November's Jewels Still Shine

One beautiful and very big leaf
balances in the opening on a bench
We say hello to each other!

The golden larch graces the limpid pale blue sky
and the greens take on a hint of yellow

Soft dappled skies and furry edged leaves make us think it's spring again

November's jewels still shine

and blue skies appear in-between the grey days.

Beech nuts are falling from the trees
I collect some to put into a glass bowl at home.

The map of life contained in a single leaf

A rustling can be heard as the leaves start to float to the ground

and rejoice us with their luminous quality and varied colours

as well as their amazing textures.

Spring slumbers

In each tightly furled bud, spring slumbers, even though the cold winds
of November blow and snowflakes hover way on high.
A lone leaf on the branch
will soon join its sisters on the soft earth.
I'm grateful for the four seasons 
which bring me joy at every step.

***

Soon, our activities will be often inside.
There's always plenty to do
books to read
crafts to enjoy
crochet to make
and mandalas to create.
Not forgetting photography!

Winter months are humming with creativity.

Do you find exciting and uplifting things to do in the winter months?


22 comments

  1. This Autumn has been so beautiful and a few trees still have leaves hanging on, although the rains and strong winds have had an effect. Winter is challenging to keep the senses alert and the brain ticking over till spring, but I am never short of things to occupy my time. Mohave a good week.

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    1. Autumn here has been beautiful here too and very prolonged this year as we still have some colouful leaves and lovely lighting. Winter can be such a lovely time for other kinds of occupations, hobbies and passions!

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  2. Your fall colors are spectacular! Colder weather has finally arrived, for which I am glad. I enjoy the brisk air as I get outside more. Over the winter, I like to walk a lot, read, cross stitch, and bake batches of cookies. During this winter I hope to be working on our family ancestry. I've done some work, but need to get back to it!

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    1. We have had such lovely colours, Cathy and even now it is not quite cold enough! It sounds as if you have some really lovely wintertime occupations. Family ancestry work must be really fun to do!

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  3. Beautiful colours and thoughts. I can see you are looking forward to winter pursuits. Unlike in Switzerland , our seasons in Queensland are not sharply defined. It is warm most of the time. I like to go to the beach in winter because there are not crowds of people and the heat is not uncomfortable perfect for walking along the sandy shores.

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    1. Hello Diane! It sounds as if the climate in Queensland is very different to mine here in Europe. I can understand how going to the beach in winter must be so much lovelier because the crowds have gone and it's not so hot!

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  4. The Autumn of 2016 has been spectacular and your photos prove this so well. Can you let me know what camera you use as I am treating myself at Christmas :D xx

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    1. Hello Chel! So nice to see you! Yes, the autumn this year has been fabulous and it seems to be lasting forever! I am using a Fujifilm X-T1. It's a mirrorless camera which I bought last year. It's lighter than my Canon (which I still keep for macro). I am very pleased indeed with my Fuji and the lenses are really excellent quality.

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  5. such lovely portraits of November!
    we are far past the colors of the season. Most our days are gray, rain or snow, ice and frost. It was a joy to see your colors and take to heart your words.

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    1. Thank you, Tammie. Our autumn this year has lasted longer than usual and there is still a little colour to capture during the month of November with above average temperatures.

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  6. Lovely and leafy and such gorgeous russet colours.

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    1. Yes, the colours were so special this year and the lighting made everything come alive! A special autumn!

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  7. Indeed they do still shine, Sandra.
    Any of our color was covered by our first major snow last week.
    24.2 inches to be exact, and believe it or not, it is all but gone now.
    Unfortunately, not much color is left to be seen. A lot of mud though!

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    1. We have been particularly blessed with a long, drawn-out autumn, Lisa. We did have a period of rain, but many of the beautiful leaves resisted! Just yesterday it turned colder with a biting wind blowing! You've already had a big snowfall! Who knows what the winter months will bring!

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  8. Our leaves are all gone and I miss them already.

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    1. I know what you mean, yet the naked trees can look so beautiful and expressive too!

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  9. Oh the fall is so beautiful and you bring out all its beauty and grace. Winters brings me to paint with pastels as well as trying new recipes and of course curling up with a blanket and a good book is some of my favorite things to do during the winter months.

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    1. How lovely to paint with pastels. this time of the year is also great for experimenting new recipes. I agree. So nice to see you visit.

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  10. Magnificent fall color and bokeh! I always look forward to hibernating as winter approaches, time for reading, cooking and quiet reflection and an occasional jaunt out in the snow!

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    1. I just love winter activities too, Susan. As you say, we have the time to do all those lovely home activities and then go outside for invigorating walls and back again for a hot drink and a good book!

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  11. I love leaves and autumn is my favorite season. You have captured it wonderfully in your photos here.

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    1. Autumn was wonderfully drawn out this year, Mary, and the leaves and the lighting were gorgeous!

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