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My Heavenly Host of Angels

One of the winter activities I look forward to here in Quebec, especially after a fresh snowfall, is writing on Nature’s Canvas in the forest.

You see, that’s when I can create my host of snow angels and look up to admire the tree tops against the blue sky.

This frivolous activity never fails to make me happy, and indeed, has many other benefits as well:

I am out in the sunshine getting Vitamin D and breathing in the refreshingly cold air.

I am getting my heart working as I make my way to my choice locations.

I defy my age while getting down to the ground onto my back and into position to paint my masterpieces, and mostly while getting up to the path again – without damaging the wings or legs – neither mine nor those of the angels.

I feel joy when I behold how each one is different and lovely in its own way. There is no need for any one to be perfect – there is no competition among angels.

I try to imagine the joy that I hope others may feel when they unexpectedly come across these beauties.

I am often taken by surprise when I discover their impressions days later, still visible under a faint dusting of snow, or peaking through after squirrels or dogs have trodden upon their form.

Indeed, the whole experience brings me many lasting and fulfilling moments of joy.

And finally, I feel tingles of pleasure in being able to create greeting cards from the photos.

One of my favourites from a few years ago. You can almost see this one’s face.

The following untouched photos came from my walk this morning in the glorious sunny weather.

Two days after she was first created, she had a slight dusting of fresh snow. The long legs made it more of a challenge to get up and back onto the path.
Sometimes it’s a challenge to choose the best angle to show off her features. The path is narrow.
Her shorter legs made it easier for mine to get up.
The Heavens above me.
Looking up at Charity, the Stripper, one of my favourite trees.

Posted on by auditiescardsshowyoucare

Clearing the Path Before Me

A walk in the woods is clearly different three days after an ice storm. It’s messier. And somehow, even a bit eery. For some reason, though, on this Easter Sunday, it’s less so. We have electric power back on in our town! And with that comes a different vibration, as well as a clarity that one doesn’t get when surrounded by the sound of generators.

As a regular walker in these lovely woods for many years, I have developed a kind of ownership for them. Ownership in the sense of responsibility. I like to clear the path for the next day, and for the next walkers. Today, that involved lots of bending and lugging and tossing to get branches out of the way. It was fun and rewarding, and I enjoyed the challenge.

The massive limb shown here, though, I have to leave for someone else.

One of my exciting finds was this collection of pellets – the photo below shows only a portion of them. Unfortunately, I forgot to look up. The quantity of pellets indicated that there was surely an owl’s roosting spot directly above. Next time I’ll check it out.

Apparently owls produce one of these per day.

I was very happy to see that one of my favourite friends endured the storm intact – he has almost no branches to accumulate ice.

Drumbo standing proudly waiting for his daily hug.
On red car alley, even though I had my big rubber boots on,
I decided to do a detour around this very low spot.
Our red car is almost submerged.
The mudflats in spring have no sign of mud; I gave them a very wide berth.

Back home, I continued clearing, trying to purge my path of some unnecessary clutter. It feels rewarding here too, though it is an ongoing task. Occasionally, I give a wide berth to things I don’t want to deal with. As in the woods, there will always be more tomorrow because just like owls, I seem to produce more every day.

Also, as in the woods, at times I discover treasures – perhaps I should look up for their source.

And, as in the woods, there are some things that I can’t do alone, so I need another’s help.