Blame it on the Lunar New Year and the vibrant energy of the Fire Horse, or perhaps its simply the slow return of sunlight. Whatever the reason, I have been feeling a growing pull toward creative pursuits beyond writing. Namely, nature journaling on little blank postcards.
Continue readingCategory: Nature Observations
In Search of Spring
The edges of the snow seem to be receding. Everywhere around me is the sound of water dripping as the snow melts. Soon, it will all be gone. Especially since the high for today is expected to hit 60°F, which feels insanely warm for February. Perhaps I should go for a walk later.
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Midwinter Rituals
This point in the calendar marks the half way point between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. In traditions and cultures all around the world, from Christian to pagan and East to West, this date has been a time of celebration. We have made it through the darkest part of the year, inching ever closer to the start of spring, and that seems worthy of momentary pause.
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The Promise of Snow
Another busy day has past. At nightfall, a sliver of the waxing crescent moon appeared, hanging in the sky like a giant Cheshire cat. The crimson glow of sunset softly fading into night. Who could imagine such a beautiful sight?
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Ephemeral Snowflakes
Winter’s chill has returned. It’s icy fingers have slowly crept though the old bricks and into the house. My feet are cold as I sit here at my desk to write (even though the heat is set to 70°F). The sun is late getting up today and it’s light slow to fill the sky.
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A Season of Rest
Yesterday I went for a short walk and noticed that many of the trees had buds on them. Most notably red maple, river birch, and a few others, all quietly waiting for spring’s arrival. Amazing how there is always something at work in nature, even when it seems like everything is dormant.
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From Frost to Thaw Again
Father Winter has returned, bringing with him cold temperatures and bitter wind (high of 28F). The birdsong from yesterday has vanished as if it had never been. I suppose the robins are all huddled in their beds and shan’t come out to play today. A few snowflakes are buffeted about on their way to the ground. They almost seem to fly upwards instead of down.
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Finding Nature in Unexpected Places
I live on a tiny island of green, surrounded on all sides by bricks and asphalt. The urban landscape of a little big city. Every where you go there are sidewalks and traffic lights, graffiti and billboards, not a thing left untouched by human hands. And yet, even here, nature can be found and appreciated.
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Winter Sunshine
Gently pulled from my slumber by a purring Chibi cat, sparkling sunshine streaming in the window. It was only the night before that moonlight has been in its place. A clear day with bright blue skies. I have grown so accustomed to overcast weather that the sudden change feels almost foreign. A really nice day for January.
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Winter Storms & Seasonal Food
Damp, and yet, not quite precipitating. Fairly warm, around 60°F at 10:52 am. By afternoon, the sun had started to break through the clouds. A bit windy with intermittent strong gusts. I took advantage of the warm spell and opened a few windows to let in some fresh air.
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