Winter in NW Montana

(large tracks in snow made by elk)

yesterday

I found myself thinking:

I live in the land of Christmas trees

our road lined with giant snow cloaked trees 

felt entirely enchanting

sunshine presented the world with light and shadows

ice on my steps 

formed into filigree flowers

before the sun arrived another kind of beauty:

from my home to yours

I wish you holidays that feel good to you

~

*

Nearing Winter Solstice

as we near the Solstice

days have been mostly gray

yesterday

the sun came out

the mountains breath turned into clouds

 to set sight on these views was to change our 

breath and spirit

though the large views captured attention

I also noted that the snow had piled up

of entirely miniature

snowflakes

I wish you all a lovely Solstice

~

*

Montana Glimpses

some folks put stars on the tops of their Christmas tree

do you think it is inspired by the natural star on top of a fir?

details

awe inspiring

when the air is warmer than the earth 

the mist does rise and wander through the land

a mystical morning

mornings 

when the air is super cold

lovely crystals greet us

 yesterday

new snow graced the world

 

lovely days

and 

nights to you

~

*

Ice Crystals

this tiny frosty leaf caught my eye

it wasn't until I got it on the computer that I saw the frost in shapes like flowers!

I had never seen this before

I love the endless wonders of our world!

when the sun appears

tiny spheres of snow melt become gems 

adorning the golden Western larch needles

it's been 

a lot

like this lately

wishing you a lovely week

~

*

Snow Stars

yesterday

scattered here and there

snow stars

treasures

from the sky

they barely stood out against the icy snow

another of winter's treasures

~

*

Tiny House

Who lives down this tiny hole? 

See the ice crystals? 

They are a sign of breath, something warmer than the air. 

Tiny little tracks from the critter coming and going also there. 

~

when the snow begins to melt, a stepping stone path is darker than the grass in between, so it melts first:

 

 ~

a bit like a ginger bread house

with icing sliding off:

I love it when the snow crashes off the roof

always wishing there were children there to hoot in glee with me

~ 

There are so many enchanting wonders in winter.

~

*

 

Snow snow snow

snow falling

little chickadee

all fluffed up

 snow falling

forest cloaked in white

in the tip top of a tree a hawk sits

viewing the world from high
 

(a Rough legged hawk)

 (chickadee was at home, hawk down the road, so little bird is safe)

it has been a snowy week

which often happens this time of year

but more snow than usual

I plowed for the first time this season

that seems early

it is so pretty

Any thoughts on how this circle 

on my frozen pond came to be?

I have never seen that happen before.

Maybe wind swirling around the tiny island?

~

*

Frozen

autumn leaves

under ice

seasons shift

~

pond mandalas

water

endless expression

fluid

frozen

artistic

~

snow stars began

our snowy storm

ethereal spirit

 

~

I woke to the low of 30F/-1C

Temps are dropping

not the usually rising during the day

28F at the moment

and so it goes

seasons changing

~

*

 

First Snow

such a lovely surprise to wake

to 

the first snow

to slip on boots

and 

head out to be part of the snow clad morning

it is all melted now

but

I am left with a reminder to get autumn chores completed

before winter arrives

~

*

Autumn Forest

autumn colors beckon

wander and see

though the edges are divine

they call:

step into me

step over logs and bush

duck under arms of trees

breathe 

the cool crisp refined air

eventually returning

to the edges

it has been a gorgeous autumn

the colors

the mix of weather

the big fat moon in a starry sky

colors are changing fast

some beyond their height of bright color

leaves dance through the air

blanketing the earth 

floating on water

a time that inspires ones senses to come to life

lovely days and nights to you

~

*