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| November morning walk. |
On my brisk morning walks this week I have been reflecting on all that arrived in November.
1. Political upheaval.
No matter how you voted, political change is in the wind.
I am, however, most GRATEFUL for the cessation of political ads.
2. A SUPER MOON.
It truly was as bright, big and brilliant as forecasters predicted.
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| Super Moon over our house Nov. 13, 2016. |
3. First Winter Storm!
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| Hello Winter Storm Argos! |
Winter Storm Argos was the most welcome of winter weather. Not only was it our FIRST snow of the season, it was the FIRST moisture we received in a very long, dry 35 days.
It has been so warm and temperate with few frosts/freezes that I swear the Canadian Geese are pondering whether to rent or buy--and, just skip the whole migration-thing.
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| First morning of ice on a pond's edge. |
It is short lived as warming temps return and it will be 50 degrees and other perfect sunny day by Sunday.
Usually--well, there's no usually about it anymore, is there?--it's hard to realize that winter doesn't officially begin until Dec. 21 because by November autumn has been replaced by winter in terms of snow accumulation and freezing temperatures.
La Nina is having fun with Colorado this year. Our high pressure system has pushed colder temps and precipitation to my friends in North Dakota and to the south/southeast.
But, this week, I've rejoiced in some mysterious, dark, overcast mornings with temps below 20 degrees--perfect for adding the extra gear and being grateful for hooded coats.
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| A true November morning. |
Perhaps because it was such a grim and divisive political year, Thanksgiving seemed a special refuge reminding us of the beauty and warmth to be found with family and friends.
I was amused, however, at the many newscasts containing special advice to viewers on how to avoid the topic of politics at the dinner table. Politics, always a tricky topic of conversation, was clearly NOT the invited guest this year.
Our Thanksgiving morning was made even more special with a pair of Bald Eagles soaring over the pond, marshes and eventually our house. Delighted to spot them in the distance while we made our tea and coffee, Ken and I ran outside to the back deck to watch and appreciate their leisurely flight on the strong winds that carried them effortlessly west to east.
This could be the same pair of Bald Eagles that nest every year about a mile-and-a-half away from our house. We often see them in their big ancient cottonwood at the very top branch during the winter months, but this year through the summer, too. It's marvelous when they fly over our neighborhood, especially our back yard on a morning when we happen to look outside!
5. Creative sparks.
It's a marvelous thing to have creative friends! Earlier this month we had a YUPO PLAY DAY, where Annie taught us how to embrace all the possibilities of Yupo paper. (For complete details see my other blog, http://TobyBakerSparklingStories.blogspot.com.)
Long before that, however, we began to entertain ideas of the four of us, Annie, Suzette, Susan and I, bringing our energy and art together for an exhibit in 2017. The spark ignited enthusiasm and creativity and we have...
eARTh: The 4 elements
It's quite exciting as we have a location: The Art & Heritage Center in Windsor, CO.
And, we have a date: February 22-March 22, 2017.
At breakfast a couple of weeks ago this is what Annie and Susan had to share:
In next month's post I will focus on my approach and what I want to bring to this exhibit.
6. Quiet beauty.
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| Walking along the Poudre River Trail is idea for contemplative thought. |
"Autumn wins you best by this its mute appeal to sympathy for its decay."
--Robert Browning
