It was much like any other day that the scene presented itself.

I was rushing through the house in typical morning drill sergeant fashion, when I happened to catch a glimpse of color out our dining room window near Robinson, Illinois.

It takes a lot to stop me when I'm in "morning mode" but the color was so vivid.

I took a breath - and a brief minute - to look out the window. 

The sun hadn't made its way to the horizon yet, but from the way the scene was playing out, it looked like it was going to be a spectacular sunrise.

Clad in a T-shirt, workout capris and gym socks, I grabbed my camera and swung open the front door. The bitter wind stung my face and I suddenly realized I was underdressed for taking photos in the frigid February weather.

Already on the porch, I snapped five shots and headed back inside to warm up and find a coat while the sun finished its journey across the horizon.

One of our daughters was ready for breakfast. The cereal flooded the bowl as I tried to focus on not making a mess on the table and not missing the scene I knew was unfolding outside.

Breakfast prepared, I ran back out onto the porch with my camera, ready to photograph that beautiful sunrise. 

I was warm, I was dressed appropriately, I was armed with gear, and I was sorely disappointed.

Only five minutes had passed, but the brilliant colors were all but gone.

The photo above is one of the few snow landscapes I've been totally satisfied with straight out of the camera, but had I gone outside five minutes later (photo below), I would have totally missed that shot. 

Like everything else, sometimes you have to take advantage of an opportunity when it's presented to you. You may find yourself awestruck or unprepared, but once the moment is gone, like that predawn show, it's gone.

Take advantage of those opportunities:)

Who needs a coat anyway;)