Tag Archives: winter

Anticipation

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Brown turned to white during first snow. Our feathered friends started paying us a visit as soon as I put out the feeder…squirrels, too, although they are always active. Winter’s chill replaced Autumn’s confusion. Life goes on.

Nature’s rituals are as regular as clockwork. Thankful that something is consistently good. Man can be a brute. And, He can be amazingly kind and generous. Last year challenged all of us. Some didn’t make it. Life goes on.

Results rather than resolutions. Hope instead of despair. Calm words replacing angry voices. Love overcoming division. Health being restored. Truth defeating lies. Effort required by all. Life goes on.

A N T I C I P A T I O N . . .

Please excuse the lack of clarity as these photographs were taken through glass and during blowing snow with my cellphone. Also, when ‘Man’ and ‘He’ are used, their meaning extends to all humans.

Hope your New Year is filled with a bounty of joyful experiences !

A Little Bit of Pure Joy

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It’s hard not to smile when you see this photograph, is it? This is Elliot when he was two years old and was fascinated by water and electricity…not the best combination unless one wants to become a hydro-electric engineer! He is smart enough to be that.

Winter here has been bitter cold for our region with intermittent sleet and snow mixed in. Most everyone I talk to says they can’t wait for Summer. Elliot and Audrie, his younger sister, enjoy each season.  Bitter cold winters must be a getting-older-dynamic! Although, having mom and dad layer on the clothes and pull out the sleds is a plus for them. Us more mature folks have no such luxury.

P.S. I know that other parts of our country have been much harder hit with snow and blizzards and zero degree temps. We don’t whine here in the Midwest, just state the facts.

Hope you enjoy the photograph and the joy Elliot felt at the time…as did Cheryl and myself. Looking forward to not only warmer weather, but more joyful times!

 

Here Comes The Sun

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Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter

Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun, and I say

It’s all right, it’s all right…                                                           The Beatles, 1969

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Caught in the Light

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Took a walk in the woods yesterday afternoon. Stopped dead in my tracks by this tree.

Always on the lookout for one of nature’s surprises. Almost missed this one.

Split bark cedar tree with shafts of light illuminating her unusual essence of colors, curves and twists, and peeling bark. Even the brush which touched her was beautiful.

Soon the leaves turn from green to brown and will drop away.

Ah, winter causes her to hibernate, but not to die. She is too wild.

Spring will come again, as will new growth and a summer full of foliage.

This cedar lives on for whatever purpose the Creator has ordained.

I count myself fortunate to have seen her in this captivating light.

 

 

 

Four Seasons

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Much has been written about the four seasons of our lives and of nature. Hence, even the calendar is based upon the stars and seasons: Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Vernal Equinox & Summer Solstice. I list these as they come at this time, and since summer is officially over (at least in the northern hemisphere) we enter the season of Autumn or Fall. Our lives correlate to nature’s seasons rather well.

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Actually, all life begins in the spring season when we are conceived, born and we begin our early years of development. I realize that some creatures begin their lives in different seasons, but I am basing my dialog on human beings. At this stage of the cycle of life we are filled with wonderment and often joy. I know, there are so many children whose lives appear to be anything but joyful. However, I have seen children in slums who find joy in the most dire circumstances. They inspire me.

Then comes Summer which welcomes the developing years of one’s life. This season is filled with activity, learning, and blessings. The later part of Summer involves adolescence and the challenges and excitement which accompany this season of life. Funny, how so many of us reflect upon this season most fondly as we grow older. Based on experience, please enjoy, but be careful as risks are often taken without any thought of danger…I am a living example!

Autumn comes next as these are the middle-aged years of one’s life. I now have two grandchildren who “knock my socks off” when I get to spend time with them. This is a joy-filled, and a reflective season, and is usually accompanied by many memories of raising our children. I believe it to be my most favored season …especially because I relate to nature so closely and the change of this season is so dramatic.

Winter follows and we experience the cleansing of new fallen snow and arctic blasts of air which cleanse the mind and spirit. It is also when we realize that this is the last season and we best make the most of it. Family and friends are most important during this time. Far too often we succumb to physical and mental illnesses which cause alarm among all who care. However, we were never promised an eternal life while enveloped in these bodies of flesh and bones.

This photograph was taken a few days ago and reflects nature’s changing personality during the season from Summer to Fall. I captured this image with my cell phone camera and admit it is nothing spectacular. Yet, I like it because it reveals an authentic representation of our reality, and of our seasons. So, whatever season of life you find yourself in, I encourage you to stop and enjoy it. As is so often stated, “Time flies”. There are no do-overs in life, only restarts!

Tis’ the Season…a Prayer

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I believe most people, regardless of religious affiliation, want to live in peace. This is preciously why Jesus came to earth. The angels announced when He was born, “Peace on Earth and good will towards men” (women, too). Why there is so much division among various peoples of the earth can be easily explained. Man is inherently selfish and prideful, and wants his own way regardless of who is afflicted or abused. In fact it is those whom Jesus focused on the most-the downtrodden and forsaken.

I sincerely want everyone who reads this post to know that I pass no judgement because of one’s beliefs (or lack of beliefs). And, I am very, very grateful for those who follow my blog and for those who stumble upon it. I find it gratifying to know that even one person finds either what I have to say or the the photographs I take to be of enough importance to stop for a moment and sneak a peak at one of my posts. I certainly enjoy some of my fellow bloggers’ words and pics, and am especially grateful for the regulars who visit me. As always, I welcome your comments. Now, for my prayer.

Please Lord, let there be peace upon the earth, and let it begin with me.                                                                                         

 

 

Sun, Sentinels & Scenery

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3-10-14 pm 006A few days ago the temperature warmed up significantly so I took a ride on my scooter and shot some scenery. These images are with the sun to my back as it is about a half hour from dropping below the horizon. The warm hues of a late afternoon glow turn the metallic structures into something almost real. The tall spires of this electric utility sub-station reminded me of sentinels overlooking the plain of tall grasses.3-10-14 pm 007This is that time of year when nature plays tricks on us. One day it is well below freezing and the next above sixty degrees. Most of the winter hibernators come out on these days and the human activity looks like squirrels descending from their nests and scurrying about for nuts! It is like neighborhoods come to life just as spring flowers sprout up from the crusty soil of colder days. Soon, the earth will shed her blanket of snow and frozen ground and usher in a spectacular array of life and beauty. We are still a month away from such eruptions of color, but the wildlife senses the coming change.3-10-14 pm 0283-10-14 pm 029I passed these beautiful creatures grazing and simply had to stop and shoot. The sun cast rays and shadows which made for an idyllic setting. Horses are so graceful.3-10-14 pm 021Even this goose got into the picture, literally! The geese that left our area are now beginning to return. Although they are a wonderful sight to watch in flight, they can certainly create problems as they have acclimated to people and vehicles. As a side note, I try to be cognizant of my surroundings because I am so often pleasantly astonished at what I encounter. When I am preoccupied or running too fast I can easily overlook the sublime which may not be readily recognizable. For me, this applies especially to nature, but extends to all facets of my life. People are not exceptions to this truth for they are the most complex of all creation. Well, the sun was ready to set for another evening so it was time to pack up the camera and head home which is just what I did. Shalom.3-10-14 pm 036