January 27

Today is supposed to feel a bit like spring with temperatures climbing close to 50 degrees. Not expected to last though and we could see snow again on Tuesday. Our ever changing winter weather.

The little shed below is one I've photographed numerous times. A couple days ago I learned its history. I had taken a few photos and was stopped in my car on the side of the road. A super nice woman stopped by to see if I was alright. Turned out her family has a farm on the property with the shed. She told me that the shed was once part of a school. It was the outhouse! One side for the boys, one side for the girls. Small coal furnace kept it warm. Love the slant of light I caught in the door.

On another note, I'm curious if anyone (or who) reads my blog posts. If you are inclined, feel free to comment, even by simply leaving your name, or feedback. Thanks!!

January Thaw

Today felt like a spring day with temperatures in the high 40s. All of a sudden my romance with winter took a nose dive. I found myself longing for the sweetness of spring. Or warmer climes. Yet I know this is where I belong. Here on this hill, in this house. Right now. My life as it is. 

My mind drifted to one of my favorite poems -
about being, our imperfect selves, authenticity etc...

The House of Belonging

I awoke
this morning
in the gold light
turning this way
and that

thinking for
a moment
it was one
day
like any other.

But
the veil had gone
from my
darkened heart
and
I thought

it must have been the quiet
candlelight
that filled my room,

it must have been
the first
easy rhythm
with which I breathed
myself to sleep,

it must have been
the prayer I said
speaking to the otherness
of the night.

And
I thought
this is the good day
you could
meet your love,

this is the black day
someone close
to you could die.

This is the day
you realize
how easily the thread
is broken
between this world
and the next

and I found myself
sitting up
in the quiet pathway
of light,

the tawny
close grained cedar
burning round
me like fire
and all the angels of this housely
heaven ascending
through the first
roof of light
the sun has made.

This is the bright home
in which I live,
this is where
I ask
my friends
to come,
this is where I want
to love all the things
it has taken me so long
to learn to love.

This is the temple
of my adult aloneness
and I belong
to that aloneness
as I belong to my life.

There is no house
like the house of belonging.

– David Whyte

Took this photo after many hours of rain. Sun struggling to break through and mist gently rising. I am drawn to the color palette here.

After the rain...

The other worldly light after the rain. Many of my friends spoke about the almost mystical feeling it created. It felt like this...

Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada

I'm completely awestruck by the beauty here. This is my first trip to Niagara Falls (Ontario). With all the hype surrounding it as a tourist attraction, I had no idea what to expect. This is the perfect time of year for me with the absence of tourists. Yep, it's a tad chilly down by the falls, but there are places to get out of the cold. Treated myself to an amazing room at the Marriott - floor to ceiling windows with a view of the falls. Prices are slashed in winter because many people don't like the cold. Me - I have a serious romance with winter.
In my room, I feel as if I'm 'in' the water. A bit like being at sea. At first it was a bit eerie, but I'm adjusting just fine.

Here's a view from my room. 
Sunrise

The Falls

Many rainbows

The power of water

Sunset...

This is one of my favorite shots.  A great spot down by the Falls as you approach the Welcome Center. The Welcome Center was a perfect place to get in from the cold and grab a cup of coffee. I captured this photo on my way into the Welcome Center.

Such a spectacular place. I love my road trips!
All this beauty within 5 hours of home. Wow!!