Thursday, December 29, 2011

Duck messages...



This blob in the middle of the frozen lake is a flock of ducks.
 With the zoom feature, they look closer to shore than they really are.

This pic is deceptive, as the water looks as if there are waves rippling the surface. It's really all ice and some white snow on top of each frozen wave.





As I watched, some of those ducks took flight, leaving their neighbours huddled together for warmth.  Did they go off in search of food? Were they just stretching their wings? 



The sun shone brightly through my living room window this morning, giving me some much needed energy and lifting my spirits. Even though Christmas was a joy with my family all around, I find these dark December days difficult to get through. I miss David every day.

With the sense of bliss sunlight always gives me, I decided to get back into my daily tai chi practice. Standing with arms as if circling a tree, my gaze was drawn through the picture window over the lake to the horizon beyond.

And then it stopped at a blob. What is that blob in the middle of the lake? Ahh, it must be the ducks (my ducks). Now that the shore is frozen, my ducks are farther away in their need to find open water.

Had I not been in a tai chi stance, eyes focused on the horizon,  I would have missed them. Perhaps the message for me this morning is to relax and stay focused; or like the eye of the storm, there is a calmness (a blob of ducks) at the center of chaos. I still have unpacking to do, furniture to buy and lots of adjusting to do to this new lifestyle. Some days I feel as if I'm running in circles. I have trouble making decisions and have been to various furniture stores, looking at the same merchandise over and over again, for-seemingly-ever. Eventually, it will all fall into place. Life is like that. 

On another topic, I will need to learn how to take pictures through my window when the sun is shining brightly. As you can see, these pics and the ones from the last post are completely washed out. I did set my camera to "sunny days" and used the edit feature in my camera software, but the result still produces a lack of colour. If anyone has any tips or advice, I would be very happy to hear it. 

Wishing you all Love and Light as the Wheel turns and darkness in this part of the world slowly begins to recede.


16 comments:

mxtodis123 said...

I'm with you on the unpacking and buying furniture. Still hunting down things, and still don't have a sofa, but I did find my rocking chair which will be delivered on Saturday. Not a gorgeous view like yours, but I feel blessed to finally have a living room window to sit in front of.

Wishing you a wonderful new year.
Mary

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Love your pictures... What an incredible view you have...

I know Christmas was hard for you.. Holidays are like that when we miss our departed loved ones... I miss my parents and two brothers this time of year... But--I have great memories of our times together.

Got any big plans for 2012?
Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Betsy

Grayquill said...

Gee wilkers...how cold is it?
I hope you find he most perfect furniture ever. Great view! I do hope you got a new Christmas sweater to keep you warm:-)

Jackie said...

Wendy...I think your photos are perfect! They are simply gorgeous....and you must know how I would LONG to see a frozen lake. I've never seen one...ever! The lake does look as though it has ripples of water....and when I enlarged the photos, I see the beauty of a frozen lake. You are blessed with a lovely view.
I am thinking of you as I know that you are missing David. I can't say anything that will make it easier for you, but I can pray that those who are close to you will comfort you and minister to you in such a way that you feel the love of all of your friends, near and far.
Love and warmest hugs,
Jackie

Karin said...

So good that there are special memories to draw in times of missing our loved ones. It means they are with us in spirit and in our hearts forever! Beautiful shots from your window! What an awesome view! God bless you in wonderful ways in the New Year!

Q said...

You are in the right place at the right time doing exactly what you need to do....
Your ducks...your frozen gorgeous lake....
the light is returning...
peace and joy for your 2012.
Love and light,
Sherry

Maggie May said...

Your ducks must be very cold! I wonder if they ever get frozen into the ice?

I also find the short, cold days of December very dismal but always feel a bit nervous of a New Year. What new difficulties will it bring me?
However, I am wishing you a much happier New Year.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Shammickite said...

Happy New Year to you and your family. May 2012 be full of happiness and good health, and enjoyment in your new home. It takes a while to settle in, doesn't it? But I am sending you good vibrations for happiness and comfort throughout the coming year. Keep smiling!

Anonymous said...

Wendy, I love your pictures! And what a view! The cold is of course something I can't imagine. May you have a peaceful and blessed year in 2012.

Rose said...

Tai Chi is a great way to refresh the body and the spirit. I find myself using some of the movements, too, when I need to de-stress. And lucky you to have this beautiful view just outside your window! The good news is the days are getting longer. Wishing you brighter days ahead in the New Year, Wendy!

Cheryl said...

My dear Wendy,

These times will pass, and the bright days of summer will soon be here, winter a distant memory.
As you take your journey, there will be dark moments, but all roads lead to light.

Tai Chi is wonderful. I went to a retreat many years ago with my daughter, and learned the art in some small way/ I still use the moves to slow body and mind down. In the summer I often practice in the garden :)

I am sure you miss David. He is your sweetheart/ love of your life. How privileged to have experienced such love. Many people do not. Hold on tight, these days will become easier.

2012....a New Year .....may it be full of light my friend.

Naturegirl said...

Wendy I understand how the lack of sunshine can affect our moods. That is the reason my husband I retreat to Arizona in the winter months. I get into the deepest depression and once hubby retired we were out of here. It has helped and of course having my Arizona grandchildren in my arms helps too!
I also find that my arthritis does NOT hurt as much in the warm dry heat of the desert!
Wishing you peace and good health in the coming New Year.
I'll try to remember YOU and post some really bright images from AZ.
Stay warm..keep in touch.
love and light Anna

sarah said...

What a gorgeous view in front of your living room is!
It's great you can get many message through view and your pictures are lovely as usual.
Wishing you a happy year.

carmilevy said...

There isn't really a solution to shooting into the sun. It's one of those higher-risk scenarios that may or may not work out. More often than not, you make it work out: I have no advice to offer here than to keep shooting. If you don't like the light, wait it out - or come to the window earlier the next day - as it'll inevitably evolve.

I love the views from your new home. Such peace in this place.

Ashling said...

What a lovely, peaceful post--and photo. You were most kind in stopping by my blog awhile back and wishing me well; I've decided I miss it and am starting up again. I look forward to visiting yours often!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Your photos are great girl, whatcha talkin' about! I would of bet money that those were ripples on the lake. Ice...burrrrrr....hopefully the ducks are keepin' each other warm...and company!

God bless ya sweetie and have a stupendous day!!! :o)