Thursday, February 19, 2009

Serendipity

According to the website WhatIs.com, Serendipity is defined as "the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it."

Last Saturday, Don (my kids' Dad) and I attended a family Bar Mitzvah. We were invited separately, but since neither of our significant others was able to attend, we went together. One of my Montreal cousins is the maternal grandmother of the thirteen year-old birthday boy. He, his parents and two siblings live in nearby Toronto, and we see them from time to time, at family occasions such as birthdays and Hanukkah.

The event was pleasant enough, and the luncheon which followed provided a wonderful opportunity for relatives who had not seen each other for a few years to get together and catch up. My Aunt Blanche is a very young 97 year-old, and she traveled in from Montreal to celebrate her great-grandson's special day, and to spend time with family whom she had not seen for awhile.

After the meal, several of us gathered at my cousin Marcy's (Mom of the infamous wallet-thieving JJ) house. We chatted, laughed, took multi-generational photos and enjoyed a relaxed, lovely family-oriented afternoon. This also happened to be Valentine's Day, and since Frank and I had plans for dinner, we said our "good-byes" fairly early. But not before Marcy and I had a most interesting chat in the kitchen.

She told me that she had stuck around until the end of the luncheon because the family wanted to take some photos before Marcy was to take her mother, (my Aunt Blanche) home with her. As the crowd thinned, Marcy recounted a warm conversation she had with the paternal uncle of the Bar Mitzvah boy - an extended family member whom she hadn't seen in several years. She told me the gist of their conversation and repeated several times that he's such a nice guy. She referred to him by his name, Carmi. It tickled my brain with a vague familiarity, and I figured that I must have met him at some event over the years, so I just smiled and nodded. It was only when she said that he and his family were on their way home to London, Ontario that the realization hit me like a lightning bolt.

I grabbed Marcy's arm and may have used just a wee, tiny, excited expletive. I repeated his name. Then I probably repeated the expletive, once again. She looked at me as if I was nuts. I realized that I hadn't remembered him from family mentions (or menschens as Carmi tends to write). I recognized his name from his blog - Written Inc - a place I visit regularly. I know by the names in his comments section, that several of you who are reading this right now, also visit him.

I quickly tried to recall details that I knew about the man whose blog I've been visiting for over a year. "He has a son!" I said.

"He has two sons and a daughter." came Marcy's reply.

Hmmm maybe I didn't exactly recall... "OK, he's from Montreal originally. He commented on my blog about some landmarks that I mentioned in a post."

"Yes, he's from Montreal."

"He's a really, really nice guy. He has a kind, caring heart and he writes very well. And he's a good photographer."

"Yes, he's a sweetheart. I just looove Carmi. And yes, he's a writer but I don't think he's a photographer. Maybe it's not him He's got lighter hair than his brother (father of the Bar Mitzvah boy). Does that help?"

"Hmmm, I don't know. I thought he had dark hair but it's so hard to tell with those little avatar photos."

And so it went.

I figured I'd send Marcy the URL to his blog when I got home but when I checked his site later that evening, he had written about returning home from a family Bar Mitzvah in the nearby big city, and I knew without a doubt that it was the same Carmi Levy.


We exchanged a few emails and expressed our surprise, and ultimate disappointment at being so close and yet so far from actually meeting. He and Marcy had already secured one another's contact information and have since reinforced the bond of friendship that they had known years earlier. We all determined that sometime in the future, we will undoubtedly get together, as it would seem that Fate has dictated we must.

I wore an amused smile for the rest of the weekend.


Below are a few photos from last week. After several very cold days, temperatures rose suddenly overnight. Following a lovely sunrise, it rained a bit later in the morning, after which fog began to form and thicken throughout the day. I went out around the pond a few times to enjoy and photograph the mist. I hope you enjoy it too. Please remember to click on each photo to enlarge.




I awoke to see a brilliant golden orb peek through my window. I took less than five minutes to get my early morning act together and head outside to the pond where this view greeted me. (please click to enlarge)




Moments later, I made my way around to the opposite shore of the pond where I could see that a soft fog had begun to form on the surface of the water. (please click to enlarge)




As the day progressed, it rained and the fog thickened. The air remained humid, and the water droplets hung heavily on the branches. (please click to enlarge)



A curved tree reaches out over the pond as if to peer out into the fog. (please click to enlarge)



The fog creates a soupy background for this tree. It slowly seeps forward to envelope its branches. (please click to enlarge)




The gentle slope of the shoreline balances its trees at precarious angles, allowing some to dip their branches into the fog-covered water. (please click to enlarge)




Trees intertwine as if to orient themselves against the misty background of the opposite shore.




The fog-covered pond seems to provide a layered backdrop for these lonely branches. (please click to enlarge)




Unconcerned with the reduced visibility, a lone duck preens on the still-frozen surface of the pond. (please click to enlarge)



Perspective changes greatly at times. The fog seemed to make this ordinary portion of the pathway appear new to me. (please click to enlarge)




Old leaves which still cling to this tree create a colourful contrast to the hazy background, while droplets of rain dot the branches. (please click to enlarge)




This view is from the dock, beneath the weeping willow. The sun rose from behind it early that morning. It's opposite in perspective from the first photo in many ways. (please click to enlarge)




One last stroll around the pond. Late in the day, snow has almost fully melted and the fog feels even moodier in the near-darkness. (please click to enlarge)

72 comments:

neverenoughrubberstamps said...

ABSOLUTLY BEAUTIFUL PICTURES!

Simply Breathtaking!

Kaye Waller said...

These are, IMHO, some of the most beautiful photos I've ever seen. Truly stunning!

Indrani said...

The blogging world is round and small too! :) I too have bumped in to some old friends through blogging and it is a great feeling. I can imagine you smiling away.

I have visited Carmi's, he posts some very beautiful shots.

Thanks for the visual treat!

NJ said...

That stage of melting snow and the gray skies are not the most beautiful stage of winter but you've managed to capture them and make them beautiful.

What a small world that you passed so close by an internet friend.

Tabor said...

When you first mentioned Carmi I thought of his blog. I visit it, not often, but used to visit quite a bit in the early years of my blogging.It is kind of like knowing there is a celebrity in the next room!

Cath said...

Serendipitous indeed. I love the word serendipity - and what it means. What a wonderful account - I can hear your excitement and realisation.. and frustration! At least you can "find" eachother at the next family gathering.

Beautiful pictures as always - no. 3 is my favourite. Brilliant shot.

Hope you enjoyed your meal with Frank. And I STILL love that you and the ex can do things together and there are no recriminations, no jealousies... a great example!

Anonymous said...

I was so enamored with your incredible story, and then you treated us to great photos, too!

I can't decide which pic I like better, the old leaves and pathway or the tree dipping the tips of its branches into the water.

Zuzana said...

Serendipity is my favourite word. If you have not seen the movie with the same name, please do.;))
I immediately thought of the "blog" Carmi, as soon as you mentioned the name. Mostly as the name is very unusual, at least to me.;) I know of him and his blog somewhat, as he has left a very kind comment at my place once.;)
The cliche "it is a small world" is very fitting in this context, don't you think.;))

Your pictures are stunning! As always. You manage to take photographs that make winter landscape captivating, even if the sun is absent.
You have a rare talent Hilary.;)

Andrea said...

What a wonderful story...I LOVE when things like that happen! Love all the photos, but especially the one from the dock!! :) You are so talented!

ConverseMomma said...

I take comfort in the fact that the world is often smaller than we think.

Amazing drips of water from that tree branch.

Mental P Mama said...

I love these foggy shot. So cozy feeling. And that is quite the serendipitous almost meeting.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

you live in this ultra-pretty place??? :)

carmilevy said...

I believe strongly in fate, bashert, and the neat way it wiggles its way into our lives when we least expect it.

Our almost-encounter - well, it sort-of was, as there WAS a connection - was definitely the highlight of the weekend, and I, too, look forward to meeting you for real and hanging with Marcy.

Sometimes, I just love how the planet works :)

Leah J. Utas said...

Love the fog pics. I'm especially taken with the pathway pic. Excellent work.

Cheffie-Mom said...

Wow, how neat! I had chills reading your post. And the pictures are breathtaking!

Frank Baron said...

Serendipity is one of my favourite words too. I fell in love with it from the song in that old Disney movie:

Serendipity-do-dah! Serendipity-aaa!
My, oh my what a wonderful day!

And you beautifully captured a lovely day. (The last shot is my fave.)

Carmi sounds like a mensch. I look forward to meeting him someday already.

Suldog said...

The view from the dock is otherworldly.

Serendipity is such a nice thing, isn't it? MY WIFE and I more-or-less use that as the catchword for our life together, as so many wonderful and interesting things happen to us out of the blue.

Daryl said...

So add to this that Carmi's In-Laws live in the same condo development in Deerfield Beach as my parents did, the same condo my sister and I now own ... see, I knew we were connected!

Angie Ledbetter said...

What a cool happening. Love the photos as always. Last two are my favorites.

ds said...

What a fabulous story! It truly is a small world (and web). And your photos are stunning--moody fog and all. Hands down, my fave is the one that opens this post, the drop of rain hanging from the branch with another branch reflected inside it--how did you DO that??

SMS said...

Hi
I love that droplet's distorted image; it reminds me of when I discovered images of stained glass and church lights reflected in my sparking new diamond engagement ring. Isn't it amazing how looking into something so tiny actually opens to a bigger view.

the Bag Lady said...

What a great story! And such great photos.... love the sunrise, and the raindrops hanging from the branches....
I was thinking of entering my "sunrise" photo from last week in a local contest and all I can say is - I am SO glad you can't enter... I might just stand a chance! :)

Redbush said...

The story was heart-warming, like something you would find in a movie. I love the feel of the photos, the icy ponds, the sunrise on the ice, and the birds on the pond. I felt like I was right there.

Tired Dad said...

Very nice story, and the pictures are as fantastic as always :)

Clowncar said...

Sweet story.

Love the pix,as always. The water drops on the twigs really caught my attentions.

Tink said...

It always gives me a little chill when I hear about stuff like that happening. The world seems so freakin' large until something like that comes around to prove me wrong. I absolutely adore that second to last picture. Would you, by chance, sell me a copy? Signed, off course. I think it would look really awesome in our bedroom.

Maggie May said...

As usual.... wonderful pictures that had an ethereal look. (The snow ones anyway.) I loved the one with the rain drops hanging of the branches.

Your Carmi blogging friend! That was quite a coincidence, wasn't it? I suppose it is bound to happen at some point, recognizing a blogging pal!

I love the sound of the *young* 97 year old aunt Blanche!

Dianne said...

How the hell you manage to capture fog this way!! beats me

I can feel the mood of each scene thru the photos

love the lone duck
the color and reflection of the first one - wow!!

I can never pick a favorite though

how small a world and blog-o-sphere that you and Camrmi were at the same celebration :)

SandyCarlson said...

Who needs Facebook when you have real people bringing the blogosphere in for a landing!

Anonymous said...

Hilary, I really enjoyed this story of your family weekend. How incredible to almost find someone you had already chosen to be your friend (in blogging) among your family!

What a warm, small world it is sometimes here on earth.

That path looks like something from Narnia, magical.

Now to visit Carmi.

Andrea said...

When I was in third grade, my teacher asked what my favorite word was. I said "serendipity." I was praying she wouldn't ask the meaning since I had no idea what it meant. Serendipity has been my favorite word ever since. What a beautiful story!

Nancy said...

I loved your story about serendipity. I am currently reading the book "Tipping Point" and he talks a lot about the "six degrees of separation." It is a really small world.

I love your pictures - especially the dock. I think I am going to start playing with photography because I love yours and other blogger pictures so much!

Country Girl said...

Oh, Hilary, your photos are always so good. I loved the first one, and the others especially of the water.
Way cool about your small world!

Hilary said...

• Thanks very much, NERS. Much appreciated. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you for the kind words, Steph. And for dropping by. :)

• Thanks, Idrani. It is very cool just how small the world is sometimes. And yes, Carmi is a wonderful photographer and writer. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much for the kind words, NJ. The fog sure helped to give me that added element, and to soften the less attractive parts of a spring melt. The smallness of the world never fails to impress, eh? Thanks for the visit. :)

• You're right, Tabor. It was very much like that. And particularly nice to know that said "celebrity" is a real decent guy. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Cath. We will likely meet fairly soonish, and I'm really looking forward to it. Dinner with Frank was very nice, thanks. And I have to agree with you about how great it is that my ex and I have remained friends, and that he and Frank also get along just fine. I'm very lucky this way. :) Thanks for your always-kind comments. :)

• Thanks very kindly, KC. I occasionally see your comments on other blogs, referring to and linking to mine. I can't express how much I appreciate that. You never fail to make my day. Thanks always for your wonderful ways. :)

• Thank you, Protege. I haven't seen the movie, Serendipity but will keep it in mind for sure. Knowing you, it's going to be an incredibly romantic flick, so I'll probably need to watch it sometime when I'm on my own or with a girlfriend (you can exhale now, Frank). ;) I totally agree that "small world" is fitting in this case, and in fact, I believe it was the subject line of the email I sent to Carmi about this realization. Thanks for your very kind words about the photos, Z. You never fail to make me feel great. :)

• Thanks very much, Andrea. Those "coincidences" are so rare and special that they're not easily forgotten. I certainly share your enthusiasm. Thanks also for your kind words. Very much appreciated. :)

• Thank you, Converse Mama. It is a comforting thought for sure. Thanks for the kind words. :)

• Thanks, MPM. I'm glad you like the photos and it was indeed serendipitous. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• I do, Gary. It's where I walk daily.. just a few steps from my door. :)

• I totally agree, Carmi. I'm very much looking forward to completing that connection with an actual visit - and probably blogging about it. ;) I noticed that you've been around to visit many of the bloggers who have commented here. What an incredibly sweet thing to do. Thanks for that. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Leah. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. :)

• Thanks Cheffie. The post left you cold and short of breath? That can't be good! ;) Thanks for your always-kind words. :)

• Thank you, Frank. I'm glad you liked the pics. You know, I somehow thought you'd go that way with the word "Serendipity." And yet you still made me laugh. ;) I'm looking forward to meeting Carmi and his family (and his little dog) too. I suspect we'll all have a great time. :)

• Thanks very much, Sully. I think it says a lot about you and YOUR WIFE that wonderful, "serendipitous" things happen to you often. That doesn't surprise me in the least. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Very cool, Daryl. That would practically make us.. like sisters! ;)

• Thanks, Angie. I'm glad you enjoyed the post and photos. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, DS. It is indeed a very small world. I appreciate your very kind comments about the photos. That first shot was taken on the macro setting. There were droplets hanging heavily everywhere I looked, and I kept knocking them off by bumping my camera too close to them while attempting a shot. But every now and then I got lucky. Thanks for your very kind words. :)

• That's very true, SMS.. serendipitous, even. ;) I'm glad you like the photos and your kind words are very much appreciated. Thanks very the visit and congratulations on your engagement!. :)

• Thanks so much, Baggie. I think it would be great if you entered your photo. Do it! It's such a lovely shot and it's already made television fame. ;) Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Redbush. I'm glad you liked the photos and particularly happy that you felt like you were there. Thanks for your very kind words. :)

• Thanks very much, Tired Dad. Much appreciated. :)

• Thank you, Clowncar. Your kind words mean a lot to me. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Tink. I agree with how chill-evoking these kind of things can be. You never know who you'll come this close to sometimes. And sorry, but I'm not selling you that photo. It is however on its way to you in a higher resolution, with signature. I hope you and Hoop enjoy it. :)

• Thanks for the kind comments, Maggie May. It was indeed a very happy coincidence, one which will result in an eventual meeting. I'm glad you liked the photos and that you got a kick out of my youthful aunt. ;) Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks so much, Dianne. Your kind words never fail to make my day. And yes, this small world still blows me away. Thanks very much for the visit. :)

• Very true, Sandy. I'm not a big Facebook fan as it is. This works just fine for me. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, MT. I agree. It was such a thrill to discover that connection. And cool to read about Daryl's link to Carmi as well (a few comments up). Who knows how many others there are with whom we might almost collide? I'm glad you're off to visit Carmi's blog. I'm sure you'll love it there. Thanks always for your very kind words. :)

• Cute story, Andrea. No doubt you loved the sound of the word then, as you probably love the meaning of it now. Way back in my youth (the 1960s), there was a group called the New Serendipity Singers, and that was my first introduction to the word. They sang novelty songs like "Don't Let the Rain Come Down" and "Beans in My Ears." Only the oldies would remember those.. right, Frank? ;) Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very kindly, L of L. I don't doubt that there are many more connections nearby of which we're unaware. Thanks so much for your kind words about the photos. I think you absolutely should start playing with photography. It's very rewarding - and addictive. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, very much, Kate. Coming from you, that's always such a great compliment. Thanks for stopping by. :)

G said...

This is a wonderful post. I love serendipity, and no matter what, I'll always believe in fate and destiny and all that mysteriously inexplicable stuff. What a wonderful meeting you'll all have.

Your pictures are absolutely stunning. I love fog and mist, and... well there's more mystery for you... just so haunting, and what a talented photographer you are.

Rainbow dreams said...

Wonderful photos and such a wonderful moment of connection - the world is indeed far smaller than we sometimes think - although I love on a smallish island and can go for years without bumping into some people.. cam here via conversemomma but am a longtime visitor of Carmi...

Reb said...

Such a great story to remind us just how small the world really is. I love the rain drops and the last picture makes me jealous, how can your snow be almost gone?

photowannabe said...

That's amazing Serendipity. Small world and all that. Carmi is on my daily blog watch. I do hope you two can get together sometime.
Fantastic pictures by the way.

lime said...

what a shame that you missed each other but how wonderful that you were able to solve the mystery and decide to make future plans.

Crabby McSlacker said...

Love the serendipity tale!

And holy cow, those are beautiful photos. No one but you can make me wish winter would linger a little longer!

Dave said...

This blog is up to your usual high standard Hilary! Your words and photos are great! So many of your pictures impressed me. Thanks for all of this and glad you enjoyed your family reunion. - Dave

Dave said...

P.S. Also was impressed with your first picture of the water drop showing the view through it. - Dave

Sandra said...

I LOVE the fog pictures and the last one. Beautiful, as usual.

abb said...

Can't see your photos - in wi-fi hell here - but loved the story. Did Carmi visit your blog before? What a small world we live in!

SandyCarlson said...

The mist in these images warms me up!

Thanks for stopping by, Hilary.

Shrinky said...

Oh Hilary, these photographs are simply stunning, absolutely beautiful. Such a talent you have there!

Isn't that amazing about your friend and you almost, so very nearly crossing paths together? Yes, it does seem fate will eventually step in. Things have a way of working through, don't they? Smile.

Russell said...

Wow..! Now THAT'S an interesting story! So close but so far away!

I have always maintained it is a small world. And your experience proves that once again!

The fog certainly makes for some beautiful images... very mysterious and full of feeling. I like them a great deal.

Take care.

Shammickite said...

Serendipity indeed! I have visited Carmi's blog a few times too, he writes with flair and has super pictures as illustration of his words. I hope you get to meet him in person soon.
Funny how lives can intersect. I met a couple on Thursday and I knew I had met the man before but I couldn't remember where... and neither could he. It turned out that his son used to live in the house opposite mine about six years ago.
Great pictures of a misty winter morning by the pond, as usual!!

Dave King said...

Fascinating story and fascinating pictures. Thanks for posting them.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for these breath-taking photos. I relocated to AZ from the Midwest and miss the beauty of winter. I'm learning to tolerate the desert but am still homesick for seasons. Thank you for reminding me of the beauty of snow and cold!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure I've said this before, but your photos always leave me with such a feeling of peace.

As for Carmi, I also thought of the blogger as soon as you metioned his name...this is despite the fact that it's been a while since I've visited (yes, I'm so behind on everything)

I once had a penpal that lived on Serendipidy Circle...I always thought that had to be the most wonderful place to live.

I'm sure the two of you will meet up before you know it.

Reya Mellicker said...

I, too, have been experiencing some great moments of serendipity lately. I love synchronicities. I find it comforting and encouraging. And magical, too.

Your photos are exquisite, the story is exquisite. May the serendipities continue!

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

The world is indeed a small place. I hope you get to meet Carmi some day. Lovely post, and even lovlier photos!

david mcmahon said...

Great images, Hilary and yes, you're so right about how perspectives change.

Hilary said...

• Thanks so kindly, BPG. I'm not the least bit surprised that you love both serendipity and fog. The two do kind of go hand in hand as far as mystery goes. It was in fact serendipitous that I happened to be ready to post these photos along with this story. Thanks so much for stopping by with your kind words. :)

• Thanks so much, Rainbow Dreams. I'll bet now that you've said you rarely bump into those where you live, you'll start seeing them. And so cool that you also know Carmi. Thanks very much for dropping by and for your kind words. :)

• Thanks very much, Reb but no need to be jealous any longer. We just got hit with another 10cm overnight. Back to the drawing board. One day spring will arrive. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks kindly, Sue. I'm glad to know that you already follow Carmi's blog proving the world even smaller still. Thanks always for the kind words. :)

• Thanks for the visit, Lime. I do believe we'll get together sometime in the nearish future. :)

• Thanks very much, Crabby. I take that as high praise because I know the lengths you and the Lobster (and Moo) travel to escape winter's blast. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks so much for your very kind words, Dave. You always know how to make my day. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Sandra. I'm glad you like the fog pics. Thanks always for dropping by, my friend. :)

• I'm disappointed that you can't see the photos, TSannie. Hopefuly your connection woes will resolve soon. Yes, Carmi and I have been exchanging blog visits for over a year now, which is what made this connection so cool. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, Sandy. I'm glad you liked them. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Shrinky. Yes, I do believe we'll manage a meeting sometime soon. All parties are willing. :) Thanks always for your super kind words. You never fail to make me smile. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, Russell. I'm glad you liked the small world story and the photos. Thanks always for stopping by with you warm comments. :)

• Thanks, Shammie. You and I sure don't need to sell one another on Carmi's great talents. Clearly we're both fans of his. That's cool that you recognized your past neighbour. Did you or he make the connection before parting ways for the day, or after - like I did? Thanks always for your kind words. :)

• Welcome, Dave and thanks very much for your kind words. Please stop by again real soon. :)

• Thank you, Anon. The contrast between the Midwest to Arizona must have taken quite the getting used to. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and appreciate your kind words. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks so kindly, Susan. I'm so glad to know that you, among so many others already know Carmi. And hopefully at least a few more do by now too. Serendipity Circle does indeed sound like a wonderful place to live. Thanks always for your very kind words. They mean so much to me. :)

• Thank you, Reya. I'm glad you're also experiencing serendipitous moments. They sure make for interesting days. Thanks so much for your kind comments. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Debra. I hope so too. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, David. Always a fine compliment when coming from you. Thanks for the visit. :)

Amy said...

The instant I saw the name "Carmi" and caught on to what was going to happen in your story, I thought, "Karma." I think it just may have been at work!!

Landed on your blog in some what of a roundabout random way, but so glad I did.

steviewren said...

Finding out that a blog buddy is practically family is serendipity indeed! I once met the girlfriend of a boy I went to school with at a family reunion. She attended a high school across town. My guy friend had been talking about her for months. Who knew we were cousins? But we were. Too funny!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

What a fantastic story! :) You've got some brilliant photos there too. It's been a joy to visit.

Michelle H. said...

Beautiful pics, as always.

Serendipidty is one of those funny words for me. It never comes to mind unless someone else mentions it, then I will spend all day thinking about it until the next go-around. Weird!

Hilary said...

• I'm glad you did too, Amy. And I hope you'll be back soon. Karma/Carmi - funny how I didn't notice that before. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Steviewren, I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that there are folks all around us who we might know that way. It's kind of reassuring that the world isn't as large and cold as it sometimes appears. Thanks very much for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much for the very kind words, Nikki-Ann. Much appreciated. I hope you'll be back to visit soon. :)

• Thank you, Michelle. Serendipity is indeed one of those words that just appears every so often and makes you think. It's a nice word to say but true, it's not used, nor thought about very often. Yet it just seemed right in this instance. Thanks for dropping by. :)

Saz said...

Serendipity indeed...thats is what blogland is to me..

and those images very Casper David Friedrich!!

well done on POTD, glad lve found you!

introspection said...

My first visit here, via 'authorblog'. I am glad I came. serendipity is an awsome word. We used to play dumb charade during trekking camps, and I remember I had to mime this word to my team. I just could not.
Pictures are just so beautiful, each one of them. I am new to blogworld and I have realised there are so amny 'blog gurus' here. you are one of them..!

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Serendipity is one of my favorite words. Nope. No such thing as coincidence. Now I can't WAIT until you meet fact-to-face! I'm off to check out his blog!!! (congrats on your award!!)

Hilary said...

• Welcome, and thanks very much for such kind compliments, FF&F. They're so appreciated. I'm glad you stopped by. :) And thanks again to David for sending you this way.

• Welcome to you too, Introspection. And thank you also for your very kind words. I don't think I'd be able to mime the word "Serendipity" either. Thanks so much for stopping by via David's blog. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks very much, Carol. I'm looking forward to the visit too. And I think you're right about there being no such thing as coincidence. Serendipity works for me. Thanks for stopping by with such kind words. :)

Louise said...

These are GREAT fog photos!

How funny to ALMOST meet a blog buddy!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Gorgeous photos, but I was so amused by the serendipity story! How cool is that?!

Anonymous said...

the branches with the water drops is a precious pic! your pics are amazing, no wonder you have so many comments :)

Susan English Mason said...

I enjoy your talent of picking photos and then writing perfect narration for them. The results are so astounding to me. I often think and appreciate the time it must take for you to complete each post. I always have to tell you my favorite one - and it is the golden orb shot taken from your window. I hope you get to meet Carmi soon because I think it is destined to be.

icastico said...

Nice images.

Hilary said...

• Thanks kindly, Louise. Yes, funny, neat and frustrating. But I suspect we will meet before too long. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, IBHH. I agree.. it's totally cool. Thanks so much for the kind words. :)

•Thanks very much Jeanette. I appreciate your kind words and I'm glad you stopped by. :)

• Thanks very kindly, PL. I so appreciate your kindness. It does take me a fair bit of time to get a post together - which is why I only tend to post every five days or so. I'm glad you keep coming back! :)

• Thank you, Icastico. :)

Carolyn R. Parsons said...

Just found your blog through a blog link in another blog and have to say I love the post and the pictures. I recently wrote a poem called Serendipity and you can see it at my blog at www.breezedaze.blogspot.com

ps..I too am in Ontario..nice to see some homegrown bloggers!

Breeze

Hilary said...

* Breeze, thanks very much for your kind words. I'll be right by to see your poem. Thanks for the visit. I hope you'll be back soon. :)