All the Night's Magic

"And all the night's magic seems to whisper and hush. And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush"

The above lyrics are from the song Moondance by Van Morrison. It ran through my head the other night as I walked around the lake, full moon up above. The sky was cloudy, but there were clear patches and every so often the moon would come into focus. Below are a few photos taken around the nearby park paths and pond. Please remember to click to enlarge the photos.




The fresh-fallen snow helped to reflect the light. This light source is a nearby lamp post. I just like this tree and photograph it fairly often. (please click to enlarge)




Moon and clouds worked together to tease and delight. (please click to enlarge)




High above the pond, the moon made a brief appearance before disappearing to await the approaching blue sky. (please click to enlarge)




As the wispy clouds threaded their way across the sky, the misty moon peeked through the branches of the trees below. (please click to enlarge)




A lovely golden orb balanced on delicate tree fingers. (please click to enlarge)




There were times I felt that I could reach out and touch it. (please click to enlarge)




Along the tree-lined path, I was interested in capturing the moon's light, but discovered that lights from the homes across the pond were perfectly lined up to appear at the left of each tree. (please click to enlarge)




As my walk neared to a finish, I paused to watch the geese swimming in the amber light of the lamp post. (please click to enlarge)


It was a marvelous night for a moondance.

Bricks & Clicks

It's snowing pretty heavily right now, with a threat of freezing rain sometime in the next twenty-four hours. It's unpleasant but my son and I feel safe and warm inside the walls of our home. My pillow and blanket beckon, and I'll surrender to them soon. I feel grateful that those comforts surround me. Others are not so fortunate.

On Sunday morning, fellow blogger Travis Erwin's (One Word, One Rung, One Day) house was ravaged by fire. Thankfully, he, his family and pets (except for one turtle) were unharmed but they lost their home and belongings. His detailed story can be found here.

If you can find it in your heart, and if your finances permit, please visit Habitat for Travis where some of his devoted friends have set up a fund to help rebuild his home. They're requesting donations of $25 (U.S.) a brick, but I'm sure that any amount would help significantly. Times are difficult these days and that's certainly understandable. If you're unable to manage a donation, please offer up your best thoughts for the Erwin Family. I'm certain they will be well appreciated.

Thank you kindly.

Below are a few photos taken over the past few days. Please remember to click on each image to enlarge them.




Despite his safe distance on a limb above me, this little guy kept a wary eye as I approached. (please click to enlarge)




Whereas this brave little sparrow appeared quite unconcerned. (please click to enlarge)




The pond freezes over in winter, but the local ducks and geese usually manage to keep a small area open for themselves. These ducks are swimming close to the border where water meets ice. (please click to enlarge)




A closer look at that patch of ice. It reminded me of an eagle's profile. Do you see it? (please click to enlarge)




And speaking of strange things that I see in inanimate objects, I thought this piece of fallen bark looked like some sort of fish. (please click to enlarge)




The afternoon sun flickered and danced across this tangle of burrs and branches. (please click to enlarge)




The roadside brush seemed reluctant to relinquish the comforting rays of the setting sun. (please click to enlarge)




A gaggle of geese loudly announced their evening departure. I clicked just in time to catch this flurry of wings. My next frame was of bare sky. (please click to enlarge)




Behind the trees, the sun departs in a blaze of glory. (please click to enlarge)




And its final rays brand their reflection into the powdery snow. (please click to enlarge)




After dark, the lamp post resumes shadow duty where the sun left off. (please click to enlarge)