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.

Meds in the Woods

In these trying times, one of my daily routines for survival and “thrival” is spending quality time in “my” woods.

They truly fill me with joy.

It takes time to dress for the trek:

At minus 17, my nose needs covering.

The “push-up-prop” shown below is much lower than my kitchen counter ( as the snow piles up it gets lower and lower) so, instead of the 20 to 25 push-ups I do at home, here I manage only 10 to 15.

I use this push-up-prop at the beginning of my loop-route.

Then I race as quickly as I can along the trails – with our recent heavy snowfalls, it can be a real work-out.

I am often tempted to stop and capture the winter beauty that feeds my soul.

The freshly fallen snow makes a perfect canvas for happy smiling faces – with no masks.

Considering the times we’re living in, and how I feel about the situation, I’m thinking that my meds are red.