;

You quicken the sun in his mother’s belly,

Soothing him so that he shall not cry

Even in the womb you are his nurse.

You give breath to all your creation,

Opening the mouth of the newborn

And giving him nourishment.

——-From the Pharaoh Akhenaten’s ” Hymn to the Sun”

 

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“Water flows over these hands.

May I use them skillfully

to preserve our precious planet.”

—Thich Nhat Hanh

 

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“Be praised my lord because our sister

Mother Earth sustains and rules

us and because she raises

food to feed us : colored flowers

grass.

Be praised my lord for those who pardon by your love

and suffer illness and grief

Bless those who undergo in silence

the poor for whom you hold a crown

Be praised my lord for Sister Death-of-Body

whom no man living will escape

And pity those who die in mortal sin

and everyone she who minds you

bless: no second death

to bring them hurt.

Oh praise my lord and bless my lord and thank

and serve my lord with humbleness

Triumphant.”

—Saint Francis of Assisi

 

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“All living beings; all our relations.

We pray for ourselves and all persons;

for the ducks, loons, penguins, eagles and

sparrows:

for dogs, cats, monkeys, elk and earthworms;

fish, mussels, deep-diving whales;

eucalyptus and cactus, fir and roses; all our relations.

Guide us to true peace and security;

grant us protection and freedom from all

bondage;

help us to be free to be ourselves, with

respect for all.

Enfold us in the clear light of safety and

warmth and wholeness.”

—Hazrat Inayat Khan

 

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Bahama water garden. Photograph taken and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

Bahama water garden. Photograph taken and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2013

“The soul of the whole of creation is one, the life behind all those ever-moving phantoms is one. Meditation on this truth and the awakening to it will harmonize the condition of the world.”

—Hazrat Inayat Khan

 

 

 

 

 

We are all One Family in the eyes of the Beloved

We are all One Family in the eyes of the Beloved

 

 

Quick snatches of the Blue Ridge Parkway


Yesterday I needed to get out of the house after the last eye surgery. I feel like my new eyes are a miracle and so I took some photographs on the Parkway. It is a gift to be able to see to write, photograph and paint again. It makes me cry with relief.

 

So, dear friends and readers, yesterday was a partly sunny day with temperatures in the high 50’s. It was a perfect day to drive in the mountains and revel in what Divinity has wrought.

 

When I put a camera up to my eye, I see more than I was seeing before. I have been with non-photographers who were amazed at my photographs because having been with me they didn’t see until what I saw through the lens until they saw the photographs. I think, for me anyway, that my heart and soul see through the camera. They see what is really there. When I began to take pictures, I wanted to prove to myself that this life was real. It wasn’t a dream. I was, by extension, also real. Enough of that, please enjoy the photographs.

 

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Around every curve and hill is more beauty to thrill the soul. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Around every curve and hill is more beauty to thrill the soul. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

Every day there is more green on the trees. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Every day there is more green on the trees. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

The Blue Ridge Parkway goes from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

The Blue Ridge Parkway goes from Virginia, North Carolina and into Tennessee. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

Woodworking on the Parkway. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Woodworking on the Parkway. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

This is not an autumn photograph. It is new leaves coming out on the branches. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

This is not an autumn photograph. It is new leaves coming out on the branches. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

Wildflowers. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Wildflowers. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 201

 

 

Have you hugged a tree lately? Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Have you hugged a tree lately? Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

The Blue Ridge Mountains never stop being a thrill. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

The Blue Ridge Mountains never stop being a thrill. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

 

Carolina Blue sky amongst the trees. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Carolina Blue sky amongst the trees. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

The mountain air is as sweet to the lungs as the mountains are to the eyes. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

The mountain air is as sweet to the lungs as the mountains are to the eyes. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

Flowers in bloom on trees. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

Flowers in bloom on trees. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio, 2016

 

 

Simple beauty. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2016

Simple beauty. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2016

Merry Christmas From Around the World


 

 

Holiday wishes to all and to all a good night.

Holiday wishes to all and to all a good night.

 

 

 

May there be peace on earth and may it begin with me!

May there be peace on earth and may it begin with me!

 

Greetings

Greetings

 

 

Lights of the holiday season

Lights of the holiday season

 

 

 

 

Holiday castle

Holiday castle

 

British keep calm

British keep calm

 

 

The holiday around the fireplace

The holiday around the fireplace

 

 

lighted Christmas tree in Washington DC with Capitol building in background

lighted Christmas tree in Washington DC with Capitol building in background

 

 

 

Celebrations are everywhere

Celebrations are everywhere

 

 

 

 

The path of the toy soilders

The path of the toy soldiers

 

 

NYC Rockettes performing. They do a bang up job.

NYC Rockettes performing. They do a bang up job.

 

 

xmas now

Christmas comes to different places at the same time, but the time zones differ

 

 

christmas lights make magic

christmas lights make magic

 

 

Holiday fireworks

Holiday fireworks

 

 

 

Holiday garden

Holiday garden

 

 

 

Christmas cheer

Christmas cheer

 

Elves or children as Santa

Elves or children as Santa

 

 

Lighted tree

Lighted tree

 

 

Children at Christmas

Children at Christmas

A Journey Down the Road


Yesterday was such a beautiful day. It was like summer here in the mountains. Of course, it is frequently like that. The sky was Carolina blue with big white cumulus clouds overhead.

So Amy and I started a journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I decided to take photographs, no surprise, I am sure. So what follows is a pictorial record of our journey and the colors that are beginning to come to the tops of mountains. I hope you enjoy our trip. I wish you all a fabulous week.

Namaste

Barbara

 

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The French Broad River before we got on the Parkway. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The French Broad River before we got on the Parkway. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

 

The Blue Ridge Parkway Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The Blue Ridge Parkway
Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

 

The road is cut out of rock in some places. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The road is cut out of rock in some places. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

 

The colors are just beginning to show and there are so many shades of green. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The colors are just beginning to show and there are so many shades of green. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

 

The clouds. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The clouds. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

There are always more mountains no matter what direction you look. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

There are always more mountains no matter what direction you look. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

 

There are many tunnels going through the mountains. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

There are many tunnels going through the mountains. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

 

Red my favorite color. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

Red my favorite color. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

Sometimes no words are necessary. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

Sometimes no words are necessary. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

Bad Fork Overlook. Photograph and copyright by Amy Halperin 2015

Bad Fork Overlook. Photograph and copyright by Amy Halperin 2015

 

 

Coming out of a tunnel. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

Coming out of a tunnel. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

 

The higher elevation you are at, the more colors you see. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The higher elevation you are at, the more colors you see. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

The joy of color. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The joy of color. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

Antique truck out for a ride. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

Antique truck out for a ride. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

A beautiful colorful day. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

A beautiful colorful day. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

 

I love the tunnels and there are many. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

I love the tunnels and there are many. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

 

The River. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015

The River. Photograph and copyright by Barbara Mattio 2015