December Is
December 15, 2024
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December is gray.
December is bright birds like bluebirds and cardinals popping against the muted backdrop, even more brilliant than at other times of year.
December is windy, at least in Kansas City where there’s not much to block the wind for hundreds of miles.
December is gloriously calm mornings when the wind is still and the mist rises from the water.
December is barren, with leafless branches and fields stripped for winter.
December is a cornucopia of small birds that appear when the conditions are right.
December is loud, bright, and busy, a little much for an introvert sometimes.
December is quiet with gloriously dark mornings and evenings that invite extra rest.
December is often cloud-covered.
December is also colorful sunrises with deep reds and pinks that stretch out longer than at other times of year.
December can feel lonely.
December is when I find myself surrounded by friends, feathered and human, a fellowship of spirits that are never alone.
December can be bone-chillingly cold.
December is when most of the humans here go indoors and the natural world takes over on the lake, on the trails, in the trees.
December is a challenge.
December is a gift.
December is the magic of the darkness.
I’m so grateful for December.
I feel like I’m so far behind, but whatever I do it’s really enough. I hope you give yourself lots of grace this week too.
As far as this subscriber is concerned, whatever you capture & share in images and words is "more than enough" Karen. You capture the sacred/holy/extraordinary in moments that so many of us take for granted. We forget there is a "Grantor" until we view your photos and read your words. We have all been granted such exquisite beauty that your Sunrises alone can drop one to their knees. Thank you once again for making the "holy" visible for all of us. It's not your camera or your lenses, it is your unique attraction and attention to "life", whether animate or inanimate that opens my eyes and heart. Honestly Karen, you could show just one or two images and that would be more than enough. Please, do not put any additional pressure on yourself on our account ( sorry, I should speak for myself). I honestly feel "less is more" although the shear volume of your work makes me additionally grateful for the abundance of blessings "free & open to the public" should we choose to simply take a walk or look out our windows. Infinite thanks, Karen...
Thank you, Karen, for your wonderful posts…great captures coupled with your keen eye and observations. If I were to choose my favorite image from today’s post…I couldn’t. Some speak for themselves, supported by your comment. Others are enlivened by your helpful remarks. Like polishing precious stones.
Call me grateful as always, Karen.