Winter shadows

"In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present."

Francis Bacon 

Bare trees

 

Bare trees in winter are a favourite subject. 

Of winter's lifeless world each tree
Now seems a perfect part;
Yet each one holds summer's secret
Deep down within its heart.

Charles G. Stater

Simplicity

Recently, the topic of one of the photo challenges I participate in was "minimal".  Minimalism is a type of photography that is intriguing to me, though I find it difficult to "see" when I'm out with the camera.  It was cold outdoors, so I headed to a workshop to see what I could find.  After a while, the photographic opportunities began jumping out at me.  Here are a few.

 

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."

Vincent Van Gogh

A winter's day

It's been a chilly lately, but when the weather warmed a little yesterday, it was good to be outdoors.

"You can't get too much winter in the winter."

Robert Frost

Snowy Owl

Finally ... after 2 years of trying, this guy finally let me come close enough.  I don't have the equipment (or the patience) for bird photography, but once in while one of these amazingly beautiful creatures cooperates.

"You can observe a lot by watching."

Yogi Berra

Happy New Year

"And now we welcome the New Year.  Full of things that have never been."  Rainer Maria Rilke

Merry Christmas

Through the years
we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star
     upon the highest bow
And have yourself a
     Merry Little Christmas now.
From Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
                lyrics by Ralph Blane

Winter wonderland

Sleigh bells ring
Are you listening
In the lane
Snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland.
From Winter Wonderland
          by Richard B. Smith

November morning

"I like spring, but it is too young.  I like summer, but it is too proud.  So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow.  Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age.  It knows the limitations of life and is content."

Lin Yutang

The end of autumn

Tomorrow is not the first day of winter, but if the forecast is correct it will be the first winter day.  I have enjoyed finding the beauty in my yard throughout the fall.  Here are a few recent shots.

 

A rosebud! in November!

I planted this alyssum in spring.  It did nothing all summer but is blooming now!

"Yet one smile more, departing, distant sun! ...
Yet one rich smile, and we will try to bear
That piercing winter frost, and winds, and darkened air."
from Autumn
       by William Cullen Bryant