The endless month we call January is actually ending. Amazingly, it went by a lot quicker than I am used to. I am not sure why, but the feel of an oppressive eternity seems to have been absent this year.Perhaps it is due to the presence of the snow, turning our surroundings brighter and lighter. Perhaps it was the lack off fog and rain or the fact that the sunshine hours even outnumbered November. In any case, today is the last day of January.
Even though we are still standing in midwinter, there is a slight, but palpable change in the air.
The sun.
It is clearly moving higher up in the sky. I can not adequately explain in words what this means. Or how important it is. We have by now gained about 90 minutes more light since the winter solstice and the quality of the daylight has been visibly altered. The sunshine is more platinum than golden and the sunsets occur later and last longer.
It is the first significant sign foretelling that although spring is nowhere in sight, winter has reached - and passed - its peak.
28 comments:
Really beautiful! Cathy
Oh, how true! In spite of the snow still on the ground and the freezing temperatures, the sun nevertheless is climbing higher and higher each day, and one day this winter will end.
There are things about winter that make it wonderful, though: Being able to see normally hidden views through the trees, not having to wake up early to see a sunrise :-), and the stars at night.
I hope one day you compile a book of all these gorgeous photographs...
So inspiring to see that you enjoy each phase and the JOY it brings.
Welcome to the sun and the warmth that it brings...
One down(winter month, that is), two more..ore even three..to go!(winter can linger into early April where I live).
It IS wonderful when you realise it's 5:00 and it's still light and sunny out, isn't it?? It definitely gives you more energy! Glad to hear you weathered January so well, and let's hope the short month of Feb. is a breeze, too(I always love the February sunsets for some reason--the best of all the year)
Lovely sentiments, Zuzana!
The sun is just coming up here, oh that glorious sun that gives so much joy to my days!
On this last day of January make the sun warm your heart and every other part of that special you!
Have a wonderful day!
Oh, loved your photos!
They are beautiful!
Margie:)
xo
I am glad it wasn't so bad. Do you think the weather was really better than other Januarys, or do you think it is in how you looked at it. Your attitude is good for the rest of us. Enjoy your sunsets. I have Ice everywhere this morning, but so far, the power is still on.
Kat
I can so identify with the sentiments here Zuzana. As you know January is not a favourite of mine either, for many reasons, and I'm so glad its the beginning of a new month tomorrow. But, the snow at the beginning of January was lovely and I enjoyed its magical quality.
I like the view from your window!
Jeanne x
Good bye, January! Hello February! It did go back a little faster than expected!
I'm glad it's better than last year. I remember how displeased you were with winter then. Ours has been pretty cold (though we've had definite warms spells) and quite devoid of snow. I find the winter ok enough. But I always look forward to summer.
Hi Zuzana,
My Dad and I had a very similar conversation yesterday. How quickly January has passed, how easy it seemed this year, and how wonderful that the light is returning. And so now into February we go! :)
Happy Sunday dear friend,
Zuzu
Dear Zuzana:
Another month has passed by. A month since the brand new year. Your post makes me thankful for the passing-by month.
I am amazed by your observation of the sun. I am happy reading your post.
The last day has been well spent.
A happy February to you dear one.
Joy always,
Susan
and she left me quite a present in her passing...lol. beautiful pics of the sun. out here now and warming my cheeks...
You are so right, the darkest days are gone.
The weatherreport from Als: It is snowing again.
Have a lovely evening.
xoxo Elizabeth
You know, I thought of you today, when I noticed it did not get dark until 5pm. It is still very cold and frosty, but there are snowdrops in my garden!
cant wait till not only January will be over but as well February and March:) Im looking forward to Spring, Im so fed up of winter. this year is really snowy, and freezing in Poland, not funny at all.
Zuzana,
This is my first visit to your lovely blog. I read through some of your posts and know I will be returning! I agree, a winter with snow is so much better than seemingly endless months of cold grey weather.
Deborah
Zuzana,
I agree it is nice to be closer to spring and February is a short month. We had sun today and went for a walk, even though it is very cold. The fresh air felt so nice.
I love your photos, they are so beautiful. We have a candle chandelier in our living room that is almost identical to yours. It is a creation the Bach made from 2 different fixtures combined into one. He used other parts from it to add to a separate light. Even the chain on yours is just like ours. He will have to post a photo sometime.
Have a great week : )
Great post.. I love the way you've captured the change in the earth's movement around the sun. Sunsets are so beautiful and yet I rarely take the time to enjoy them. Your post here wants me to take advantage of tomorrow's sunset. :)
The Bach
End of the endless and start of the beginning! Have a great new month and enjoy a new week ahead Zuzana!
I always love your seasonal posts....
Cathy, Keera, Julie, Tina, Margie, Kat, Jeanne, Betsy, Hilary, Zuzu, Susan, Brian, Elizabeth, Kath, Maja, Deborah (welcome!), LadyCat, The Bach, Phillip and sallymandy – thank you all for sharing with me your own feelings and sentiments about the first month of the year and about the vitality of the sun.
Lets hope February will move forward with the same speed and grace.;)
As always, I appreciate your visits and kind words at all times.:)
Xoxo
Zuzana
Not sure how I missed this yesterday!
January seemed to drag on endlessly but now that it's over it seems like it passed quickly.
Woke up to snow yesterday which quickly melted. So ready for spring!
I've noticed it seems to be staying lighter longer here too!
Thank goodness for more sunshine! It's been unusually warm here in NH over all this year (although pretty cold this past weekend) and not as much snow as usual (it usually begins at the end of October and lasts through the beginning of April) so though we still have several inches frozen on the ground it seems like the winter is going faster here too. Still a couple of potentially snowy months to come though! I love your photos of the sun setting...the color of the sky is so different in each picture.
Lovely photos. So pleased you are having more sunshine hours.
Awesome shoots! You caught adorable scenes. There is so difference in sunset of two months. That december sunset photo looks pretty.
sprinkles, Laura, Lynne and cheapr4i, thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words on my photography and the return of the vital sun.;)
I so enjoy your visits.;) xo
i felt like it went faster too...but i chalked it up to my 365 photo project that made me so much more mindful of the daily light. i think that helped a lot. but the snow helped too...making the world fresh and clean instead of dreary and grey.
Julie, yes indeed, the snow helps a lot. Even though I am starting to long for spring by now.;) xoxo
Post a Comment