Sunday, November 3, 2013

Listening to Silence

Before I get into my usual post, I'd like to draw your attention to my blog friend, Laura over at Shine the Divine. Those of you who read her beautiful words, already know her strength and determination in the face of a difficult life challenge. She is the unwavering voice of understanding, hope and gratitude. It is her ongoing expression of gratitude that has led her to create The Gratitude Quilt.

This is her fifth year hosting this virtual quilting bee and Laura is asking you to join her by creating a verbal "patch" for her Gratitude Quilt.

Here, in Laura's words, is how you do it:

It is easy to participate in the Gratitude Quilt: Open a new word doc on your computer (or take out a sheet of paper and a pen). Close your eyes. Place one hand on your heart, then your other hand over that, giving yourself a gentle hug. Breathe into and out through the center of your heart for several breaths. Now, exhale slowly. Inhale deeply. Exhale again… type or write whatever you are most thankful for in that moment. Do not edit just let the words flow. There is no need to translate into English if that is not your native tongue. Copy and paste the words into an email and send them to me laura@shinethedivine.com by November 24th so I have time to "stitch" out words together. Please type the words "Gratitude Quilt" in the subject line.


Please consider joining in. Last year's "patches" were awesome to read. Drop Laura a line and your own sentiments will be part of the quilt.

*****

 I should also probably mention that which is rather obvious - I've not done the Posts of the Week for quite some time now. Most of you know how crazy busy my life has been over the past several months. Right now, it's just a little more hectic than ever. 

I have fewer than ten days to pack up the rest of my belongings, sell some pieces of furniture, give away others and get a trailer load of "stuff" and my two cats up to the new place, over three hours away. Then I have to turn around, and head back to the city a couple of days later to sign papers and collect the funds.

Why not wait until then to make the full move, you might ask? Oh at least one of you asked. I'm pretty sure I heard it. Well, because my cats are getting older and have never lived anywhere but here. There's been a lot of chaos around them as they've endured renovations, people coming to see the house, and my packing up the place in front of their very eyes. I think it would be too much to empty my house and have them wait around while the lawyers do their thing to finalize this deal, and then make the over three hour drive with them. I just can't do that to them. 

So two trips in a couple of days it is. I'll have good help and good company. And hopefully loud music to drown out the yowling cats. 

So now you know why I've not had time to keep track of any posts for the POTW. Once I'm settled in, I'll get back on track. But not for a while. Thanks for your understanding. I know you do. 

Now, on to today's post.

I saw old Autumn in the misty morn stand shadowless like silence, listening to silence.
~ Thomas Hood

The following photos were all taken up at my new place during the course of two quick visits, late in the summer and early autumn.


bedroom view 2
A peek out through my bedroom window tells me that morning has broken over the lake. I suspect I won't be able to get enough of these sunrise shots, through the years. The scenery is just too beautiful to resist.




Sunrise with bonus bugs
Heading over to the living room window, we catch the same break of day, just a few minutes later, complete with a couple of bugs on the window - just above the horizon on the right and near the top of the sky on the left.




sunflower droop
An official greeter of the sun - even if it's a bit late in its season.





autumn view
Beautiful sunlit colours of autumn.





fallen couple
A pair of yellow leaves, held together by the weighted beauty of morning raindrops.





mowing and mail collection
Jeffrey was in town, and joined me up at our place for a few days. He put himself to work cutting the grass and delivering our mail in the process.





Rockface of Blueberry island
This is the magnificent rock face of Blueberry Island, across the bay from our home. The frequently-present loons are swimming into the picture on the left.
 




last roses and fly
Withering roses still hold some beauty, and are attractive to insects in need of soft place to rest.





late day loons4
Lovely colours materialize in the sky, as the sun begins its descent. A pair of loons float peacefully along the lake water, just beyond our dock.





Autumn sunset
This evening sky held such a softness of hazy pink. I wasn't sure that the camera would capture what our eyes saw, but was pleasantly surprised that it did.

And with this, another day is done. There'll be another one coming up again shortly. Stay tuned for more photos.

47 comments:

Cloudia said...

This is idyllic, the colors, drops on the leaf against the rough macadam. That photo makes us feel wet and abraded and uplifted all at once. Bless you for working around your kitty guardianship. You are a blessed soul. Best of new times memories and wishes in your magical new space!


ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
=^..^= <3

ADRIAN said...

You have chosen a wonderful place to live.

Andy said...

I hope you have internet connection at your new home. I always enjoy your photos so much.

Bob Bushell said...

Thanks for showing us Hilary. You live in an exotic part on this earth.

Laura said...

Stunning photography as always dear Hilary. Thank you so very much for extending the invitation to join the Gratitude Quilt here on your blog. YOU are such a kind friend. I wish for you and the kitties a smooth transition over these next days from your old home to the new one. This is big and it will be wonderful once you get through this short period of stress. The cats will find peace once they feel you settle, and all will be well.

deep blessings,
laura

Out on the prairie said...

Lovely new home you have. I liked the two leaves with raindrops real well. I am packing up my apartment to move back to the farm for winter. I too love the scenery abound, but wish I had loons and a lake in my yard. Wait I have 100 acres of prairie that sings to me. It is like nursing a child sometimes.

DJan said...

I'm heading right over to the place where the Gratitude Quilt is being designed. What a great idea! And I feel for your kitties, it's just awful to be uprooted. You are such a good mom, though. Not to mention a talented photographer. :-)

Hilary said...

It looks like heaven on earth, and I am over the moon happy for you, dear friend.

Brian Miller said...

you are moving beauty to beauty...the new views will def keep your camera busy...and we will be blessed for it as well...

i have done the grat quilt before...and probably will again....

Anvilcloud said...

I am so sorry you are forced to moved to such a dump. (You are able to spot irony, eh?)

Indrani said...

Great captures again.
Terrific views from your window.

Red said...

I hear you when it comes to moving. I have a 75 year old cousin who moved recently and his comment was,"75 year olds shouldn't have to move!" So I hope the last part of this goes well.
Your new home is in a very beautiful area.

TexWisGirl said...

we completely understand about POTW! happy to see you pop in now and then because i know how crazy life is right now.

i hope your cats will adjust okay. it will be trauma for them, but hopefully they'll settle in!

such a beautiful view waiting for you. :)

Gail Dixon said...

I miss POTW, but gosh, it's completely understandable.

I hope your cats make the transition well. I think you're doing the right thing to get them settled beforehand. People who take such care with their animals are high on my list of respect.

The photos are simply awe-inspiring. Each one a special work of art. Can't wait to see more from your new place.

Phyllis E said...

Love those yellow leaves, Cuzzie. Good luck with the move.

Tabor said...

Blueberry island? Now you sound like you are in a novel!

Daryl said...

i am sure you know a trick that works with relocating cats .. put all the stuff they know the scent of in a small room and close them in for a day or two - visit them of course - and then open the door and let them investigate the new house on their own terms ... xox

Terra said...

You are a sweetie to care for your cats' feelings. My two favorite photos are the first two, of the idyllic water scenes.

Friko said...

I’m surprised you actually found time to post and add these lovely shots.

Get back here when all is settled. We’ll wait.

Take care.

messymimi said...

Selling and moving is difficult business. Thanks for stopping in the middle and giving us this peek at your new life!

stephen Hayes said...

I'm sure you'll be glad when your move is over and you're all settled in to your new place. Don't wear yourself out to badly. Take care.

yaya said...

Good luck with all the final preps for moving. I hope all goes smooth and the cats enjoy that beautiful new home! The scenery is amazing. I can't wait to see the snow and shots you capture! Every time I hear the word "loon", I think of the movie.."On Golden Pond"!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Oh what amazing beauty! Your camera will be kept very busy at your new place.

Anonymous said...

You must be in absolute heaven to finally be living there. Gosh it is gorgeous!

Rita said...

I totally, totally understand and agree about the cats, of course. Moving them is stressful enough. :) I hope they will love the new place as much as you are going to. :) :)

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I can see that this new place is going to provide numerous photo ops, and you're the right person to take advantage of them. These are wonderful. The sunrise shots, I think, are my favorites; but you make it hard to choose. :)

Liz Mays said...

My eyes just filled with tears that you're just about to get to the next chapter and settle in. I'm thrilled for you, dear friend.

Linda said...

Beautiful photos! The daybreak shots are spectacular.

Our photos said...

Beautiful photos, Hilary!
Greetings, RW & SK

Crabby McSlacker said...

Wow.

Just wow. So beautiful.

Hope you settling in happily!

CiCi said...

You are blessed in so many ways. I am happy for you. Your new home will be enjoyed for a long time and each and every day.

Sharon Wagner said...

I hope I remember to participate in the quilt post. That sounds very special.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous shots, but that first one just blew me away!

Catherine said...

I love it that you care so much about your cats. I do hope the move goes well and you will be equally happy in your new home - this one is so stunning! Wonderful photos - thank you x

Maggie May said...

Its a beautiful place. Hope the rest of the move goes well. Cats and all!
Maggie x

Nuts in May

Rob-bear said...

We have just survived a move, and hope you do as well. Same for your cats.

Your surroundings invite many pictures in the coming years. I hope they are all delightful.

Blessings and Bear hugs, Hilary!

Scott Law said...

This is wonderful. I'm sure I would be looking for excuses to spend time up there as much as possible. Fun to visit again and see that you are still up to your old tricks. OBTW, I've started posting on a limited basis again.

Suldog said...

As always, you've given me a dose of beauty for the day. Best of luck on the continuing move. I've always thought (not an original thought; it was Twain's first, I believe) that anyone kind to cats can be trusted, while anyone cruel to them is best avoided like the plague. Dictators hate cats, because cats will not kowtow, but free spirits enjoy the company of others of a like mind.

Mage said...

Simply wonderful. Hugs.

Shammickite said...

Good luck in your finalising the big move, and good luck to the kitties in their new surroundings. I`m so excited for you. This is something you`ve been looking forward to for a long time and finally it`s happening. Beautiful place you are moving to.

A Cuban In London said...

The first two photos deserve to be put in frames. So does the rest, by the way. But those first two are beautiful beyond words. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Unknown said...

Always beautiful photos from a gifted photographer, I hope your move is a smooth one, Hilary! All best!!:)

Bossy Betty said...

Lovely photos, Hilary. I understand completely about the cats. As mine get older, I recognize the importance of a stress-free life.

Betty Manousos said...

absolutely stunning series of photos!!

what a fantastic place! i am so excited for you and i hope your cats will adjust okay.

big hugs!

Anita said...

This series of photos found me doing a double-take on the sunlit autumn trees.

I looked at Laura's website. It's interesting how some people are born with a gift of serenity and discernment and are called to pass it on; or rather to help people find their own gifts.

lime said...

absolutely stunning scenery. hope the move goes well, especially for the old kitties.

Sandra said...

Beautiful photos, words and heart. Pure Hilary.