Nature Reflection #3

 

Nature Reflection #3

            I am lucky to have a fantastic roof/deck at my house. It is the brick house with the arches across from University Church. I have spent countless sunsets up there like the one pictured here by myself but usually with close friends. As someone that has always loved a great sunset, I feel very unfortunate to have that space. It is a great example of how beauty can be both natural and man-made, and even elevate each other. In this picture, you can see a beautiful church that looks like it has been apart of the land for a long time. This building is sandwiched by a garden with

gorgeous, massive trees on the bottom and perfect sunset viewing area above. Depending on the time of year, the sun will set directly behind the bell tower. All of it combines into a relaxing view that I never get tired of. Having that easy access to a beautiful view is also something I take for granted way too much. On this particular night, as you may be able to tell in the photo, there was a family of birds that were mostly posted up on the bell tower. They would fly up in circles and all around, patrolling the skies. Watching them land was the coolest part. From 100+ feet up, they would descend quickly, expertly using gravity and drag from their wings to land precisely where they wanted to at the precise speed they needed. I often see wings as a source of speed and movement, so seeing them being used in the complete opposite way as they attempted to slow down to land was fascinating. When the day comes in which I depart from Texas, I will always miss the Texas sunsets. They are good everywhere, but for whatever reason it is on another level here. The wide-open skies and the wisps of clouds always combine for a majestic sight. It amazes me that something so routine and ordinary as the sun setting can sometimes be the most beautiful sight we will ever see.