The Beauty of Snow

Posted on by Rebecca C.

My social media page was filled with negative comments about the snow storm. Yes, I know the snow is an inconvenience. But the natural occurrence is absolutely beautiful. To be honest, everyone was warned about the snow in advance. The shutdown of offices, businesses, and schools due to inclement weather is for the safety of everyone. I cannot see why people were complaining.

I love how the old barn looks after the snow
I love how the old barn looks after the snow

Personally, I think you should enjoy the extra moments with your family. Go outside, build a snowman, do a project together, etc. Enjoy the official snow day from work and school. But, that’s just my opinion.

The Windwalker
The Windwalker standing tall.

 

Until next time…peace

 

Snow Storm

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The biggest news for my area is the snow storm. Mid-Michigan could receive between 6 to 10 inches of snow by tomorrow afternoon. Since I work out of my home, I find the snow beautiful. I was out in the slightly snowy covered roads earlier this morning. But they had not begun to get slippery yet. Now the roads are completely covered, state offices are closed and schools were sent home early. Safe travels to anyone who is still out and about.

The snow has slowly progressed throughout the afternoon.
The snow has slowly progressed throughout the afternoon.

Snow storms remind of childhood when schools were closed. My mother always had extra children at the house on snow days. The day would be filled with sledding, snowmen, warm cocoa and homemade entertainment. Even though some of the snow storms brought no electricity, we still enjoyed ourselves. We haven’t lost power yet. Numerous people in the area are already without power. So we will see what the night brings.

The view from my front porch.
The view from my front porch.

I managed to meet my writing deadline early which gives me time to write for myself and “play” with pictures.

The Old Mill
The snow is heavier now……

 

 

I gave the outdoor birds extra food today. But, I haven't witnessed much movement from their houses since the snow started.
I gave the outdoor birds extra food today. But, I haven’t witnessed much movement from their houses since the snow started.

So, I am currently watching the live stream of the Brit Awards. I am keeping notes on the artists I do not normally hear; I can see a large iTunes bill in my near future. I am always listening to music when I write. I like different genres to fit the mood of my characters. So, if anyone has any music suggestions please pass them my way.

Until next time….peace

 

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.

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

 

A December’s Dawn

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Keep your face always toward the sunshine– and shadows will fall behind you.

Walt Whitman

This morning’s sunrise was inspirational: A December’s Dawn.  The crisp, chill of the morning air just made the colors seem more vibrant. In fact, the photo I am sharing has no filter. I just wanted everyone to see what I did.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day.

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

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.
x1
Just enjoying the outdoors
x5
Playing at a park

 

 

x4
Just relaxing

 

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

Until next time….peace

Santa’s List Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Did you know there’s an official day for making out Santa’s list? Today, December 4, 2015, is Santa’s List Day. The interpretation of the unofficial holiday varies from site to site.

Santa’s Naughty or Nice List

One way to view, Santa’s List Day is to imagine him sitting at his large, old oak desk at the North Pole. Do you the image in mind, yet? Picture the newly fallen snow blanketing the entire area around Santa’s workshop and the reindeer stables. Better image? Now, imagine him picking up a magical white feathered quill to makes his list of who has been naughty and nice. As he writes out a name, the ink will glow Christmas green for nice or a candy cane red for naughty. Most years, the Christmas green is overpowering the red. Where will you name be?

Your Personal Christmas List

Another way to view Santa’s List Day is to make your own Christmas wish list. If you could get any wish this Christmas, what would you ask Santa for? Mine….peace for all mankind. I think the world needs a little Santa magic.

Did you make out Christmas lists as a child? I did. To this day, I believe in the wonderful magic on the holiday season. My childhood Santa list usually consisted of toys, a horse and a goat. I know what a combination to ask from Santa. Well, I usually did get a couple of toys from the list. We would also receive new clothes. I never did get the pony or the goat. Of course as an adult, I can understand why that wish was never fulfilled.

If you have children, I think Santa’s List Day could be a fun addition to your holiday season. Prepare the lists together. Of course if you are anything like my mom, she started her Christmas shopping months in advance. (She still does, well we both do now). I think making Christmas list could be a family fun project. You could be as simple as using a piece of paper and pen. Or you could make an entire art project out of the day. I think the most important part is the time spent interacting with your family.

Until next time….peace.