Swirling snow, glittering ice changing scenes inside my world like a snow globe upending daily.
Outside our home, brutal cold; while inside, a kind of hibernation seemed to take hold as both I and my computer had viruses. I am delighted to report we have both recovered ourselves.
This has been a winter not soon forgotten. We’re so very grateful for home and warmth and traveling safety these long days.
This is my friend Rhoda, the rhododendron. Rhoda lives outside my bedroom window and is the perfect weather reporter. When a look up at the sky tells me little, Rhoda can be depended upon to report rain, sleet, snow and especially frigid conditions.
The day this photo was taken it was not too cold as the leaves are open to catch the snow. Today they are open and drip with icicles so although it is below freezing, it is not much below. As the temperatures drop farther and farther, the leaves will curl back, sides to middle, till they look like tight little green cigars and the whole plant structure is visible.
Rhoda has been known to give hospitality to nesting birds. The Mockingbird is especially fond of this location. And of course she blooms beautifully each spring. Here she is in the top left corner.
Spring! Coming soon!
My computer is currently being held hostage for ransom but I am working to be able to upload new photos through hubby’s which will include Rhoda’s weather transformations.
I learned last year that robins only migrate south when food sources or extreme weather conditions force them to do so. Facultative migration, it is called.
This holly tree can be seen from a bedroom window. It grows by our front deck. This afternoon, it was a very busy robin feeding station. The last frame shows a mockingbird getting his share.
The flock invaded the backyard as well, where they were joined by starlings and all were busy running to and fro turning up leaves looking for a tasty snack and enjoying the lovely, sunny day. It seemed quite a party!
Happy New Year! Blessed Epiphany Greetings!
Growing up, I loved Christmas music. Throughout the season I would search through the old records and play them over and over. This one lingers in my memory still. To me, this version of We Three Kings has a rich, mysterious and regal sound. The person who posted to Youtube has added some beautiful artwork to the page, if you care to linger there.
Magi once travelled far from their comfortable homes to seek, to gaze. I think about them each year, the seekers, the searchers, the brave adventurers, the courageous explorers. Their breed has not vanished from the earth, you know. They are among us still.
There is a stargazer inside me – one searching for The Star; longing to gaze into His face, His eyes.
However, I am a bit like this one – see him? 
Down on his knees, begging his camel to come along… I find it all too easy among all the festivities to become distracted by things that are to serve us, and to serve them. And not only that, but see how the others have become distracted too? Yah, I can lead others to distractions too. Then we miss the shining path through life.
This year, I want to follow our pastor’s encouragement to ‘step into my dark and look up for the star.’
I want to find my way to the promise of grace, wonder, glory and great beauty in this New Year.
May you find yours as well.
Several years ago, I read and interesting book by Brent Landau titled, Revelation of the Magi. This is a translation of an ancient Syriac document. It is a fascinating story of the Nativity told from the point of view of the Magi and told with great reverence. You might find it interesting.
We had the gift of a light snow today. The beauty offsets the bitter cold.
It follows after evening and morning glorious of Monday which I simply must share.
{You may click on any photo to enlarge it.}
Christmas Eve busy winding along to Christmas day but I haven’t forgotten waking early thinking of trees. I wondered why and listened hard but found them still and silent in the dark outside my window. Not satisfied, I wrapped in flannel and opened the door. Trees patiently, quietly standing washed in rain.
I don’t see them, but I hear the early call of a few birds at their prayers – loud praises. No doubt most are huddled in evergreen and bush and brush from the steady rain, whispering bird praises.
I think it a companionable gathering – birds and trees. Storms and disease take their toll, but in life and death, trees live to serve and shelter them.
This Christmas eve, I’m not really listening for bird call but I strain to catch other voices, to hear the trees whispering. I am sure they were calling me from sleep. But I hear nothing. Maybe it’s just the breath of fresh greenery in the house. I’ve shared my early memory of trees before and I wonder if my small self heard their voices then.
Trees are like a wondrous, rich inheritance, but one taken for granted, I’m afraid. From Genesis to Revelation, trees are pictured, connecting to us in parable. They are portrayed with their own rich life, lively and nurturing and protecting. In parable, I too can have a rich tree-like life – thriving and strong, serving and sheltering.
I’m so glad we celebrate Christmas with trees; they teach me to rejoice too! Listen, you might hear them clap their hands! Now on this silent night, I listen for the rustle of their praise and add my own to the chorus.
Merry Christmas to all!
Sumac red and dogwood mahogany fade to apricot this long and extraordinary season.
Russet and gold mellow; the world is quieting.
Ice begins to form on the birdbath and this year the Snowbirds compete with the Goldfinches at the thistle feeder.
Frost twinkles in the early light before sun.
Contours and features long hidden in green come back into focus.
And one night, the first snow drifts down. Time to settle into warm clothes, lamplight, comforting foods and wrapping my heart extra tight in gratitude for wonder and blessing.
I found these lovely words by Will Carleton, American poet:
Sweet and smiling are thy ways, Beauteous, golden, Autumn days!
Bright jewel colors still linger.
There are mysteries this year of purple leaves and fallen oak leaves, blooms with berries and brilliance in tree tops.
Sunsets glorious with clouds end days.
” She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household is clothed with scarlet.” Proverbs 31:21
It is almost tempting to search for scarlet clothing; instead, I take comfort in making stacks of firewood.
These words from Melissa at The Inspired Room express my feelings so well about the beauty of wood piles: “Their quiet message is meaningful and even symbolic, reminding us it is time to settle in and provide a warm and safe place to nurture our families.”
Do visit Melissa as she shares her heart on home and loving fall this October.
I only stepped out the door for a moment, just to cut a single stem, but my world was waking and calling me to come and see once more before the flower season ends. One stem led to another…
