November 03, 2010

November Twilight.

November has arrived. A month disliked by many, none the least the Scandinavians, due to the dreary, drizzly weather, late autumn storms and most of all, darkness.
Our daylight is diminishing drastically. The sun moves lower and lower across the horizon and soon twilight will gain reign over our reality.

Thus this is - once again - the time of candle lights. It is the time of cozy evenings by the fire, the time of contemplation and remembrance. The time of long discussions with someone special while sharing a glass of wine, enjoying the time of tranquility and reflection.

This is the time of November twilight and I am looking forward to relish in its gentle melancholy.

43 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Most of all stay inside today because it is raining cats and dogs.

Brian Miller said...

ah time by the fire and candlelight...what romantic moments they have the potential to be...nice pics zuzana

Trotter said...

Hi Zuzana! OK, candles, glass of wine, etc... But November will always be November, and that's sad... ;))

Thanks for your comment at Blogtrotter Two, which is leaving Algiers 2009... Enjoy and have a great week ahead!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

You paint a lovely cosy scene Zuzana and one which I readily give into. The clocks 'went back' an hour here in the UK last weekend and it now gets dark around 5pm, however I can't begin to imagine what the Scandinavian twilight is like. I often feel like hibernating in November especially if the weather is damp and dreary! The upshot .... lots of cuddles with Jess and Bobbi who prefer to stay home too!

Jeanne
xox

Velvet Over Steel said...

Aww.. your description made me want to curl up in a blanket by the fireplace. Even though I too miss the sunshine this time of year, this reminded me of the 'positive possibilities'. It was very nice!!! Love the picture above and the one you painted in my mind! :-)

Hugs,
Coreen

Myrna R. said...

I don't know. I love the fireplace and wine... it sounds lovely. But extended twilight? I think I may not thrive as well. I need the sun. But it sounds like you make the best of your circumstance and location. So, I hope you create some wonderful moments.

Maria said...

I love the dark, cosy winter evenings. Even here in India.

I think I'm a winter person.

Hope you're doing well, Zuzana. I had a new comment system installed on my blog because some of my readers had difficulty leaving comments. After a few initial problems, it seems to be settling down, but time will tell.

tony said...

Hibernation Rules!
I Love Your Photos.They Convey The Illumination & Consolation Of November.
have A Grand Day Zuzana.x

steviewren said...

I love the orangy red of the candlelight against the midnight blue of the sky. It's a beautiful color combination, even if it isn't your favorite time of the year.

Bossy Betty said...

I do love this time of year! I brought out my candles just last week!

Lovely post!

Claus said...

How interesting that this is a month not liked by many around the north, while it is a month of relief for us in the middle :o) as the rainy season comes to an end. The almost seven months of constant rain, storms, eventual hurricanes, landslides, and flooding finally end! The environment is fresh, green and lush, cool and windy, yet with some sunlight...it's wonderful!! We're coming out from the darkness and awfulness that rain can turn into sometimes, so I completely understand how you are feeling. While ours is definitely not as drastic as yours (lack of light that is) I've always understand your need for light from the sun to have energy every day. All I can say is that it will come back to you again.
have a lovely day!

Kath said...

Firelight, candles, wine, a recipe for November delight :D

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Ya just can't beat the warm coziness of a flickerin' fire. I've been puttin' off starting mine. Once uncovered it burns 'till spring but I'll have to bite the bullet and do it soon and very soon. Or freeze! Heeehehehe!

God bless ya and have the most amazing day sweetie!!!

Reasons said...

Inspiring as always...I must buy some new candles.

Lynne said...

I just love the way that the Scandinavians use candles. Almost makes November worthwhile. Actually, it's February that for me is a month I do not look forward to.

sprinkles said...

I love those candleholders, so pretty!

I want to curl up by the fire with a big blanket, a good book, a glass of wine and my two little dogs. Sounds like ther perfect way to pass the day.

Mimi said...

I love November!
I know it's dark, but looking forward to Christmas, when it hasn't reached the manic stage, is one thing that I love. And it's when I do my boking, and it's the month of my birthday, and those dark evenings are the perfect excuse to, yes, light candles and languish by the fire with glasses of wine.
Perfect!

Mimi said...

Baking, I'm not a weirdo who does boking!!!!

Betsy Brock said...

tranquility is a good word to describe it! It's a wonderful month to get cozy!

Anonymous said...

Your discription of November is so intensely mesmerizing. Sun moving lower and lower. Candlelight, fires, wine, and warmth of friendship. How could anyone not want to come to your corner of the world. Looking forward to you sharing your Scandinavian Holidays with us. :) The Bach

Anonymous said...

We've already had the fire going a few nights and lit all the candles too. I love the look and the scent both : )

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

YOU make November look warm and cozy with your photos Zuzana. I lovely glass of wine by the fire sounds wonderfully SWEET.

SandyCarlson said...

I love this time of year for the melancholy. I always attributed that to my heritage. Great shot.

adrielleroyale said...

"Gentle Melancholy", what beautiful way to look at it! Perhaps it is my Scandinavian roots that make me so dislike winter then? But looking at it that way is much better. I think I will give it a try :)

Rajesh said...

Interesting. This happens to one of the months I love. From October and November lot of festivals we celebrate and I love these months.

Anonymous said...

Dark at four already! But you're right - it's a time of being cosy, candelight and a time to enjoy gentle recuperation.

Kat_RN said...

I have always thought that winter is Mother Nature's way of making us take a break.
Stay warm and cozy my friend,
Kat

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

"...soon twilight will gain reign over our reality." What a lovely line. And so true, how twilight and the dark does, indeed, take over oure reality. C

Cat in the road said...

You’re having relish with your melancholy? I usually take mine with mustard or ketchup. OK that was a bad joke, what can I tell you they can’t all be gems. A somber post yet your pics have a soothing, relaxing mood about them.

Nessa said...

Candles, fireplaces and wine with special people are good reasons to like November.

Hilary said...

With this attitude, I could almost like November.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

What a beautiful blog you have here! I'm so happy to have come upon it.

Beautiful photos and beautiful words. What a lovely combination.

Gentle hugs...

Unknown said...

Gentle melancholy is nice, Zuzana. You sound very happy and content where you live! :)

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

I just just linked to this lovely post.

Gentle hugs...

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way of looking at it! I absolutely love your pictures - they are calming, soothing, and absolutely beautiful.

It's just another little "sign" from the universe that I read this post right now - as I type this I'm a little saddened because this weekend (in my part of the States) we have to turn our clocks back therefore losing an hour of daylight - but I've been preparing for it - (light therapy and all)

AND most recently I stocked up on candles! I used to light candles all the time and haven't for in a while for I don't know what reason. I have one lit right now and I love the soothing ambiance it brings...

My husband and I used to spend these early dark nights reading, chatting, etc... just as you describe - and reading this only reinforces that we need to do so again!!

Thank you for posting this!!!

((HUGS))
Christine

P.S. You're a brilliant photographer. I love photography too - although I'm quite an amateur - regardless - it still gives me joy!

Ash said...

Gorgeous photo, Zuzana!! I LOVE it!

Anonymous said...

Sweet Zuzana - I LOVE this post! So many people see the negative side of November. You see the positive. There is so much beauty and joy to be found in each and every day of the year! :)
Sending you hugs & wishing you a very happy weekend,
Zuzu

Rustique Gal said...

Dear Zuzana,
Our winter days get shorter and shorter, but yours must be much more melancholy. I love your cozy glowing pictures. I guess we learn to embrace what is and find ways to work with it. I try to stay busy being creative and getting together with friends and family. That is where the warmth and light come from in the winter months. Have a great weekend!
Sherry

Absolutely Ladylike said...

Oh yes winter is inevitably here and I have to say I don't like it...but I love how you find the beautiful side in everything! Cause I just love candles as well.../but I also use them during the summertime and that's much more lovely don't you think? :-)/

I've missed you dearest Zuzana and I'm so happy to catching up with you.

Have a wonderful weekend my dear friend.

Much love to you: Evi

Loz said...

And for us on the other side of the world it heralds the arrival of long hot summer days - hints of strong northerlies with the intermiittent cool southerlies that are born somewhere in the southern ocean. The smell of petrichor, the lengthening days and the anticipation of the summer holidays creeping up on us.

Sandy said...

My birthday is in November and usually it is cold, damp and raining on that glorious day. Since moving from the Mid-west to the East coast I actually experienced some nicer days on my birthday in the last few years. The nights are coming sooner here and the leaves are falling quickly now. It's the dark time of the year. I think that is why I love Thanksgiving and Christmas so much - these holidays lift one's spirits when the world is turning darker.

Zuzana said...

Elizabeth, Brian, Trotter, Jeanne, Coreen, Myrna, Maria, tony, Stevie, Betty, Claudia, Kath, Nezzy, Joann, Lynne, sprinkles, Mimi, Betsy, The Bach, LadyCat, Jill, Sandy, adrielle, Rajesh, ladyfi, Kat, C, Scribe, Nessa, Hilary, Aunt Amelia's Attic (welcome), Michael, Christine, Ash, zuzu, Sherry, Evi, Loz and Sandy - I am so happy that so many of you enjoyed this post and the simple pleasures of the month of November.

I believe every season has its own charms and even the darkness has a purpose. As many of you point out, it is the time to wind down and rest, just like nature does.

Thank you all for your endless kindness in your words, your comment are always very appreciated.

Xoxo
Zuzana

Snowbrush said...

Ah, more great photos!