This is the time for New Year’s Resolutions, but I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions. Too many big ideas for big changes, too little follow-through. So I’m not adding anything new to the list I already have written in the front of my journal. But I will do a review as an end of the year ritual. Actually, I do a review nearly every day. This list has been around for the last year or so, and they are the basics. So, in no particular order:
- Write daily. Even if it’s ramblings, usually there is a phrase or idea worth further consideration.
- Take the camera whenever practical, and when not practical. Then use it.
- Learn something new every day.
- Life is the journey, not the destination.
- Act “as if.”
- Breathe. Breathe again.
- Treat others as I wish to be treated.
December Fog
Madison has already had 35 inches of snowfall, and until today most of it was on the ground. Then a warm front moved in and a heavy fog settled on everything. Now there are bare patches of muddy earth peeking from the patches of snow. But it made for a fun afternoon of photography.
Until the rain began to pour.
Devil's Lake State Park
This is the very popular picnic area at Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin. Today there are plenty of picnic tables available with a great view of the lake. These tables are usually at a premium. If you want to picnic here in July or August, you must set up your area at dawn.
Of course, if you’d prefer picnicking in December and don’t mind air temps about 7˚F or the wind chill below 20˚, then getting a table is no problem.
Enjoy.
Rural Mail
This mailbox photo may become one in a series of photographs – the kind of series where one takes the same shot every season of the year.
We were driving home from a nature break at Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin, when I saw the very mailbox I captured this autumn. It was an easy hop out of the car and a quick shot, especially since I was half frozen from tramping in the park, and the windchill was in the frostbite zone. It wasn’t until I downloaded my photos on my Mac, that I realized the mailbox looks as if I caught it mid-flight, ready to hurtle itself into my camera lens.
Capitol in Lights
“At Christmas time I believe the things that children do:
I believe with English children that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.
I believe with Swiss children that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love.
I believe with Italian children that La Befana is not an ugly doll but a good fairy who will gladden the heart of all.
I believe with Greek children that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread will bring good luck to anyone who finds them.
I believe with German children that the sight of a Christmas tree will lessen hostility among adults.
I believe with French children that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl will rekindle life in people who have lost hope.
I believe with Dutch children that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky and fill the earth with joy.
I believe with Swedish children that Jultomte will come and deliver gifts to the poor as well as to the rich.
I believe with Finnish children that parties held on St. Stephen’s Day will erase sorrow.
I believe with Danish children that the music of a band playing from a church tower will strengthen humankind.
I believe with Bulgarian children that sparks from a Christmas log will create warmth in human souls.
I believe with American children that the sending of Christmas cards will build friendships.
I believe with all children that there will be peace on earth.” ~Daniel Roselle
Deep Freeze
This year the Winter Solstice is on Sunday, December 21st. This day has the distinction of being the shortest day of the year and also the longest night of the year. In Wisconsin, once we pass the 21st, we have the pleasure of seeing each day get a bit longer as each night grows a bit shorter. I’m all for that plan.
I have always loved this take on the passing of time by dear Dr. Seuss.
How did it get so late so soon?
It’s night before it’s afternoon.
December is here before it’s June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
By the Riverside
Success – the ability to spend an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it.
~ Anon
Thinking about relaxing in that hammock last summer, as the snow falls and the city declares a “snow emergency.” Isn’t it funny that I would rather be successfully swinging in the shade by the riverside than be snow-blowing my driveway?
Y is for Yellow, as Bright as the Sun
Z is for ZZZs, My Work Here is Done
It’s a Wrap on the Alphabet, the End of the Year.
Here’s to a Holiday Season, Filled with Good Cheer.
To You and Yours, the Very Best
Bo
