Sunday, December 20, 2015

Flowers and Bees in Winter

Winter Solstice is almost upon us. The longest, darkest night, when the ground should be hard with frost as in the deep mid winter that carols sing about. The earth should be cold and asleep. It's not though, here there is not a sign of Jack Frost. In the garden there are flowers blooming and yesterday there were bees.
I don't think I've ever seen a bee on a flower in December here, ever!?
I know some folks are enjoying the mild weather, but I would prefer to see December decked out in frosty attire. The seasons are just not right. Maybe we won't get a winter at all?

Last weekend I had a fleeting visit to Dartmoor. It was my Birthday and I stayed a night at the Two Bridges hotel which is conveniently located a short walk from the ancient Wistmans wood. It was lovely to be back there again and this time in Winter rather than summertime which was when we visited last time. The lichen and moss seemed even brighter without leaves on the trees.  
On our way back we passed Postbridge, and stopped to see the old clapper bridge .
 A bronze age tomb remains. 
 Then walked a little and sat with the quiet stones.
Back home I've hung the green upon the door and the fae lady has mistletoe for hair once more.
It feels like weeks since I picked up a paintbrush. I've been so busy with packing orders there was little time for much else. Christmas has been busy in the shop and I'm very grateful to anyone that has supported my work and bought from me these last few weeks and of course throughout the year. The calendars have been a great success and only a small amount are remaining now.
Now things are beginning to quieten down and I have a painting on the go and  even managed to find time to do three little Aceo sized paintings. Inspired by Wistmans wood.
It would have been wonderful to have seen the wood on a frosty day or in the snow. Maybe one day?...But even though I didn't, my little white hare got lucky!  :)

8 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures, but I agree with you. There is something very disturbing about seasons which do not have their proper cold or warmth or weather.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The last time I was at Wistmans wood it was green and lush, I don't think I've ever seen it frosty. We need our winter, this mild warm weather is turning plants and insects upside down - feels very strange. Your white hare in the woods is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow,such a special post - Wistmans Wood truly is incredible and I really hope to see it one day.
    I'm missing Jack and all his frosty wonders so much - how can we have a year without winter? It's such a bleak but truly beautiful season and it will be so sad if we just roll on into spring again. A few weeks back, we had a stunning snow flurry at 8 o'clock in the morning and I was so hopeful of winter's arrival but all evidence of it was gone in a couple of hours :( Fingers crossed for 'January brings the snow, makes our toes and fingers glow'! Merry Solstice, Karen :) x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gorgeous photos!

    The weather is always warm where I live. It;s gonna be rainy and in the 80's Christmas Day.

    Tis the Season, right?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dartmoor's one of my most favourite places. Many years ago on my birthday I slept overnight there in the car. It was a very cold night but so magical to wake up in such a place. I love your little ACEOs! xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. solstice blessings xoxox
    the photos are just beautiful and the perfect thing to admire after a busy day!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The unusual spring like weather is rather unsettling, although we welcome spring we don't want to bypass winter altogether do we? I have my polar bear and hare here to remind me of you and your gorgeous work. They are now a firmly established Christmas tradition in our house. I hope you have a Blessed Christmas and a Joy filled new year. x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a birthday, Karen. Love the moss! Merry Christmas to you and a magical 2016. 🎄

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much you for leaving me a comment.
It's great to hear from you! :-)