angels sing

We received Toni's last Christmas card in the mail the other day. It took my breath away, or should I say it gave me breath. I had to dig deep for a moment, I was channeled to another place that included her in my life. The details and saturated colors and the golden angel trumpeting her joy.

I think we leave behind the essence of what we bring to others in our lives. How we touch people, how we connect to each other, how we respect and value the beauty in each other. 

We leave behind our love in the world. 

Merry Christmas dear followers, thank you for being an important part of my life.

dashing through the snow

Dark eyed junco

white throated sparrow

house finch

and a very wet and cold tufted titmouse

first real snow

I made sure that the bird feeders were full because of the anticipated snow fall. I spent most of the morning photographing the songbirds. And when I was in the studio downloading my images BANG a large feather creature flew into the window and left a snowy wet memory on the glass. He flew onto the tree limb slightly disoriented. 

And there he waited for his next meal, one of my songbirds. I'm hoping it knocked some sense into him so that he will go after moles instead.

Sally's Rooster

Sometimes you just need a little pizzazz and a strong beak to get through your day.

my sister in law

We lost one of the good ones today. She was a creative spirit, and she had a big influence on my life.  As a young person I remember sitting on the couch with her as she drew the most glorious paper dolls and all of their fancy clothes with her magic water colors. She showed me how to imagine and how to have a pretty world upon my lap. She was kind and she saw the good in me. As adults we shared a mutual respect for each other's creative worlds. I loved her art and her hand painted cards and she loved my blog and my photographs. Today I pile up the many years of her tiny paintings on my lap and I am with her in spirit. This is one of her earlier Christmas cards. I think she would be happy to know that I shared it with all of you.

transitions

These floating vibrant leaves in the center are clear and defined yet framed by reflections that only hint at what's underneath. It's often hard to let go and graciously accept the next. 

southern charmer

This yellow throated warbler lives in Turks and Caicos. I think he may be looking out for my palm warbler to fly by or maybe not...

Left overs

This was my last sighting of the red winged black birds before they left my garden for parts unknown. 

They have left behind the hardy little souls who have gathered together to feed on the sunflower seeds. 

And those who wait for me to fill the rock with warm water.