Texas Sunsets

Sunsets have been one of my favorite elements of nature for a rather long time. When I was little, I would sit outside on my balcony every single night to observe the sunset. I believe the reason I like it so much is because no two sunsets are the same, and I love watching each new sunset unfold. 

Not that I have been asked this question often, but if someone were to ask me "do you have a favorite sunset?", the answer is absolutely, I do. On Christmas Eve back in 2015, I saw the most beautiful, eye catching sunset I have ever seen (and I watch a lot of sunsets). It was full of color, depth, dimension, and was just one of the most captivating skies I have ever laid eyes on. The pinks, oranges, reds, and even purples, blended into one another in such a seamless way. Luckily, after all these years, I have managed to save a photo. This is the famous sunset that I have never forgotten: 

Believe it or not, this filter free photo does not even come close to giving the sunset justice. In person, it filled the entire sky and reflected deep reds and oranges over the entire town. It was mesmerizing, and everyone was outside just staring at its glory. Ever since that day, I hope to see a sunset that beautiful again, and while I have seen many more breathtaking sunsets, none have compared to this one. 

One thing I have always found interesting about myself is that I quite literally long for the sunset. When I am told there is a nice sunset outside, I will drop everything to go see it. When I am unable to see it, I feel strange, like I missed out on something I was supposed to see. There was a quote we read from Abbey that allowed me to realize what I was experiencing was a hunger for the sunsets, and it says, "the love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach...". While he is claiming there is more to the love of wilderness than just that, which I agree with, this quote showed me it is possible to actually crave nature, which I do every single day with the sunset.

I have captured many sunsets in my time, and each one fills me with such joy as I watch it set. My favorite thing to do is watch the sun set below the horizon, because it makes nature feel real and tangible, like the sun is a real, moving object. 

Image of the sun about to go below the horizon

I find it fascinating how each sunset is so different. While, of course, no sunset would be the same as the last, there is always something new to point out about each and every sunset, which makes them so enjoyable to observe. Here are some of my favorites:

What makes these sunsets so interesting is the clouds. That may sound obvious, but you can always tell what a sunset will look like based upon the clouds. For example, if there are no clouds in the sky, the sunset will be a clear ombre of colors, usually yellow and orange. If there are a lot of white, fluffy clouds in the sky, it may look like the one picture above at TCU. But, the best sunsets come after the rain. When it rains about two hours before sunset and then begins to clear, that is when you will get a sunset like the third picture - a fiery, red, orange, and purple sunset that sets the sky on fire. These are my favorite sunsets, and a big reason for why I am so in love with the rain. 

I believe sunsets are healing. I think every single person could benefit from going outside each night and watching the sun sink down. Even if it is an "average" sunset, it will still bring you peace, no matter what color, shape, or appearance the sky takes as the sun sets below that horizon.