Foggy Evening

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The fog has definitely rolled into mid-Michigan this evening. I can feel a dampness in the air as the weather slowly warms above freezing. Depending on the news outlet, we will receive between 5 to 10 inches of snow within the next two days. I am wondering if the dense fog is just the prelude to the coming snow storm. I know there is an old weather tale that states, ““For every fog in August, there will be a snowfall.” But I do not know if the fog actually is an indicator of an upcoming snow storm.

The fog makes the old barn look almost spooky.
The fog makes the old barn look almost spooky.

Michigan has seen a mild winter so far. A really good snow storm is just a matter of time. I guess, we will find out tonight. The snow is reported to begin after 1 a.m. I have nowhere to go for the next couple of days. I can just spend extra time working on my book. And, of course, go out and take pictures of the newly fallen snow.

Until next time…..peace.

P.S. A special shout out to my father who celebrates his 70th birthday today.

National Bird Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, January 5, 2016, is National Bird Day. I love the fact that entire day is dedicated to these fine feathered little creatures. I love watching birds. I have been slowly researching the different migratory birds that frequent Michigan.

Truthfully, I enjoy watching all wildlife. But bird watching can be done from my dining room table when the Michigan temperatures drop. I have come to the conclusion they all have unique characteristics that act almost as a way to communicate with one another and all other living beings.

Right outside my porch, the tiny Sparrows are always visible. They spend most of the time at the feeder, especially in the winter. I have come to the conclusion they get their way by sitting on the nearby branch and staring at me. I know, they are probably not watching me. When the feeders are empty, I believe they sit there just to make me feel extremely guilty. Many people do not like the Sparrows, I enjoy watching them as they flutter around my feeders.

When a Bluejay arrives at the feeder, all the other birds leave. In the colder months, I put peanuts out there which seem to be one of the Bluejay’s favorite snacks. The Bluejays are usually very vocal when they are near.

Depending on the time of year, I have all types of birds at the feeder or nearby in the wooded areas. I plan to start a bird journal to document which birds are present on a specific day.

Mourning Dove on Porch
Mourning Dove on my front porch. The doves always eat the fallen seeds.
Chickadee
I really haven’t viewed too many Chickadees this winter.

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Well….Happy National Bird Day

Do you have a favorite bird to watch?

Until next time…..peace

 

 

Cold Day to the New Year

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.”

Anton Chekhov

 

I really do love this quote. Today, January 1, 2016, was definitely a cold start for the first day of the New Year. I know, we have had worse here in mid-Michigan. But up until now, the weather has been mild.

The cold temperatures are just a reminder that Mother Nature is actually the one in charge.

I hope your first day of 2016 was filled with memorable moments.

Until next time…peace….

Happy New Year!

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re

I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful,

and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

― Neil Gaiman

I came across this quote a couple days ago. I don’t think I could have found any better way to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope 2016 brings everyone peace and happiness with over amounts of joy.

Right now, I am just under six hours until midnight. I plan to spend the rest of the evening doing what I love…writing. The Michigan weather has brought a very cold New Year’s Eve. I am grateful for the fireplace this evening.

Once again, Happy New Year! Happy 2016!!

May we all find fewer things to stress about and more things to rejoice about in the following year.

Until next time…peace

Falling Snow

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Snow was falling,

so much like stars

filling the dark trees

that one could easily imagine

its reason for being was nothing more

than prettiness.”

― Mary Oliver

 

 

I enjoyed today’s snow a lot more than the ice storm we had the other day. I always find falling snow beautiful.

 

Until next time…peace

National Flashlight Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Can you believe there is actually an entire day dedicated to the flashlight? Today, December 21, 2015, is National Flashlight Day. From my research, I have found out the flashlight has actually been around since 1898 or 1899. David Misell had the flashlight patented on January 10, 1899. I guess, I didn’t realize the flashlight was that old.

The reason for the name “flashlight” was due to the fact the light stick’s batteries would produce a sudden “flash” as they died. The batteries did not last very long. Over the years, the flashlight has definitely improved.

In my childhood, flashlights were used as part of playing. I can remember being outdoors after dark with my cousins and neighbor kids. We would use flashlights to see during hide-n-seek or to tell ghost stories. I also slept with a flashlight by my bed. I would use the light to read by after everyone in the house was asleep.

I think one of my favorite memories is when the electricity went out. My mother hung a sheet. We used the flashlights as a way to make “hand puppets”. The simple ways my mother found to entertain us when we were bored.

Of course, I now use flashlights as a way to peer out into my yard at night. I always have some critter on my porch. Tonight was a very small opossum.

Until next time…peace

Winter Solstice 2015

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, December 21, 2015, at 11:48 pm ET is the Winter Solstice officially marking the astronomical start of winter for my area here in mid-Michigan. The Winter Solstice brings the longest night and the shortest day of the year. The good aspect of the Winter Solstice is the days will slowly start getting longer again.

Earlier as I looked out my front window, the view could look less wintery. In fact, the entire day has been nothing but rain. Between the rain and the sun setting early, I can see why everyone is grumpy. Of course, add the extra stress of the Christmas season. Oh, I was really hoping for a white Christmas but I do not see that happening.  I do see my yard starting to resemble a small lake. At least, the birds seem to be enjoying themselves.

I have always wanted to see a Solstice celebration at Stonehenge. I actually have that one down on my bucket list.

Until next time…peace

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Don’t worry; I have no intentions of putting any spoilers in my blog. Even though, I am sure the Internet is full of them by now. My only opinion of the movie: Epic! I actually think the entire show exceeded my original expectations.

I originally wasn’t going to see Star Wars until later in the week. But my sister messaged me, “If we get tickets, do you want to go?” Seriously was that really a question. I was absolutely certain they would be sold out. But she managed to get tickets for the 12:55 pm showing for yesterday.

We arrived early. In fact, we were about the third group in line. As we sat on the floor of the NCG Cinemas, others began to join us. The conversations between complete strangers made the entire Star Wars movie experience better. We discussed everything from X-Men to Dr. Who. Theories were analyzed. Yes, I felt right at home. I have to say, 2016 is going to be a great year for new movie releases.

Even though all of us came from different backgrounds, we had one common thread: our love for good, quality movies. Here we were all total strangers, enjoying deep conversations about various movies. I find the entire concept inspiring.

“May the Force Be With You”

Until next time….peace

Old Negatives

Posted on by Rebecca C.

As I work through some of these recent negatives, I am completely intrigued by the people who are in each frame. The outer envelope reads the photos belonged to “Lois Oakman” from “No. Quincy, Mass.” I absolutely love this photo that I am sharing. I do not know the story of the photo. Noticing the door is ajar, I would like to think she is going on a vacation or perhaps her honeymoon.

I admit I get lost in these old negatives. I find the photos to be inspiring. I use them to as a stepping stone for my writing. Perhaps, some day I will actually be able to speak to someone who knows the real stories of the photos.

Until next time….peace….

Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, December 8, 2015, is “Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day”.  Who has not thought about living in a different time, either past or future? I think, this is why I love old photos so much. I get a glimpse of time forgotten. Times not recorded in history books. Just everyday life being experienced by everyday people.

On a Train?
I have always loved this picture, I imagine him asking her to marry. I know, I am a hopeless romantic.
Working on a Plane
Working a plane?
Nurses
Nurses on vacation.
Military
Boarding a ship.
Hotel Federal
A hotel in a warm climate. Maybe someone went on their honeymoon.
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Just enjoying the outdoors
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Playing at a park

 

 

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Just relaxing

 

So if you had a chance to time travel, where would you go?

Until next time….peace