CLARISSA'S CORNER

Last night when I arrived home from work, the snow was pouring down and the birds were getting the last few bites of the evening. As I pulled up a rocker on the porch to try to get the best angle, I couldn't help but marvel at the quiet beauty. With the birds chirping and wind gently blowing chimes, I totally had to capture the moment. May you enjoy it as well!

Joy 2 u!

Another cold, snowy morning and the weather forecast for this this week is not improving. Is this what January holds for Kentucky? If so, this girl is not looking forward to winter. I must say that if I wasn't having to drive in it, I would marvel at the beauty. As I was going to work this morning, I knew the rippling stream coming from the Sand Springs Cave would be a cool sight but it was breathtaking. The snow layered on the moss covered rocks, the water trickling on its pathway (and I couldn't even apply the brakes for a quick picture!)Thankfully, most of the snow and icy spots melted from the roadway so I was able to make a pit stop by the cave this evening on the way back home. The setting sun reflecting on the snow covered fields lit up the mountains like a forest fire shimmering in the shadows. Another day, another memory!

Joy 2 u!

So this morning we woke up to an unexpected snow, after bundling up, I went out to take some pictures. Suddenly, I heard some clucking and squawking...my first thought that a squirrel was out in the bitter cold. Then I saw it take flight. A beautiful young woodpecker!

This young fellow started an afternoon of preparing bird feeders and making suet. I do have my problems trying to care for my feather friends. Do you know who had to climb the tree and check out the pan of suet...yes, the old gray cat! Does anyone want to give a cat a home? I was so shocked that I could not even take a picture of the scene. I was not happy with the cat to say the least.

Dad tried to help me out by going outside blowing his duck call. Yes, a duck whistle to call birds? But maybe it worked...because in just a little bit, here they came. My little woodpecker, Cardinals, Titmouses, and Nuthatches! Flitting here and there, fighting over the food, a little nervous, wondering if this dinner was real. I was so excited to say the least!! Each one so unique and memorable in their own way. I have a feeling a bird book is in my future...do you know how many times I have asked my Mom and Grandma...what kind of bird did you say that was?

Here is just a few pictures of the birds arriving in the snow! I am sure, like the hummingbirds of summer, that there will be more! (but may I ask, what crazy person, hides on the porch, in the snow, in 20 degree weather, trying to get a picture of bird?) Just a thought!

Joy 2 u! ~ C ~

On this the first day of a brand new year, 2010, I am dedicating this blog to pictures I have taken and am taking along with their stories. A picture is worth a thousand words. But hopefully, I won't have to use that many but will, instead, allow the pictures to speak for themselves!

In the midst of winter with barren trees and brown fields, where does the beauty lie? I find beauty in the midst of the setting sun. I enjoy sunsets of any kind and anywhere but there is a difference in the beauty of a winter sunset. Maybe it is because there is not the competition of life in full swing but a more sedate sleepyness prevailing the land. Being the sun sets early and the moon is rising before I even leave work, winter presents the best of both worlds. These are two of my favorite shots from last week on my way home from work.

Enjoy! ~C~

2009 has been an amazing year for me!! January started out with hopes and expectations but, like most new year's to do list of resolutions, it kind of fizzled out to ordinary day by day responsibilities until April! Until the day I started my first blog! Unknowingly, this blog began a whole new chapter in my life. The day I stepped out on a limb by faith...I mean who would take time to read my jumbling thoughts and find it interesting?

2009...Visits with Friends ~ A Spring visit to Biltmore. a summer trip with the girls to Chimney Rock and our chance encounter with Elfin the White Squirrel, Chimney Rock. Then onto Charlotte to see the Phantom of the Opera and adventure at the Latta Plantation.

2009...Family ~ Blessed with several visits with Kevin, Donna and the boys this year making precious memories. First, we celebrated Dawson's 9th birthday in Kentucky with snow and sledding. A summer visit to Shallotte which included miniature golfing and the awesome boat ride. Celebrating Jaden's and Keagan's birthday in August with parties and more parties plus a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park. Then unexpected visits with them in October and December due to loss.

2009...Conferences ~ From Terre Haute to Nashville, Tn, conferences as different as can be but both spiritually uplifting, full of worship and the Word!

2009 ~ Connecting with old friends and new friends on social networking sites

2009 ~ Central Ky Photography Group - In August, another new chapter of my life and dream come true: joining a local photography group and enjoying my new Rebel camera. Through this group I feel I have grown so much in my skills as a would-be photographer.

2009 ~ Clarissa's Corner - Photography & More! I would never have guessed that I would now be selling my photographs as greeting cards and prints. Photography has always been a hobby but this year it has blossomed into a wondrous hopeful experience. Who knows what successes the coming year will bring to this venture?

The year has not been all joy, wonder and victory...there have been moments of grief as we mourn the passing of Aunt Dorothy, and Donna's Grandfather, and several close friends. It's the patchwork quilt of life...change, the ordinary, hope, new life, sorrow, death...what a wonderful life!

What does 2010 hold in store for us? Only the Lord knows and I am so glad we are trusting him to lead and guide us! My dad retired today so he will be adjusting to a new chapter in his life's story. Jeanette and I are scheduled to go on a cruise in April with some very good friends. I am sure there will be many more stories and pictures to share! Possibly having a start ANOTHER blog to share all the Adventures!!

May the Lord bless you and yours in the coming year! Happy New Year!! ~ C ~