Tracey in Maine

… but sometimes, it is.  This day’s activity began with a desire to start sending out holiday cards.  Inspired by recent interactions with children of all ages and with artists from many different backgrounds, I decided to err on the side of curiosity and creativity.  For a while I had been wondering if I could transform one of my postcards (a simple stand of trees) into holiday stationery.   Today I decided to go for it.  I searched my supplies for white glitter to mimic snow upon dark branches but all I could find was gold glitter and a little blue, a bunch of old papers and stickers, some scissors and a bit of glue.  And so …

In the end, I expect I will send them to my youngest friends and family (or those who are quite young at heart), and who do not mind a bit of sparkle in…

Traveling by foot to the Mystic River can be a bit harrowing from where I live.  There’s nothing like crossing a major highway, at a legitimate pedestrian crossing, without a crosswalk signal.  But when you reach the river, it is worth it.

Not a rainbow but …

… I was taking a shortcut through the Boston Public Library, making my way from the Boylston Street entrance to the Dartmouth Street side.  Of course I had to pause for a quick browse of the New Arrivals shelf.  That’s where I saw the deed take place.

It would be easy to assume that the old man was homeless, one of the many who frequent the building.  His clothing was bedraggled to say the least and his beard more than a bit unkempt.  His brown skin was weathered into the proverbial leather.  Despite apparent age, there was an almost childish bright light in his rheumy eyes.  While he walked with the aid of a battered metal cane, there was a spryness to his step as he made his way across the room.  But, I have to admit, I noticed none of these details until later…

Thanks to everyone who has given me feedback on the blog this year.  Each comment has been appreciated.  More to share before year’s end, but until then, happy holidays and safe travels. 😉

The interior of several white tulips.  As I’ve written before, tulips were not always my favorite flowers.  But now it is with pleasure I buy a bouquet, their heads tightly closed, and wait just a few days for the blossoms to open, revealing the subtle hues shading their centers.

Thanks for the positive comments about the recent tulip pictures.  I did not expect to photograph them again today … it is quite rainy with little natural light coming through the window.  But then on a whim I picked up a flashlight and that experience has been rather fun.

Since this storm system will be around for a bit, we’ll see how this “flashlight series” progresses.

Ice upon windows is beautiful.  At night that can be hard to remember as I shiver under the covers.  But in the morning when the wintry sun strikes the delicate forms layered upon the glass … well, that’s a whole different situation, isn’t it? 😉

A little wooden butterfly scotch taped to a piece of vellum that was taped to a sunny window.  A bit of fun on a Tuesday morning. 😉

The name of the plant I do not know.  Its cost was $2.48.  I know that because the label is still on the side of the little plastic pot. I have never replanted it.  I sometimes forget to water it and then when I do I sometimes drown it but it is a succulent and that seems to be okay.

I have tucked it in a very, very sunny corner. Perhaps for that reason it forgives my neglect and on occasion produces these magnificent pale blooms on pencil thin stalks that I snip and place in an old spice jar.  I’ve been photographing them against a background of white vellum.

We’ll see what the rest of the winter holds, if new blooms will emerge.  Meanwhile, I’ll try to show my appreciation by buying some soil later today so I can replant this (and several more) plants later in the week…

I believe in magic especially this winter as I’ve watched frost form upon the windows.  Read more at Creativity Portal about the Winter Window Magic I’ve seen.  Enjoy!