“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”― Eckhart Tolle

Friday, January 20, 2012

Cheerful In Spite Of It All

Since Wednesday's Words of Wisdom occurred on Thursday this week, it only makes sense that being cheerful has to come on Friday.  I may be late, but at least I'm systematic.  So, what to be cheerful about amidst all this white.  Let's see now.  Though there have been some who were obviously quite confused by the weather ...


... and some that wanted in where it was warm ...

(I do apologize for the blur, but at least you can tell it is a bird.  This little fellow went around to each window in the house.)

And though our beloved goat toys are buried ...


... I grudgingly admit it is beautiful ...


Of course there are some who seem to manage cheerfulness, despite the cold.  Like this Fox Sparrow ...


... and this Spotted Towhee ...


... and the Varied Thrush taking full advantage of those apples still left on the tree ...


But the Few and the Faithful aren't too thrilled at having to navigate the deep snow ...


... and then, exhausted, sit like frozen decoys ...


I suppose we can be cheerful and thankful that 40 degree temperatures are supposedly on the way ...

And there is a bit of happiness in seeing the warm glow of light as frigid night envelops the world ...


... and we are safe and warm within.  But even though I am supposed to be cheerful, I'll leave you with this metaphor for my mood ...


Now, be sure to get on over to Planet Penny, here, and see what others are managing to be cheerful about this week!  And do try not to trip in the snow.

20 comments:

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Mighty pretty pictures, the Goatmother took!!!

Well... The last one... Mmmmm... lol.

"January is a stretch of peace
when one lives in the moment,
forced by weather and whim to
sit still and do some accounting."


~Catherine Calvert

Marigold said...

Dear Auntie,
The Goatmother says thank you! As for the last picture, well, it is what it is. By the way, what makes you think the Goatmother took those pictures? Oh, yeah, I won't come out of the barn.

Millie said...

At least you have beautiful scenery. I hope you're getting plenty of peanuts to keep you warm.

Marigold said...

Dear Millie,
I'm sooooo cold. Not enough Peanuts. Send Peanuts ...

Hidden Haven Homestead said...

I think you should really share some of that snow! Buttons and the other goats would love to have some to play in (at least their mom would ) :)

DaCraftyLady said...

burrrr...sure is a cold one, I love the last pic..lol...all the photos look so peaceful...

Marigold said...

Dear Peggy,
Be glad to! Really. You can have as much as you want.

Marigold said...

Dear DaCraftLady,
The Goatmother says thank you, although, really, I take much better pictures than she does. Better eyes, you know. I have to admit, however, that it is kind of hard to hold the camera still.

Planet Penny said...

What lovely photos, I love all that wildlife. But it does look cold, brrr! Don't blame you for staying in the barn and sending the Goatmother out with the camera!

Marigold said...

Dear Penny,
Sometimes there is method to my madness. :)

J (staying warm) said...

Thank you for the amazing pics. It looks rather cold in your neck of the woods. About those ducks...have you ever heard the phrase, "lying in wait?" Be prepared for an ambush. That sweet little bird trying to get in your windows may be a mercenary scout. Feathered friends are a fantasy.

Marigold said...

Dear J,
You could be right. Yesterday the ducks found the bird feeder and cleaned it out. I am glad the Peanuts are in the barn.

* said...

Look at all those birds, and you know all the names too! I saw a very weird lookn one a couple of days ago, but I'm still to look it up. Love the little towhee.....is that th noise it makes (sorry, if that's not the case, blame the blonde!)

Your snow is very pretty, but can't say I'm jealous....

Have a happy pea nutty week!

Marigold said...

Dear Faith,
Can't say why the Towhee is called that. The sound it makes is described in the bird book as a 'buzzy trill' (that's mostly in spring) or 'rising schreeee'. I can never figure those out. Sounds more like a 'chip' to me. But what does a goat know about bird calls? Happy week and keep an eye on that beagle burglar!

Kelly said...

I can't believe you have all of our Maine snow. How did that happen? We are -4 right now. That is just too darn cold. The ducks sitting there remind me of a scene in "Fried Green Tomatoes" where they tell of a flock of ducks that land in the lake, a great freeze came and froze the lake over with the ducks right there. They all took off and that lake in clear in another county right now. Okay, I have too much time to think and read something into things. Happy Winter!

Marigold said...

Dear Kelly,
Those ducks could take off and carry the pond with them? Oy. That would be interesting. Then they would have even more reason to be disgruntled. You may keep your -4. Thank you for offering, though. :)

Mrs. Micawber said...

What gorgeous, gorgeous pictures. I envy your bird variety. We seem to have nothing but crows, sparrows and cardinals (although they're very nice).

I haven't seen a ladybeetle in months, thank heaven.

Stay warm, and do try to be charitable towards the ducks. Not everyone can be a goat, you know.

Marigold said...

Dear Mrs. Micawber,
The Goatmother says to tell you she misses cardinals. They are so bright and she loves their song! As for those ducks, do I have to? Everyone should act like a goat.

Belmont Yarns said...

Oooooh those photos are just beautiful, picture postcard! It looks idyllic and so tranquil, snow definitely makes things look so beautiful, if a little difficult to navigate in!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog, I'm very glad to have found your little snowy corner of blogland!

Helen xx

Marigold said...

Dear Helen,
Thank you! It is sadly all melted now, but we might get more some time before the winter is over!