Reflections Of The Smokies
 
    All the winters I spent in town I never really saw the beauty of winter like I have this winter.  I used to think that winter was a gray and dead time of year.  It was cold and uncomfortable.  I thought about that this morning as I watched the sun melt the snow out of this bush.  Then I saw the strength of nature in this simple scene.  Look at all the buds in this scraggly shrub.  What life!  This is just the top of a plant that has been under three and four feet of snow for months.  I wished that I had that kind of strength and perseverance.
Signs Of Spring In The Snow, 3-6-10
Signs Of Spring In The Snow, 3-6-10
    It is amazing to me how many times I will walk past something beautiful and never see it.  This is a scene that I pass almost every day.  For some reason I stopped and saw it as I never had before.  The way that Nature sculpted this piece of a plant in snow was fascinating.  It looked more like something that would be seen on another planet or at the bottom of the ocean.   But there it was,  a stones throw from the place where I sleep.  I really want to make more of an effort to appreciate the beauty of the things close to me.
Picture
Nature's Snow Sculpture, 3-6-10
 


Comments

Jeannie MacAdams
03/06/2010 11:29am

Re: "I wished that I had that kind of strength and perseverance."

Oh, but you do! It's obvious from these glimpses into your ability to truly appreciate all that's around you. And what's more, you're providing daily nuggets for all the rest of us who are so far away from your classroom.

Yer better than therapy, Doug! Thank you so very much for inviting others to benefit ; )

Reply
Steve
03/06/2010 11:29am

Hi Doug,I really enjoyed this mornings post and your views on the new life. The snow sculpture is cool.We rarely enjoy something like that in the valley. Thanks a lot!

Reply
Tom W. link
03/06/2010 4:51pm

Afternoon Doug,

Just got in from a day in class and just finished reading your entry for today. You are so correct. It's amazing how we'll pass by things and never see there pure beauty until we stop and take the time to look. Glad to hear you had sunshine up on the mountain today.

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Heather link
03/06/2010 7:40pm

Glad to see the new blog, you have been busy. Your intro page looks great!

Reply
Julia Turner
03/06/2010 9:08pm

I can really relate to your entry today. Simple things in nature can be so fascinating..a spider's web, an autumn leaf, and the sparkle of sunlight on snow. Awaiting a glimpse of those spring wildflowers!

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