Quiet Beauty

November and December are usually quiet months here at the Snow Goose. Months to catch up on projects, to take walks, to think and to reconnect with friends and family. Each year, I'm learning to freak out less when the phone stops ringing with reservations and to embrace the friendship of quiet days.

This year as the season slowed, I found myself seeking out places of quiet beauty ....

One of my favorite discoveries was the beautiful little beaver pond behind the girls' school

A pine needle covered path winds around the pond with several benches for reading or thinking

I love the peaceful reflections

And the little spots of beauty that wait to be discovered along the path

The walkway built through the marsh feels like a bridge leading to a mystical land ... and I love the sound my shoes make on the wooden planks.

Everyone should have a beaver pond in their life. It's good for the body and spirit!

We haven't had much winter yet ... just one good snowfall, but it was a beauty!

Our Adirondack chair became a throne for a winter king to sit upon

Usually the snow here is so fluffy and dry that it won't pack. This snow was perfect for building a snowy friend.


The next morning, I awoke to breathtaking beauty as the sun hit the snow covered trees in our yard. Don't these two giants look like they are standing guard over the forest?

And then the sky darkened and it seemed as if the branches of the trees glowed from within. This iridescence lasted only about two minutes, but thankfully, I was in the right place at the right time. And my camera batteries were charged!

Wayne went for a hike and came across this somewhat disconcerting woodland creature!

He also took this beautiful photo from a ridge on Snow Mountain behind our barn

I feel so thankful for these quiet moments. They are truly gifts and have refreshed my body and spirit for the busy days that lie ahead. I hope that you have found your own moments of "peace on earth" as you head into the coming year. If not, go find some! You'll feel a whole lot better, I promise!

October Beauty

We've had a beautiful fall foliage season here in the Adirondacks. Over the past three weeks, I've managed to sneak away for several drives and hikes with my trusty camera. Over 200 pictures later, here are a few of my favorites from the 2011 foliage season. Make yourself a cup of hot apple cider or hot chocolate, sit back and tour with me ...

First blaze of color appears at Chapel Pond

Roaring Brook Falls

The mountains are blushing a bit ...

Mystical majesty - the High Peaks

Autumn berries against the blue October sky

Cascade Lakes

And the other Cascade Lake

I'm in love with clouds these days - in fact, I'm thinking of doing a whole blog post on clouds

The most photographed barn in the ADK's - and no wonder with such a glorious backdrop

People we love enjoying a view we love

Sometimes you just have to sit and soak it in ... it's hard to leave a mountaintop

We enjoyed perfect weather for the Columbus Day weekend just as the leaves reached peak color here in Keene Valley

Some trees just outdo themselves!

Route 73 as seen from Owl's Head mountain in Keene

Golden pathway

Even the fading colors are lovely

If there were a "prettiest tree in the ADK's" contest, I think this one might win

Another view from Owls' Head

And I'll end with my favorite - I just can't believe the layers of color - even the blues on the distant mountain tops. I feel so blessed to live in this amazing place. I breathe in the beauty and give thanks to the master Artist!