”If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment. If a shower drives us for shelter to the maple grove or the trailing branches of the pine, yet in their recesses with microscopic eye we discover some new wonder in the bark, or the leaves, or the fungi at our feet.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
(Journal, September 23, 1838)
“The Earth offers gift after gift — life and the living of it, light and the return of it, the growing things, the roaring things, fire and nightmares, falling water and the wisdom of friends, forgiveness. My god, the gift of forgiveness, time, and the scouring tides. How does one accept gifts as great as these and hold them in mind?
Failing to notice a gift dishonors it, and deflects the love of the giver. That’s what’s wrong with living a careless life, storing up sorrow, waking up regretful, walking unaware. But to turn the gift in your hands, to say, this is wonderful and beautiful, this is a great gift — this honors the gift and the giver of it. . . . Notice the gift. Be astonished at it. Be glad for it, care about it. Keep it in mind. This is the greatest gift a person can give in return.”
— Kathleen Dean Moore, Wild Comfort: The Solace of Nature
Elisa's Spot 
Oh my gosh, by golly, we BOTH posted leaf photos! I love yours. Tremendously.
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Today we had another blizzard. Not that much snow (four inches?) but fierce winds. The world after frosting…
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brrrrrrrrrr…I am enjoying me today. Solitude is a warm blanket and not a torture sentence. I am writing and working with Noticing Nature blog. I was even brave and made it public. How does the woodstove heat feel?
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The woodstove heat feels wonderful, so warm and soothing. It would be hard to go back to gas or electric. However, after being inside for hours upon hours you start to feel achy so I just went to the mailbox in the old snowmobile suit and felt the wind! I shall look at your shy blog now.
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