607. He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter… ~John Burroughs

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The simplicity of winter has a deep moral.
The return of Nature, after such a career of splendor
and prodigality, to habits so simple and austere,
is not lost either upon the head or the heart.
It is the philosopher coming back from the banquet
and the wine to a cup of water and a crust of bread.
~John Burroughs

Screen shot 2015-01-08 at 6.58.17 PM

At daybreak yesterday winter’s customary leaden skies spread out in brilliant, China blues, and the cold, cold January day issued forth golden streaks of sunlight that ran across the wheat-colored lawn. Blanketed in warmth inside, I sat for some time enjoying an untroubled spectacle and watching the birds fly back and forth from feeders to their sheltering places.  But soon the serenity of the scene was threatened by four feral cats who moved in, crouched down, and inched along the ground in hopes of securing a tasty “catch” for the day. However, as luck would have it, one of the birds spied the predators, sounded the alarm, and off they all flew. When the cats tired of waiting, they wandered off, and the birds returned to their feeding frenzy. Eventually I spotted the one for whom I’d been waiting; he, a bright red cardinal, zoomed in and perched momentarily atop the feeder pole, a throne not wholly unbefitting his majesty. As I lingered watching his bright red flashes flit about here, there, and everywhere, I realized that last night’s blustery north wind had ceased, and now only sporadic zephyrs were ruffling the bamboo’s leaves. And so it was that a splendid morn had unfolded and everything within my frame of vision had been steeped in a heavenly quietude, a “chirpy” kind of beauty, and a soothing calmness. What a healing balm tis such for one, wearied, crestfallen, and grappling with pain! The Lord, in His loving and mysterious ways, had tipped over my cup of despair and once more filled it to overflowing with His loving grace. O Eden, how you yet issue benedictions that fill and thrill the children of your faithful, Master Gardener.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. ~Genesis 2:15   ✝

**Image via Pinterest

23 thoughts on “607. He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter… ~John Burroughs”

  6. I saw our cardinals yesterday as well—with my now makeshift feeding area, I don’t get the see the birds as I did when the feeders were on the oaks—I miss them but I think they, the birds, are making the move to the new site—it’s just that I can’t see it from inside as well as I use to.
    I am glad that you have a “perch” that enables you to view your friends—I know it is indeed a balm to a weary soul—not much longer for that new knee Natalie 🙂
    a very warm hug—Julie

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  7. My sweetest friend, oh how I love to come here…to this place of your and simply breathe in all that you share and what a beautiful painting you made with words this day. Healing, soothing, calming and complete peace.
    And of course, once more I was so glad to hear of the “watch bird” alerting the others of the dangers lurking! alas, they survive still! Yay! 😉
    Much love to you my cherished friend. ~Matthew

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    • Thank you, Mattlew. I’m glad you enjoy coming here to my little corner of the world and you are always so very welcome! Yes, I was glad the birds got away. Normally I would have jumped up, opened the door, and shouted the alarm, but now that I have to use this walked, I’m not very fleet of foot. Much love to you as well, dear Mattlew! Hugs, N ❤

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  8. Ah, Natalie, you are blessed to have a view of the birds. Mine is only of the sky. I say only, but the sky changes even while it seems to be static. The clouds are always moving, re-forming, painting new pictures, mostly dark gray now, but on some days the bright blue and white I love. But the birds don’t come this high when there is so much below my window for them to eat, so much more for them to celebrate. God is good, He spreads His beauty and peace in other forms for all to see and feel when they open their hearts to Him. Peace and Love, Angie

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      • There is beauty in everything Natalie. Even when the clouds are black there is beauty hidden in them. you just have to look a bit harder to find it. The rocks in the path, each blade of grass, whether green or brown, each has its own unique beauty, and I have been blessed to be shown that by the children in my life.

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    • Oh, my, bless your heart. I’m so sorry to hear that that happened. I got word yesterday that my knee will be ready on February 14th and so they set the surgery for February 17th. The knee is being made by a company in Boston who makes them to fit each person’s particular bone structure, and that takes about 6 weeks. But I think it will be well worth the wait in the long run. Thank you so much for you concern and well wishes. Hugs, N ❤

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