June 22, 2012

Midsummer Night.

We have crossed yet another seasonal threshold.
The day of the Summer Solstice is such an enchanting occurrence and yet it also instigates a gentle melancholy in me.

June is signified by the duality of Gemini and thus the first summer day reflects too a joy and simultaneously a sadness. A pinnacle of light has been reached – even though summer is only beginning; the sun now embarks onto a reverse journey away from us, shortening our daylight by each passing week...

Ever since my move north a year ago, I rarely thought about the stunning vistas at the white house - yet I do so very much currently and I truly miss them...
Gone is the unrestricted view of the horizon, the mesmerizing late night sunsets, which set the heaven on fire, the beauty of the illuminated midnight sky and the enticing glow of noctilucent clouds - these light shows played out in front of my windows almost every day through out the summer - year after year, never to loose their allure.

Our low lying house has no extraordinary views to speak off. The only sign telling me we are indeed amidst the time of the white nights are our solar lamps and lanterns, decorating the shielded patio and glowing silently yet persistently in the dusk that has replaced the nights.

And yet, stepping out into our garden in the stillness of the midnight twilight, I can nevertheless trace the silvery sky beyond the treetops and gaze mesmerized at the starless heavens above me as we cross into the small hours of the morning. Unmistakably, the air holds an aura of enchantment and one can easily fall for the magic of the Midsummer Night, when secret portals are open and the esoteric lurks in the shadows.

24 comments:

Kath said...

you will always find beauty and fascination wherever you are, for that is in your soul xx

Elizabeth said...

It was a beautiful summer solstice this year. The promise of the sun, the warmth of the day. Now that we have crossed this threshold and realization of days shortening is felt and the rain is pouring down on mother earth again.

Rahul Bhatia said...

A lovely capture of the beauty of Summer Solstice through words:) You are a poet when it comes to writing prose, Zuzana!

tony said...

A Peaceful Solstice Dear Zuzana. xoxo

Elisabeth said...

For you the longest night, Zuzana, and for us the shortest. In any case, happy solstice.

Colleen said...

Your words are magic dear Zuzana. I have no doubt that with a heart like yours you will find beauty everywhere you are but can very much understand you missing the beautiful views from your white house. It isn't quite the same but coming from the vast open prairies of Canada, I find I miss the endlessness of the sky too when I look outside and just see the roofs of other houses. :) Have a beautiful day.

Brian Miller said...

smiles....i imagine getting used to the views has been somewhat interesting, considering how beautiful they were at your old place...but...i hope you have a wonderfully magical midsummer night...i like the lamps in the pics....

Rowan said...

A lovely post - we too live in a valley so never really see a proper sunrise or sunset.

Anonymous said...

You see the beauty in everything, even though you must miss the lovely views you had in the White House.

We had a great sunset this year... so thankful for that.

Donna said...

What a beautiful post.
Happy Solstice.

Hugs,
Donna

Anonymous said...

These shots are beautiful, magical Zuzana......I am sure you can find beauty every where you are, it seems your soul can find peace just looking at the sky.
Have a lovely week-end Dear. xoxo

Myrna R. said...

Have your midsummer night's dream Zuzana. I can imagine how you miss the views from the white house. But, isn't life like that? We gain something and lose something. You've gained a family, but lost a view. I know the trade is a good one.

(Sometimes, my husband talks of moving away, being near the ocean. I dread the thought. Not because I don't like the ocean, but because I know how much I'll miss the views from my house, and my mountains.)

Anonymous said...

Such magical photos! I love "when secret portals are open". Thank you for sharing your enchanting lights. I especially like the blue candle holder. It reminds me of the moon.

Sandy said...

Those are beautiful twilight or "blue hour" photos Zuzana! You have captured that special time so completely. I love the the months leading up to June 21st with the longer daylight hours. Now it is all downhill slowly going to the darker time of the year. I love the light filled days of May and June and wish they would last all year.

bright star said...

Kath is right,need I say more. love Angela

SandyCarlson said...

I hear you when you talk about that pull. At the moment I am in Connecticut, but I wish I were near the ocean to be in touch with the light....It blows my mind to think from here on out the days get shorter. Thank you for this wonderful post.

Rajesh said...

There will always be interesting scenes around you wherever you go.

Hilary said...

Funny how we long for old habits and comforts when our circumstances change.. .even if the changes are only temporary.. and they are. Your current view will be beautiful when sharing it once again. Patience.. time is passing. Your days of waiting are getting shorter. Hugs to you.

(I owe you an email.. soon, I promise!)

sprinkles said...

I miss those beautiful night skies too.

I still can't get over the beautiful blue hue your sky gets. Mine isn't like that.

I hope Sammy is doing well. Please give him an extra pat for me.

Sumandebray said...

Loved reading your post as usual. I do like the new tone in your recent blogs.
Oh .. I can imagine how much you would miss the view from that window.
But life is all about making choices.

S. Susan Deborah said...

A person as beautiful and observant as you will find treasure wherever you are housed and this is what makes you special Zuzana.

Joy always,
Susan

A Plain Observer said...

I sat on my porch on Wednesday and watch the light fade into darkness finally. I find that moment magical. It is, afterall, the longest daylight of this year. Like you, I feel sadness in it. I actually enjoy the winter solstice because it is when days get longer. Now I know they will be shorter and I will notice it in my evening drives.

Amanda Summer said...

this is truly enchantment, zuzana, to experience this midnight twilight.....some day i hope to see the midnight sun.

i am sorry to have been away - i am spending my summer days working on my novel and hope to complete it by summer's end.

sending you blessings and love,

amanda
xoxo

steviewren said...

You describe the night beautifully! Enjoy these long days.