One of my favorite things about this new house is that my bed is under a window. I can crack the window and get whiffs of my neighbors chimney smoke, feel the cool crisp morning gentle me awake or the night air drift me asleep.
Last night I turned out my light at midnight, a rare night for me to be awake so late. Amazed by the amount of light entering the window, I craned my neck to look and see what was so bright. These pictures cannot begin to describe what I saw. I was in awe enough to get my camera and try to capture it. (Not enough awe to make me get dressed, grab the tripod and go outside in the 30-degree weather though). We opened the window to avoid the glass, but I now see that the camera picked up the screen ~ a more interesting photo perhaps.
The moon was to the east, in about a 9 o'clock position. The clouds I photographed were in the south, at 12 o'clock. The reflection of the moon on the clouds created the closest thing I have see to what I imagine the Northern Lights might look like. My husband said, "The tree, there's the picture," and he was right, but I was in no position, equipment or location-wise to capture the true beauty that we experienced last night. I humbly attempt to share it with you. It's really a "you had to be there" moment. Sweet dreams to you tonight.
Leslie –
I am one of (no doubt) MANY who adore your work, and who faithfully read and your blog posts, but who have not previously written to you. Hearing you talk about your mom, however strikes a particularly resonant chord as you face this first anniversary of her death.
My dad passed away Christmastime 1979, my darling, brave young mother having preceded him Valentine’s Day of 1972 when I was 11. It does get less acutely painful – thankfully! – but not a day goes by that I don’t remember and miss them.
Like you, I am sooooo grateful to be surrounded by loved ones as we joyfully muddle through this sometimes heartbreaking, always stunningly wondrous life.
My best to you as you face this first Christmas without your beloved mother’s physical presence. And thank you so much for all the beauty of art and spirit you continually send into this world!
-Kandice
Those photos are absolutely amazing! You did a wonderful job! Mother Nature is just spectacular.
It’s so amazing when these moments occur, moments that make time stand still, that take our breath away and moments we want to share with the whole world.
This is beautifully expressed. I’m very happy to have stumbled along to your blog this evening.
Hi,
Moments like that can get us through the difficult times.