As I write this, Rafael is cuddled up on the couch with a fever watching Handy Manny, and the first snow is falling outside, leaving everything covered in white. We rolled out sticky brown dough this morning and baked up foxes, stars, and hedgehogs, and now our home has the deep spicy scent of gingerbread. The dogs are snoring. We are still in our pajamas.
These photos were taken a few days ago before Rafael fell sick, at the local nature park. There are deer and wild pigs, and now that the cold weather had settled in, there are huge piles of sugar beets that you can feed to them. Raffi and his cousins loved climbing over the sugar beets, picking out the biggest ones, and giving them to the deer and pigs. Rafael said he was 'working,' which meant taking beets from one pile and bringing them to another. I was so glad that the large deer buck came to us, eating the roots from our hands, letting me take some photos of him with his herd.
Thank you all for the words that came from your hearts. I felt the warmth and comfort in them. This year has been incredibly difficult and at times very dark for me, from beginning to end. There are some things I haven't shared here because they are too personal and painful. But you have always been here, a source of light and support. I am very grateful.
Now, when Raffi is sick, it is time for patience, cuddling, reading books, and waiting. I can hardly wait to get out into the snowy woods!
xoxoxo
These photos are incredibly lovely. Each season you capture the beauty that is all around, if we just take the time to look for it. As I live in neighboring Switzerland, I am also blessed to have such lovely scenic spots to visit and photograph. But you have a gift, dear Dawn, and what you see through your camera blesses all of us, your readers.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your dark year. Being a wife and mother is the toughest joy you'll ever love (just like the Marines slogan). I have 3 grown children back in the States so I know what I'm talking about. The difficulty, often, is finding time for yourself in the midst of daily living. I pray that as a new year is just around the corner, that you will find your way forward, with God's help, to brighter days.
Again, I'm sorry for your recent loss and I'm glad that the words left here have been helpful and comforting. We appreciate and care about you. God bless.
P.S. I hope your darling boy is feeling better soon.
DeleteWhat beautifully, stunning photos!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope dear little Raffi is soon well, and that Mom and Dad stay well too.
May you feel love, peace and God's strength surrounding and flowing through you even and especially in your darkest moments. He is always with us to comfort us.
FlowerLady
I can't remember if I commented on the last post, I should have. Sending you a big hug, I'm always following and reading...you may have had a hard year but your photos still make it looks so beautiful. I hope you'll be okay. Lots of Love xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing photographs, Dawn! I continue to send you loving thoughts and hugs!
ReplyDeletexo Nellie
Your eye for photography is wonderful! Lovely times for your son and his cousins! Being a mother of grown children, I too have had difficult times. It is the hardest and most heart touching job we will ever have. Here's to a better year for you Dawn! Hopefully Raffi will be feeling better soon and you can enjoy your lovely winter! xoxo ♥
ReplyDeleteKeep abreast of what is happening in your community and plan to attend community events. These are great opportunities to meet and greet others. You are sure to find new customers and new recruits. You can also build a name for yourself in the community and develop a trustworthy public image.
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You will discover that no success comes without trials. You will learn how to overcome obstacles and stay positive. This can get you over the humps if you feel like they are impeding your progress.
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