12.16.11 ~ Old Mystic, Connecticut
Christmas/Solstice trees are like the moon, best enjoyed with the naked eye. After failing to capture an image on camera that came close to representing what our tree looks like to me, I realized that Christmas trees posses the same mystery and aura as the moon. Lovely Luna is one huge light-reflecting orb who never shows up on the camera the way she looks to us here on the earth. And evergreens brought in for decorating hold in their arms many small lights and orbs (and birds and garlands), radiating an enchanting glow which also never shows up well on the camera. Sigh………. A gentle reminder to stay in the moment and put down the camera… I can’t help wondering if painters have better luck capturing the magic of it all!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
How lovely are your branches!
Your boughs are green in summer’s clime
And through the snows of wintertime.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
How lovely are your branches!
We had a delightful winter solstice party here, eight of us around the dinner table for hours enjoying the tree, the candlelight, the food and music, the conversation of friends and story-telling.
Christmas day we went up to my father’s home. Every time we see Dad (89), Auntie (96), and Bernie (the cat) they seem to be shrinking in old age still more, if that’s even possible. Dad and I had a few quiet moments sharing a few clementines for a snack. I brought them because I know he loves them. Simple precious moments I will cherish forever. Bernie didn’t want to take a walk with me, so I sat with him at the top of the stairs for a while, petting his thin and bony body, talking to him. Then I went out for a walk in the woods by myself before it got dark.
12.25.11 ~ Storrs, Connecticut
If the weather cooperates we’ll go to Massachusetts this weekend for still another gathering, this time with Tim’s aunt, three cousins and all their children and grandchildren. It will no doubt be a lively day. How different holiday celebrations can be from one place to the another!
Hope your holidays were merry and bright!
Hi,
Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas.
The little Xmas Trees from the restaurant are gorgeous.
You have a lovely Xmas Tree, but I must say the woods do look a bit scary, I wouldn’t like to be there after dark. lol.
Thanks Mags, we did have a wonderful Christmas and it’s not quite over yet… I liked the trees in the restaurant, too, and my wheels are spinning with ideas and inspiration for next year!
It’s amazing how precious light is in the woods when the daylight doesn’t last too long this time of year. It gets very creepy after dark.
Oh I know how challenging it can be to capture what a Christmas tree really looks like. (You did a good job nonetheless…I can sense the spirit of the little one.) We spent the holidays with aging parents, too. It can be sad and wonderful and bittersweet all at once. Enjoying your photos, Barbara. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Kathy… The little tree’s spirit was perfect for this year in particular. Perhaps next year I’ll drape a cloth over the wall units so there aren’t so many knick knacks competing for the camera’s attention! So true, sad and wonderful and bittersweet all at once… Wishing you a Happy New Year, too!