Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.
LIN YUTANG
a week of minimalist photography and few words …
Red flowers after the rain,
A collection of seashells
arranged.
A bouquet of sunflowers discarded,
then immersed.
Tracks made in sand
as the snow moon set.
Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Albert Einstein
Over the woodlands brown and bare, Over the harvest-fields forsaken, Silent, and soft, and slow Descends the snow. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
December 19, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Berries
In the silent woods
after a passing snowstorm -
how red berries gleam!
December 15, 2022 - Azle, Texas - Mistletoe
December 15, 2022. I saw this pretty mistletoe hanging from a tree on my mom’s property in Azle, Texas. Don’t think I’ve ever seen one with so many berries. I read that in an English tradition - you could kiss anyone standing under the mistletoe, as long as it still had berries on it. After you kissed the person, you were supposed to remove a berry. Once they’re all gone, the kissing stops. So, it’s a good idea to pick a branch with a lot of berries!
December 18, 2022 - Fennville, Michigan - Returned home to snow
December 18, 2022. Home again! Came home to a snowstorm. This snowfall caused delays and an uncomfortably long wait on the plane, but I got here safely and I’m loving it now. It feels like Christmas.
December 18, 2022 - Pier Cove Trust Trail - Maple Leaf
December 19, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Spray of Pine
December 20, 2022 - Lake Michigan- Icicle on fallen tree
December 21, 2022- Fennville, MI - Multicolored pine needle
December 21, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Pussy willow
December 21, 2022 - Fennville, MI - Grain
Winter solstice and the Christmas holiday make me want to slow down and appreciate every little thing. I tried to do that this past week. Noticing little things: a leaf in snow, an icicle, or a dried tip of ornamental grass. Just a pause to pay attention. To breathe in the cold air. To sleep a little longer, to listen to some holiday music, or just stare out the window daydreaming. Feel the sacredness of life and be grateful for mine.
I am grateful for you taking the time to read this! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate. Even if you don’t, I hope you can gather with your loved ones and cozy up. Enjoy a few minutes of quiet in a busy season.
