Tuesday, November 17, 2015

What a difference a day makes



An ever changing vista


The happenings of the last few days have left me fearing for the human race. 

I can't stop thinking about the unbearable grief of the bereaved families. 

I take solace in my surroundings.  

But how do they find peace? 






Wild Geese gather on our pond.  They are getting ready to fly South. 








Would our Emden geese go with them if they could fly? 







This time of year we lower our pond for safety reasons.
The ducks enjoy the newly exposed soil along the banks.  
Who knows what tasty morsels they find .






It snowed all day yesterday.






This morning the sun is shining.







And I have hope.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts with you.



Gina





21 comments:

  1. Dear Gina - have you really had snow? I can't believe that time of year is upon us already, but it does look so pretty in your photos.
    The whole world has been greatly touched by the horrors in Paris, but I have been moved by the spirit of some of the victims. One French man who was at the concert with dead bodies lying all around him said that he had to remember the beautiful things he had seen in order to carry on and go forward - a kind gesture from a stranger, a shared a hand, a gracious touch, warm words.

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    1. Dear Rosemary, Yes, new snow and all day on Sunday. It is now cold enough that it will stay for the season. At least we will have a white Thanksgiving. Hopefully, new snow will fall before Christmas. In a few days we will go on to our foothills to cut our Christmas tree.
      The French have had to endure unspeakable sorrow. I have always admired the French.

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  2. Gina, peace comes to me after such tragic events slowly. My cat, Matisse, has had many more loving pets and more attention than ever these past few days. My memories of beautiful meadows filled with wheat (Oregon) blowing in the wind or mustard plants (wherever ?) and of course, the nodding sunflower heads in so many fields and lavendar (again, here in Oregon as I choose not to travel during their bloom time in busy Provence). I rely on my friends for compassion and long phonecalls. I try to keep occupied so my mind is predisposed to other things. If my leg was not having sprain-issues I would be spending more time in the gym - but it is just not possible, lately.

    Your wonderful photos, the ducks, the sweet swans and of course that lovely blue sky help me immensely! Such a glorious gift is your blog! Thank you, Gina!

    My wardrobe lately is reflecting my feelings for Paris (blue, grey (not white now) and red) and daily one of my berets with a fleur-de-lis pin and my pin that spells P A R I S. Those are some of the things that have been helping me cope.

    Mary in Oregon

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    1. Dear Mary, Nature has always been my friend. Flowers, in particular, can make the day brighter and happier. I am so grateful that I live in this small little community. I can walk out of my door and head in any direction for miles without seeing anyone. And if my dog comes along with me then my day is made.
      Mary, I also like to wear my berets. They have gone out of fashion around here but I have always liked them and always will.

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  3. Gina, I am very glad that you have shared you thoughts. I do think that this is a time for accenting the positive, generous, caring sides of our personas, around the world. Yes, do be alert, but also cherish our friends and the joys that each fresh day might bring.

    xo

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    1. You are so right Frances. We must cherish our friends most of all. They are the ones who make our world a happier place. I have always been a positive person and I do look forward to every single day,
      Thank you, dear Frances, for your beautiful message.

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  4. Dear Gina,
    the snow covered landscape, your pond surrounded by shapely trees, the clouds above and the blue of the sky all lend themselves so perfectly to quiet the mind after news of such senseless horror. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with these wonderful photos.
    Warmest greetings, Sieglinde

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    1. Dear Sieglinde, It is exactly the message I tried to convey when I posted these photos. I am so lucky to have these beautiful surroundings. Our pond, in particular, provides for an ever changing and fascinating vista.. After more than 20 years of living here I still thank my lucky stars every day that this paradise was made possible for me, For me, an immigrant from the Baltic Sea.

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  5. These are beautiful photos. My friend Frances sent me to your site to see your lovely Tuscan style plate decorations. So lovely!

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    1. Hello Elizabeth and welcome. Thank you for your lovely compliment. I am very fond of Frances. She is such an artist. Her knitted pieces are jewel like and her expertise is unsurpassed.

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  6. Dear Gina, how beautiful the snowy landscape looks, and your feathered friends appear to be nonplussed by their obviously cold feet!
    Snow this early! On the other hand I do recall a very heavy New England snow at Thanksgiving years back when we were living in NH.

    I feel so sad - each day I am more discouraged by what is happening in Europe, more frightened for my family and the families and friends of people I know. It all seems so hopeless and I feel helpless. I cried in the car today on the way to get groceries - everything just felt too much to handle. The words "be vigilant" are being thrown at us from left and right - how can we live happily feeling on edge each time we leave our homes? I know I've lost interest in flying off to faraway places any time soon. I will embrace Winter at home and be burning a lot of firewood - even snow will be welcomed!

    Take care dear friend - and thank you for the lovely photos of your precious place.
    Mary X

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    1. Dear Mary, I have been thinking of you. I know that you have many family members and dear friends living in Europe. I pray that they are all safe and they have the opportunity to continue to live normal and happy lives.
      Here in Utah we like to have a good snowfall before Thanksgiving. Our ski resorts are happy and many good people will come and enjoy the mountains.
      Often I look at my feathered friends with their exposed feet and think that they must be very cold walking on all that ice and snow. But like you said "they appear to be nonplussed", and they are.
      I have not lost my wanderlust completely...but I am wondering what is in store for us.

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  7. Hello, lovely post and images. The geese are beautiful. I wish for peace in the world and I pray for the people of Paris. Have a happy weekend!

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    1. Hello Eileeninmind, Thank you for your lovely comment. Could not have said it better. Peace in the world, what a wonderful gift that would be.

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  8. Wonderful shots, Gina. You live in a very beautiful area. We all have our ways of finding solace. Photography and viewing beautiful photos like these give me solace.

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    1. Hello Parts and Pics, Thank you so very much for your visit and thank you also for your lovely compliment.

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  9. I thought our Canada Geese were all gone months ago, and then I found one at the old school yard searching for grubs. - Margy

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    1. I never know where the geese fly to. Is it north or is it south. It makes more sense to go south, right?
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. It is so appreciated.

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  10. Hello Felicia, thank you for stopping by. Yes, we must have hope. I am so pleased that you like that first photo. It was an afterthought.

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  11. What gorgeous scenery.

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  12. Hello ladyfi, Thank you for your visit and sweet comment. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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