That's the steeple of St. Mark's church, Library of Congress just behind it. During summer, you can't see any of this from A Street because of the canopy of leaves.
Autumn is almost over, even here in Washington DC where it tends to linger for a long time. I am so relieved when the color drains out of the leaves, when they all fall to the ground and the sky opens again.
Walking around DC in winter is old-school cinematic, like being in a black and white film from the 1950's. In a dark time, the eye begins to see, or so says Mr. Roethke. True, dat. What my eye picks up in winter reflects a very different point of view.
Internally, too, I "see" things differently. In winter I do a lot of praying. Maybe not more praying than during the other seasons, but I think it's fair to say prayer in winter has a depth I can't access at the height of summer or when overwhelmed by the frenzy of life force in spring or the melancholy beauty of autumn. In winter, I sink down into myself, find deep pools and wells of prayer that I tend to forget at other times. Winter is quiet and spacious, it makes room for this depth.
I love all the seasons, but oh man I really love winter. Welcome!!
Studio Theater, 14th and P NW.
13 comments:
Love the photo at the bottom!. I feel very black, white and gray today walking the black dog in the white snow under a gray sky. Brrrrr.
Glad to know I'm not the only one that loves winter. I especially enjoy walking in the winter, coming home to a warm home and feeling my thoughts so crisp in the frigid air. I wouldn't want that weather year round, but I do miss it.
YES, it does make thoughts crisp. Hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks!
In that second pic, it looks like the ancestors are whispering to me. It has been happening, definitely! Didn't see it till just now.
Hi Reya, we have not met before.
I've come over from Ellen.
My life is black and white and very cold at the moment, winter is well and truly with us.
I stayed to comment because I like your pictures and the fact that you mentioned Theodore Roethke. He really is one of my favourite poets and possibly, for me, second only to Rilke.
Hello Friko! I'm coming over for a visit. Let's drink tea, talk about poets. Yes? I say yes.
This is such an introspective time of year, isn't it? I like it too, the long nights and bare trees.
Black and white and shades of grey- sort of refreshing - I am not sure what "praying" is other than wishes and thoughts and appreciations- if that is the case then I guess that is my constant state of mind too.
"quiet and spacious:" yes, that's it!
I went on a snowy walk yesterday and the world seemed so beautifully quiet. There IS something really restful about monochrome.
reya winter's the hardest for me to love. so i work harder to know the loveable. steven
I too welcome Winter. I love the cool crisp air. I love the snow. I also love to have the fireplace crackling & a cozy quilt, cuddling w/ Hubby or pets (or both♥.)
I understand the Black/ White /Gray. I am full of thoughts & prayers. I think part is from my lack of finding a job, and the fight of depression that seems to "take an advantage" of my down on my luck. I also feel some creativity within me, and feel blessed to have some opportunities to express it.
Love to you~
Janis - great to hear from you. I'm coming for a visit. xx
I have been noticing here--and wanting to catch with my camera--the variations in grey/blue, and in brown/tan/blonde/grey that I'm seeing in the sky, the trees, the stalks... It's beautiful in a really quiet way, I think.
Yes, winter is good. Going quiet is good. Even the dark is good, for a time. Happy winter!
I enjoy what passes for winter out here. It is a season that has a bit variety, even for us.
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