Devils Lake State Park
Pleasures lie thickest where no pleasures seem:
There’s not a leaf that falls upon the ground
But holds the joy of silence or of sound,
Some spirits begotten of a summer dream.” ~Laman Blanchard
On one of the few sunny days in late October, we traveled 40 miles north and visited the premier state park in Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake. The lake is a big draw for most visitors, but I prefer the trails through the many hardwood forests. The trees had lost just enough leaves that sunlight was filtering onto the forest floor.
Light and Vibrational Forces
We do not know the past in chronological sequence. It may be convenient to lay it out anesthetized on the table with dates pasted on here and there, but what we know, we know by ripples and spirals eddying out from us and from our own time. ~ Ezra Pound
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?
Sunlight Caught in a Spider's Web
The artist is a receptacle for the emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web. ~~ Pablo Picasso
Last Hurrah
When you can see each leaf as a separate thing, you can see the tree, you can feel the spirit of the tree, you can talk to it, and maybe you can begin to learn something.
William J Bausch
I guess if I’m going to learn anything, I’d better be quick about it. I think perhaps these are the only two leaves left in my neck of the woods. Wonder if I can study the snowflakes that are falling today instead. Not much accumulation though.
Does anyone remember catching snowflakes on black construction paper and looking at them with a magnifying glass. I think my Grandpa took me out snowflake spying when I was about six years old.
Do kids do still do that kind of thing?
