It may have taken a while to get here after a long winter and short spring, but thankfully summer is just beginning… I’m looking forward to many more sunny days, walks in the evening, beautiful sunsets and hopefully some much-longed for beach time. For now, I leave you with a few shots of some early summer sights!
Happy summer to all (or happy winter, for those in the Southern hemisphere!)
Since this year we have the winter that keeps on giving (I actually say that genuinely since I absolutely love winter!), I figured I would share some photos I’ve taken along the cold, snowy way. Make sure to click on the photos to see the slideshows!
During the snowfall it may be overcast, but the beauty is nonetheless apparent:
The day after the snow falls is often a spectacular day – crisp blue sky, golden sunshine and a breathtaking world of glistening diamonds:
And finally a little bit of sunset snow:
Here’s a little extra for a fun comparison:
Since we just got a fresh snowfall again yesterday and we also have some pretty impressive ice formations, there will probably be more snow and ice photos in the near future, so stay tuned…
As autumn reaches its end and the last leaves slowly flutter to the ground, I thought I would share a few more photos of autumn’s beauty…
“…The year’s last, loveliest smile.” William Cullen Bryant
I have always loved autumn. All four seasons have something beautiful to offer, but for some reason, autumn holds something special for me. Growing up I didn’t always live somewhere with four proper seasons, which meant that for many years I didn’t get to enjoy a true fall. I was lucky to spend my first years as a kid playing in leaves and watching the beautiful fall colors in Wisconsin…But I admit that I mostly remember jumping into the leaves! After we left the U.S. it was quite a while before I saw a proper autumn again. Mexico and Sydney barely had fall and the Philippines definitely didn’t have those temperate seasons since it’s tropical… I had to wait several years before seeing four well-defined seasons and my beloved autumn once again.
When we moved to France, I rejoiced at being able to see and feel each individual season. They all had their time, they were not fleeting or melting together; they were four distinct seasons. And finally, I found autumn again. The colors lit me up inside and the crisp fall air made me want to laugh out loud, for no particular reason other than feeling so alive and so invigorated. And autumn does that to me every year. The years when fall isn’t so prominent or passes by quicker, I feel the absence and I long for that season I love so much.
Then three years ago my husband and I moved to New England, and I suddenly experienced autumn like I never had before. This is now our fourth autumn here and every year I am amazed by the beauty this season has to offer in this part of the world. Although I love fall, I do love all of the other seasons too and so it was always difficult for me to choose just one favorite season… But here in New England, it’s easy. Autumn is by far my favorite season here. None of the other seasons inspire me and invigorate me the way fall does. There is something so exhilarating about the crisp autumn air and the clear blue sky. The flowers in the spring are lovely and bright, but it’s hard to compete with the rich jewel tones of autumn leaves.
There’s something about this season that makes me want to explore and try new things. I want to write more, take more photos, see new parks, go for long walks and just be outside. I want to feel the cool air turning my cheeks pink, heading back inside with windswept hair and hands full of colored leaves. Then I want to sit down with a mug of hot chocolate or tea and watch the glow of the sun on the fiery trees.
Whether I got to see fall every year or not doesn’t matter. I get to experience it now and I intend to take advantage of every minute.
“I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.” Lee Maynard
I have always loved all four seasons,
They each have their beautiful reasons.
But one stands out above them all,
My favorite and glorious fall.
Winter is biting and cold,
Hiding everything in its frosty hold.
Although a snowflake is magical to behold,
Its novelty soon becomes old.
Spring is a well of showers,
Followed by beautiful flowers;
But the pollen falls in powders,
Making me rue the spring hours.
Summer is golden and bright,
The sun setting with a glowing light.
Although it may seem just right,
After a while I long for the heat to take flight.
The autumn sky is clear and blue,
And the grass is damp with dew.
The trees know their cue
And begin to change their leaves anew.
I love winter’s sparkling white
And spring’s colorful delight.
I am warmed by summer’s golden light,
But I am exhilarated by autumn’s sight.
I have always loved all four seasons,
They each have their beautiful reasons.
But one stands out above them all,
My favorite and glorious fall.
Although this first snowfall occurred a few weeks ago, I haven’t had a chance to post the photos. The snow didn’t last long and it was pretty much gone 2 days later, but it was beautiful while it lasted. It’s especially magical right after it’s fallen, when it’s still pure and untouched. I love freshly fallen snow – there’s something so peaceful about it, and watching it snow always makes me feel like a little kid again.
And like a little kid, I’m definitely dreaming of a white Christmas.
As we wait to see just how bad “Frankenstorm” will be, as our good friend Sandy inches closer and closer, I thought I would share some more autumn photos. While waiting to experience the wrath of nature, I wanted to remind myself of the beauty of nature.
To everyone in the path of the storm – I hope you’re safe and my heart goes out to anyone who’s homes are affected.
I hope these can bring some sunshine and smiles to those under gray skies, pouring rain and heavy wind…And fingers are crossed that we don’t lose power!
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