It’s February, It’s Winter!

Winter in the midwest usually means snow…and if not snowing, its freaking cold. The front that came through today was scheduled to dump a good 5-7 inches of snow. Fortunately for me, the front stayed more to the north, so we only got 2ish inches, however it is still snowing but it is winding down.

And the temps are tolerable at 28-31 degrees. Last week it was 5 degrees with wind chills below zero – too cold, just too cold. But my baby Christmas trees look cute covered in snow. Both trees are the same age, however the smaller tree was decapitated by the dog chasing that dangerous mailman as he came down the sidewalk. I will be curious to see how it shapes itself as it grows.

And Saturday it is going to be in the low 40s – not typical February temperatures. It makes me concerned for March. I just want it to stay decent weather through next week as we are flying out to San Francisco. Spending a week with my daughter as we sample the fabulous food, sour dough bread…and chocolate. The weather there is not supposed to be great but I don’t need sunshine to eat.

I leave you with one last shot that I just took that I call “Snow by Streetlight”, lol. But it does depict the quiet peace we can so often miss in the beauty of any moment.

Be watchful for those moments, they may amaze you. And as always, remember the value of kindness and the beauty it creates.

Always be kind!

Grays of Winter

Now that I live in the mid-west, winter means no more sun for a few months. We do see it periodically but the gray of winter really settles in for the season. But even with the grayness, there is still beauty if you know how to look. Nature still holds the key to the beauty of creation – even in the gray of winter. Sunsets seem to be the most colorful…when you see it.

But when the snow starts to fall you see a purity that covers even the ugliest ground reminding you that even in the grayest season, beauty can still be found.

Aside for the beauty you see in the trees, small collections of snow are just as pretty, even on weeds.

So regardless of grayness or sun, winter can still be beautiful. You just have to look a different way. And sometimes in the still of night, the beauty is amazing, especially reflecting off of the snow.

So, look at the gray of winter as another way of seeing the beauty of creation taking in another side of gray. And remember whichever season you are in you can always find beauty and kindness. Share the kindness and watch the beauty grow.

There’s Something Calming About a Fireplace

Being originally from south Georgia, I tend to not be a fan of winter. But I moved this way because I was tired of the heat. We are never really satisfied with all aspects of weather. But during the winter, there is something peaceful about watching the fire in the fireplace, especially during Christmas.

If you are in your winter season, may you feel the warmth of life around you and remember to share that warmth in kindness.

Always be kind

FOTD, Memories

The midwest during the winter months can be bleak. Currently we have not see the sun in four days with more rain and clouds due this next week. 🥺 Guess that’s better than feet of snow.

So I am digging back into archives of 2021 to remember the beauty and warmth of the sunshine. I fully understand the need for the plant life to rest but I do miss them so.

Sunflowers and bumble bees…sleep well my friends.

While nature is sleeping, don’t let you kindness sleep. Share it often.

Always be kind.

First Snow Fun

Its always fun on the first snowfall to go out and play. Daisy thought it a great idea to run crazy fast circles in the 3-4 inch frozen white.

Snow hides the dead of fall making everything pure and white. I am okay with it until it lasts for days…..

The birds don’t seem to mind as long as food is readily available. Evidently its lunch time.

The bummer is that even with this small amount of snow, it has covered the receiver of the satellite dish, so no TV. Glad the cable is underground, at least I can play here. Welcome winter, don’t be mean and don’t stay too long. And please be kind to those of us who are not big winter fans.

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Yard

Jansen Photo’s challenge this week is YARD . As he says, this gives you plenty of opportunity to take this into many directions, as it can be a length, the yard, in which children play, or the train yard… and many more meanings! Let your minds take it into the direction that you want and share your ideas.

Since this Yard is located at the end of my street, that was my choice of yard.

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Graveyard

Rest quietly

Gray of winter

Waiting for the call

Home

With the certainty of death, which is where we all will go at one point, remember to share kindness while you are still here. Be that ONE…

Kind One

Calm Before the Storm

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The beauty and gnarly curves of tree limbs has always been a fascination to me. When I was younger I tried to draw them but my skills were weak at best. Today is a freak of nature day by being 58 degrees on the 23rd of February. This is a spoiler day as people are out walking and enjoying the marvelous temps outside. And of course the dogs are going nuts seeing all the activity. But…

“Have no fear” says old man winter “I am still near”!!

Starting now and continuing through to Wednesday the temps will steadily drop down in the low teens, more typical of this time of year. Combined with the temp drop, a slow moving storm front is planning on coming through and dropping an expected 12+ inches of snow on top of possible ice. While we have had the average amount of snow this winter, it has been in acceptable amounts of 1-2 inches each time, not the mass dumping we are expecting. Oh, well. It will give me the chance to get back to some writing here. I have been so busy getting book #2 off to the publisher, I have not had the chance to play with the impromptu writing I have come to enjoy in blogging.

So I wish you all a safe last attempt of old man winter – we all know the ground hog lied – but soon spring will show its beautiful colors and new life. So until next time, I wish you peace and remind you as always to be kind. Kindness is a true reflection of our inner beings.

Kindness reflection

come.

Beauty Of Photographs

Every once in a while a photograph will come a cross the bloggosphere (I am sure that is not a real word, but you know what I mean) that so inspires me that I put pen to paper and write about it. Today’s photo came from stefansphotos.se and since we are now legally in winter I felt it was good time for some winter fun…with words. Thank you Stefan for your beautiful photos. Check out his photographs at the link above.

Winter Forest

Winternight Stephan

Deep in the forest where the light seldom shines

Beneath the tall branches of the evergreen pine

There lives such a creature, one hardly ever seen

Here the cold moonlight makes his bright eyes sheen.

The snow reflects the light of the full moon above

Shining through the night like a white mourning dove.

The winter moss is green and soft at forest floor below

As he moves along paths where no one will ever know

What lurks in those dark shadows beyond those next trees

Nothing more than old man winter playing in the night freeze

– Anita Neal-

As you find yourself in the coldness of winter, remember it is easy to warm it up by being kind. Kindness can be like a blanket to wrap you up warm and snug, so let kindness come from you to cover someone like fresh new snow.

Kind snow