in the dusk beyond

image credit: pixabay

It is in midwinter that I sometimes glean from my pines something more important than woodlot politics, and the news of the wind and weather. This is especially likely to happen on some gloomy evening when the snow has buried all irrelevant detail, and the hush of elemental sadness lies heavy upon every living thing. Nevertheless, my pines, each with his burden of snow, are standing ramrod-straight, rank upon rank, and in the dusk beyond I sense the presence of hundreds more. At such times I feel a curious transfusion of courage.
~ Aldo Leopold
(A Sand County Almanac & Other Writings on Ecology & Conservation)

18 thoughts on “in the dusk beyond”

    1. Thank you, Peggy! Many Solstice Blessings to you and your loved ones. (I need to read more of Aldo Leopold…)

  1. Happy Solstice time…I was thinking of you yesterday as the darkness seemed to prevalent. This picture of the small cabin with the single light feels so true at this time of year. The single quiet light in the window reminding us that there is hope, even at this darkest time when the sun is furthest away.

    1. Solstice blessings to you, Kathy. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so far out in the woods as in the setting of this picture, but that flicker of hope in the darkness does inspire a measure of courage to face whatever the future may hold as we muddle through these sad and difficult times. The sun always returns! ☀️

    1. Solstice Blessings to you, my friend! I think we’re getting your rain this morning, freezing rain until it warms up. Stay warm and safe and be flexible in dealing with this crazy weather! 😊

      1. Oh that is nasty Barbara – yes we had that ugly weather on Christmas Eve – today it rained a good part of the day. I stayed inside in my PJs all day … it felt nice.

        1. Staying inside in pajamas all day sounds like fun! It rained here, too, but we were warm and snuggly inside. Wished we could have had a walk in the snow, though… ❄️

          1. Yes, I should admit I did that but I was by myself and just decided to be comfortable … I intended to have a walk in a park that is in the next block from my house, but I only went in the backyard as it was slippery from the ice. It’s always something.

          2. Comfort in the winter is important. Tim often stays in his pajamas all day this time of year. 😉 Getting out for a walk in the icy, snowy months can be a risky business…

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