CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH DAD!

I'm normally asleep at 3 a.m., but instead, I'm listening to Christmas music and remembering a very tender-hearted and special man. 

 

 

My dad loved the beautiful Christmas song O HOLY NIGHT, and it's become my favorite as well.  I can remember sitting next to him in our little church in Wisconsin, and whenever that song was sung by a lovely woman named Joan, my dad was filled with tears.  He never sang, but that song touched his heart.  And it does the same for me today.  I think of him whenever I hear it, and wish that I'd had many more years with him. He was a true gentle man, and I will always have loving memories of him at Christmas and many other times. 

One special Christmas morning when I was about 10, I remember opening several small presents from my parents, and selfishly feeling a little disappointed.  There was nothing really "special," just socks, pajamas, etc.

And then my dad brought out a large wrapped package.  I was very curious, and when I first opened it, I thought it looked like a suitcase.  That really got me wondering.  I couldn't imagine that my parents were sending me away, but I was confused.  Dad suggested I do the obvious and open the "suitcase."  Inside I discovered a beautiful gold saxophone lying on a red velvet covering. I was ecstatic!  I knew that it must have been expensive, and knowing that my parents were far from rich, I felt a little ashamed of myself for my initial attitude. I learned to play that beautiful instrument for many years, and like many other opportunities my parents gave me, it helped expand my confidence.  I felt proud and happy every time I played it at ballgames and concerts and contests, and I so often wish I still had it.

As I anticipate wrapping presents for my grandchildren and listening to Christmas music, I'm filled with memories and strong emotions.  The years since I was a child seem to have raced by, but I'll never forget the excitement of Christmas morning. I just wish I had a picture of that young girl opening her most memorable childhood gift, and the joy it brought. 

A FOGGY REMINDER!

It started out as an intriguing morning, with heavy fog all around, and unusually mild temperatures for mid-December in Minnesota.  I decided to check out a favorite park and view the scenery from a different perspective. When I returned home, I discovered a wonderful quote about fog, which expresses my sentiments exactly: "Sometimes we need the fog to remind ourselves that all of life is not black and white." (Jonathan Lockwood Huie). Along with that, I've added some photos of a foggy, thought-provoking walk. Included are photos from a nearby pond with interesting sketches that nature created.  Take note as well of an ice fishing house in one photo that seems a bit lonely.  Those who love ice fishing will no doubt be taking a bit of a hiatus due to the warm weather.  Life is often full of surprises and unexpected illustrations in nature. And of course, plenty of heart to match!

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"LOOK FOR A LOVELY THING AND YOU WILL FIND IT . . ."

A wonderful American poet named Sara Teasdale once said, "Look for a lovely thing and you will find it, It is not far--It never will be far."  During the last week or

\two I've been on a mission--to explore the beauty of various parks and trails, and to appreciate the simple joys of nature.  It was Richard Jeffries, who lived over a hundred years ago, who expressed much the same thing as Sara: "The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty are the only hours we live."

 

 

 

With those thoughts in mind, I'm eager to share some of my own nature photos.  I hope you find them enjoyable. Of course a little humor at the end of the nature trail never hurts.  Someone at the dog park bordering the trail is displaying a unique and clever way to get a point across!