December magic

We’ve been slowly getting into the Christmas spirit here. The tree is up, the mantelpiece adorned with our favourite festive pieces and we’ve ventured into the city to admire the lights and Christmas displays.

In December, though, I love to seek out the quiet places, off the beaten track, to pause for a few moments of solitute and to enjoy the natural magic of December, away from the bright lights. Along with writing cards and watching old Christmas movies, it’s one of my favourite rituals at this time of year.  For me, it’s a lovely way to try and achieve some balance in what can be a busy and rather stressful period for most of us.

We’ve had some crisp, if very cold, days in December and for me it can be a challenge using my camera because my hands get so cold. It can be hard too to imagine there is much to photograph, everything lies so bare and dormant.  But therein lies the beauty of December…the bareness allows that beautiful winter light to seep through leafless branches and hedgerows and illuminate the scene before you.

I watched a photography programme on Sky Arts a few months back and there was a quote ‘ People with cameras lead peculiar and magical lives’  and I can’t think of another month where that is more true than in December.

When the view from the garden is as stunning as this…

And for a while on the shore, sea and sky merge in a haze of winter blue…

Or when a walk along a country lane leads you to these handsome boys…

And so, as the sun sets on another year and I sign off for 2019, I’d just like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you find your own December magic in the days ahead. Thank you so much for all your lovely comments this year. I can’t tell you how much it means to me…

See you in 2020 !

Love,

Paula x