Tuesday, December 23, 2008

My World in a Sunbeam


The past month has been marked by storm after winter storm with grey clouds, strong winds and blinding snow. Sunlight is rarely seen but is enjoyed by all when it appears in the lull. Monday dawned clear and cold and the sun shone brightly if not warmly early in the day.


Our downtown city park was blanketed in fresh, unmarked snow and the bench overlooking the frozen lake was almost inviting in a beam of light. I sit on it in the summer and watch the ducks, geese and herons in the water. In years past we skated here but the ice is no longer groomed and cleared as winters have become milder. This year would be an exception.

The park has many festive lighted displays on December nights. Inside the red-windowed trailer above is a Christmas scene that is illuminated after sunset. But this morning the sun shone on the landscape and reflected the park in the glass like a mirror blocking the inside view.


The Union Jack flies above the bandstand. This is Victoria Park and a statue of the old Queen of the Commonwealth stands high in cold bronze, her stern gaze overlooking the snow and ice. This is Canada, but Victoria's name is found in many places across the country.

At home, our dog Dakota seeks out any stray sunbeam that may shine through the window for a few minutes. He faces the light soaking in the brightness and scant warmth. We all need the sun.

“May your joys be as bright as the morning,
and your sorrows merely be shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.
May you have enough happiness to keep you sweet,
enough trials to keep you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human,
enough hope to keep young.”


Irish Blessing



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26 comments:

  1. Dakota is like my cats! LOL Your worls is stunning this week. Merry Christmas.

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  2. thank you for the wonderful tour of your beautiful world...
    compliments of the joyous season to you and yours!!

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  3. Those photos are beautiful So serene looking. Our dogs hunt the rays of sunlight shining through the windows. When it warms up some during the day I open the door and let the sun shine through the storm door, They both love it and bask in the sunshine. Helen

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  4. It;s a real beauty sunshine and snow. I seem to be getting neither.

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  5. I am with you Ruth. I can handle almost any weather as long as the sun is shining brightly. Dakota is so cute seeking out the warm beams!

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  6. Anonymous7:38 am GMT-5

    Winter can be harsh at times creating difficulty for planning events and travel. But those pictures show how beautiful it can be as well. How could something so calm, soothing and peaceful looking be hated by so many?

    Those are beautiful shots of Dakota. He reminds me much of my Lexie in breed, color, "shape" and personality. Even down to the white hairs on the mouth. What a cutie-pie!

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  7. This is a very nice series of photos.

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  8. Anonymous9:28 am GMT-5

    Enjoying your winter wonderland pics. Our part of the world is quite beautiful right now.

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  9. Lovely winter photographs. I love seeing snow in someone else's area. Always look for the dog to find a sunbeam. He is gorgeous.

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  10. Ruth: That was a cool walk around your snowy world.

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  11. What a beautiful landscape you have over there! I just LOVE the sun, whether it lands on the Nigerien sand or the very tempting Canadian snow!

    Greetings from West Africa,
    Esther

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  12. I am currently working on a little illuminated art piece with that Irish blessing on it.

    It is so nice to see the sun, if only on your blog. We had a brief moment of sun the other day but it seems weeks ago now. Damian and I are use to walking in the sun, I am missing the vitamin D...

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  13. We've certainly been getting a snootful of snow, haven't we?!

    Merry Christmas Ruth

    Elaine
    down the road in Woodstock

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  14. Love the red window frame! Nothing like a ray of sunshine to brighten ones world ... and spirits! Very low in the sky is our sun now ... but slowly and surely those days will lengthen. Wha-hoo.

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  15. I'm making the rounds to wish all of my blog friends a Merry Christmas!

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  16. What wonderful photos....and I love how Dakota seeks out the sun....it was beautfiul cool and crisp here yesterday...but the forecast is for more of the white stuff today....

    I very much enjoyed reading your blog and the Irish blessing....

    Merry Christams to you and yours....

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  17. A most beautiul,scenic post.Yes,that bench almost looks inviting,until one thinks of the temperature.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  18. It is so lovely to se the sun after so much grey skies. Merry Christmas.

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  19. All dogs love the sun. Thank you for the Irish Blessing.

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  20. Dakota is stunning in his own personal sumbeam!

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  21. Dakota stole the show for me :o) A few rays of sun is what we all need. After a week of dark clouds, I understand the search for a few rays. Dakota looks very sophisticated and wise.

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  22. Merry Christmas, Ruth. I wish you a peaceful day with the ones you love.

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  23. Dakota looks like a great dog. I love the way the sunlight shines off his coat. I invite you to come visit my post about Powell River and see some of the sites we have to offer. -- Margy

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  24. i love the window picture!!! so beautiful! I can fully understand Dakota:) I would've done the same thing:D

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  25. great shots...love the sunshine :)
    happy holidays from botetourt county virginia where it is a balmy 50 degrees and yes...we do not have snow on the ground.

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  26. wow stunning snow shots. i love them coz we do not have snow in my islands.

    merry christmas to you and your family from my islands to yours...

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