Natural Designs Studio

 
My Buddy Phil 02/02/2012
 

GROUND HOG DAY

When Punxsutawney Phil is looking for his shadow today, his cousin will be looking for a free meal from a friendly patron.  This fellow (pictured above) was the main attraction at a local restaurant.  On a warm summer evening we had dinner on the deck watching the sunlight fade on the water.  I was surprised to see patrons tossing crumbs over the railing.  After scouting the grassy river bank, I spied a groundhog chomping on scraps.   A home by the boardwalk with catered dinners is quite the life.
Add Comment
 
Today's Walk 01/30/2012
 

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE

Picture
Can you spot the Red-tailed Hawk?
The birds forage and feed
while the sun plays peek-a-boo 
with dancing clouds chased by the wind.


Add Comment
 
 

EVENING SILHOUETTES

Add Comment
 
Snow days 01/23/2012
 

A TIME OF CONTEMPLATION

The morning snow brings delays and cancellations to a regular schedule.   Instead of racing into a busy work week, this unexpected gift of time allows for contemplation, which is essential for self-improvement and gaining a perspective on life's  challenges.  Make the pauses a welcome break in your day.

A few pictures taken from my dining room window of the quiet snow-coverd valley.

Good day,
Sally

Add Comment
 
 

A BLAZE OF COLOR

The sky continued to change during my entire walk.
I have never seen a more colorful sunset.
Just Beautiful.

Add Comment
 
 

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

A light dusting of snow on the forest floor reveals a heavily used deer trail.  The path looks worn and inviting.  It brings a little mystery to my walk as I take an unknown trail. My presence surprises the many animals feeding in the warm afternoon sun. I am startled by a ruffled grouse rapidly flying for cover. The nuthatches and woodpeckers scurry behind trees hiding from the stranger in the woods.

After some distance, I am surprised how the woodland trail gives way to open fields and tranquil views.  I feel I am in a far away place as I gaze at the farms nestled under the mountain range. These are neighboring properties I pass every day but they look so different from this vantage point.  In this moment the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

I return home with a new perspective and connection to the world around me.  

Add Comment
 
January Days 01/11/2012
 

  WINTER SUNSHINE

The sun was shining brightly when I took my morning walk. 
Summer does not seem far away on days like these.

In the depth of winter I finally learned
 that within me there lay an 
invincible summer.
Albert Camus

Add Comment
 
Reflections 01/03/2012
 

 UNDER THE SKY

The whole earth is at rest and quiet.

Face the year with childlike wonder. 
 Gaze at the stars
Question the Creator
Listen ~ Be silent ~ Be still 
Be simple and obedient to your heart.  
Listen to God's spirit in pure simplicity.  
Let not your heart be troubled.  




Add Comment
 
Happy Holidays 12/25/2011
 
Add Comment
 
 

WINTER SOLSTICE

Winter begins
Celebrate

Add Comment