Dawn of a New Day

Winter may be the time of year when it's mostly cold and gray outside, but it is also the time of year we have the most beautiful sunrises, golden glowing ones that light up the morning sky with so much color that it looks more like a brilliant sunset than a sunrise.  As the sun makes its way over the mountains it is a fiery red orb and awesome to behold!

Merry Christmas to You!

My Winter Wish

May winter-time's peace and nature's beauty abide in your heart and provide comfort and joy.

Holiday Joy

Mini tree & menagerie

Snowman couple & bunny, a gift from a gifted artist

Spreading JOY

Country Star

Cardinals' Christmas

Peace to ALL

In Loving Memory

Two of my most recent ACEOs are tributes to our two former cat companions ~ Pacey, our beautiful, sweet and sassy tabby, and our gentle Jasper who loved Christmastime, especially the tree.

The Snow is Gone ...

But, the snowbirds are back!

First Snow

Today, the first snow of the season is softly falling. So far, it's just a powdery dusting, but still very pretty. I love when we get snowed in at the cabin, but this snow will probably not amount to more than an inch or so before it is done.  There is always something so peaceful about a snowy day.

All Cozy & Warm

Too cute ... had to share!!!

Fun with Fawns

Summer fawns, sans spots now, graze in our front yard

"Why are you laughing?"

"Hey!!! What's this green dot doing here?"

"Very funny, lazer dude!!!

Bright & Green

Although the winter skies are gray and the leaves that are still on the trees are brown, we enjoy the emerald greens and bright flowers of my houseplants year round.  It's amazing to me that every year at about this time, the Christmas cacti know it's time to provide their showy, bright flowers that cheer our spirits.  My African violets join in, too, with their pretty pale pinks and purples.

Always

"Peace is always beautiful." ~ Walt Whitman

Holiday Advice from Silver & Shanti

The holiday season is upon us.  If stress or the blues get you down, here are some suggestions from our cats to help bring some holiday cheer your way :)

Visit your friends

Chill out

Take a nap

Take in the sights ~ enjoy nature

Play hide-and-seek

Watch the snow fall

Spend quality time with loved ones

So Thankful

On this sunny Thanksgiving Day, I'm personally grateful for so much more than I can put into words ... my loving husband, a healthy, happy daughter, friends and family, the sweetest-ever cat companions, and another year of living cancer free! Each day offers an opportunity to share and grow. Wishing everyone, everywhere many blessings and many beautiful sunrises and opportunities to shine on.

 

Peaceful Repose

 

Backyard Buck

On this cold, rainy day, a fine gentleman caller arrived for a visit.  We've never seen a buck this large in our woods or around our cabin!

Walk in Beauty

Salmon colored sassafras leaves

White-tailed deer peeking out at me

Autumn rose

White oak leaves

Last visiting butterfly



Red maple tree

Spirited Wren

One of my favorite birds is the spirited, little wren. We see and hear more of these chipper birds in autumn than at any other time. They like to hop about on our patio and taunt our cats, who they know they're safe from since the cats observe them from indoors. The painting above is one of my ACEO miniature paintings.  It was so fun to create with the swirls of fall colors in the background!

PS Fall Photo

Our peak leaf days came later this year than usual.  I think today may have been the best yet for vibrant fall colors. The reds are brilliant and the golds are shimmery, a lovely time of year for sure.  The photo above was taken right outside our backdoor looking up into the woods.

Autumn Stroll

With the leaves in all their finery, it's such a pretty time of year for a walk outdoors.  Here are a few of the sights I took in while strolling through the hollow.

Our road winding through the trees

Golden chestnut oak leaves

Assortment of fallen leaves

Montage of fall color

Sunlight on the hickory leaves

 Sweetgum with multi-colored leaves   

Red maple leaves against a bright blue sky

Halloween Night 👻

Boo!!!