I'm not sure how to begin this....lately I have been feeling out of sorts ~ lacking focus ~ filled with self doubt ~ stuck ~ all those mid life crisis type things, I guess. I try very hard not to let those things overwhelm me and I am usually successful ~ but there are always those little tendrils that creep in and try to make their way through. This morning I was getting ready to run on the treadmill thinking there was no way I was going outside to take photos (it's -15 here- windchill -35 like that matters:). Then I happened to peek outside and what I saw was the beginning of a soft, pink and blue sunrise. I struggled with my self for a bit ~ then something in me said "just go". And so I did. I assumed that I would be out for just a few minutes because of the cold but I still dressed for it ( you don't mess with cold like that unless you are a complete idiot ~ which I like to believe I am not). I had a spot in mind for this excursion ~ a train bridge on the east side of town. I arrived near there and was completely distracted by the tree silhouettes and dead leaves ~ like I usually am. Then I got cold after about ten minutes so headed back to the vehicle. I was about to head home but something in me said "not yet" and so I drove around a bit more and ended up back at a spot I knew near the frozen river ~ the place where the last few photos I have shared were taken. This time though, it was across the road that drew me. I saw a border of trees and a fence. Lovely , I thought as I made my way there. I took a few pictures and looked beyond that fence to where the sun was rising. Wow ~ what a great light ~ I just kept following it taking pictures as I went. Why hadn't I seen this place before? Then I came to a small path. I heard running water. Your kidding, right? I thought to myself as I was thinking about the temperature. But there it was the river flowing, the mist floating and the sun rising. Just beautiful. I stayed in that place for over an hour. Taking photos, but mostly just sitting, listening and looking ~ just being. I did not get cold and I should have gotten very cold. As I left~ I knew had to go~ I felt much calmer, centered ,more focused than I have for a long time ~ I guess I got lost a little in the kids ~ anyway, stepping outside the tree lined boundary of this place I had found, I started to get cold. Curious, I thought, but gladly accepted it. Later, my husband started to explain to me the scientific reasons for that temperature shift but I stopped him - immediately- and told him to just let me have my magical moment in that wonderful place that had enveloped me completely. I haven't looked at all the photos yet but part of me doesn't care if they are worth sharing or not. This photo is at the beginning ~ upon entering my awakening place¦ BTW ~ I never did make it to the train bridge.

I know, I am just a plain old Canada Goose, but I had a big decision to make. Should I or shouldn't I go into the water? I just couldn't decide. Boy that water sure looks nice and cool on this warm day.. I thought I would, then I decided I wouldn't. Then I took another look at the water and wow in I went. Good choice. Now Flicker-land Friends, there were a couple of other shots of this goose when it was really trying to decide whether or not to jump in. He had his head down like he was going to jump in, then he pulled it back and just looked at the water. It really happened the way I described it. I hope you get a laugh out of it like I did. It was really something to see. Happy Monday everyone. PLEASE RESPECT MY WISHES: NO NOTES ON MY PHOTOS. THEY WILL BE REMOVED. DO NOT ADD TAGS EITHER OR I WILL REMOVE THEM.