“The sun at length rises through the distant woods, as if with the faint clashing, swinging sound of cymbals, melting the air with his beams, and with such rapid steps the morning travels, that already his rays are gilding the distant western mountains. Meanwhile we step hastily along through the powdery snow, warmed by an inward heat, enjoying an Indian summer still, in the increased glow of thought and feeling. Probably if our lives were more conformed to nature, we should not need to defend ourselves against her heats and colds, but find her our constant nurse and friend, as do plants and quadrupeds. If our bodies were fed with pure and simple elements, and not with a stimulating and heating diet, they would afford no more pasture for cold than a leafless twig, but thrive like the trees, which find even winter genial to their expansion.”
– Henry David Thoreau, A Winter Walk
Wishing You a Joyful Solstice!
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– To read Thoreau’s complete essay, A Winter Walk, click here.
ah – i had to blog about trees, too, albeit artificial ones, at christmas… nice shot – happy solstice and thanks for sharing the good words of mr thoreau!
Not the prettiest of solstice days outside – and certainly not seasonal in terms of temperature (50˚?) But a good day to wish joy to folks AND share Mr. Thoreau!
Thank you.
Unfortunately the sun was hidden in the clouds at Newgrange this morning.
Happy Solstice. Happy Holidays.
We were rainy here all day. Certainly not winter cold, but not very sunny. Happy Holidays!
Solstice, yes.
Joyful?
Hmmmmmmm —
Reading your blog in a warm dry room is joyful, I’ll say that.
It was a pretty wet and dreary day – at least it wasn’t snow?