Pivot and Pause in New England
A Photographic Journal of Opportunities
Happiness is a friend sending me a picture of the moon to remind me that no matter how far apart we are we can see the same moon together.
Pause just long enough from the challenges of your day to appreciate what’s right in front of you even when it feels so far away.
A “moon exchange” amongst friends. Perfect thought my friend. Xoxo
I have so much to learn about the universe – both literally and figuratively.
Finding a piece of the moon just beyond reach of my favorite magnolia raised my curiosity to learn more. I don’t recall ever seeing it there.
A moment later the sun took center stage highlighting the forest with a range of colors.
The day ahead promised to be stressful. The morning moon reminded me how easily it can draw my attention to the fact that I can also find beauty in the same day.
Heartwarming on a cold winters day was a visit to Stamford Museum and Nature Center. I enjoy the work of Jacque Pepin both as a cook and artist.
Cool to see as part of the exhibit are drawings Pepin drew from the nature center itself as well as a brief video of his words of encouragement.
What I didn’t expect were so many animals out on the farm. I sat by the ducks for a while. They were congregated and often with their heads under water. I watched as one swam downstream to his friends and admired the sparkling waters around them.
I was even more surprised at watching the beaver swim under the ice, peaking out and walking towards me at each end as if to prove to me he was just fine!
I followed this donkey with loving eyes in hopes he would come closer to the fence. I had to make due with shadow petting him 🙂
The nature center also has a wheel chair accessible trail along their Brook.
I found that the ice formations in the center looked like ferns! I call them ice ferns!
In every season I have enjoyed the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. I continue to highly recommend a visit. There is a fee or you can join and go anytime you want! There is also opportunity to get a free pass at the library.
I usually select one sunrise picture to share but today I thought about the beauty in its transition.
Notice how the second shot is not as vibrant as the first or third although they were taken in sequence.
It reminded me of how much I learn from both life’s ups and downs.
To look at things from different perspectives is to gain an appreciation of alternate views.
It challenges your thought process and opens your mind to better achieve unity when the world feels divided.
1/18/22
The temperature was 7 with a windchill of below zero. One of my go to activities on such days are finding easy waterfalls to go see.
Fortunately, Duck Pond Falls in Milford fit the bill! But baby was it cold outside!
I was fascinated by the different ice formations created by the falls. The water itself appeared to be flowing in ringlets. The bouncing water created ice balls around the perimeter.
A shout out to Milford Photo for fixing my broken new camera and Amex 90 day purchase protection for paying for the $405 repair. I recommend both companies.
Our temperature is neck to neck with Anchorage Alaska today at 25 degrees which I felt within the icy chasms of Southford Falls.
I was surprised to find ice fishing, hockey and kids out ice skating on the pond. I would worry about weaknesses in the ices depth but they all were having a great time!
Certainly felt like I was on another planet slowly traversing the rocks to get to the snow capped falls.
My favorite part is watching the flow of water shoot out of surrounding ice tunnels.
What is it about the covered red bridge that always brings me back in each season. Loved the view of the water beneath.
Oh it was cold . . . And it was icy! While it’s not far to the Falls or the bridge, I recommend micro spikes due to the rocks and steep trail.
1/16/22, Olympus OM-D
Stunning striped sunrise stripped stresses.
Say that five times fast!
Find the moment to stay present.
With the first snow of the year I wondered where I could go for the biggest bang for my buck! Litchfield County it was! A great and manageable day with multiple stops and awesome views!
This spot was one I stumbled upon when kayaking. At the time I thought it was a hidden enclave with so many birds singing and flying I always felt as I was in a natural bird sanctuary every time I went. A couple of years later I learned it was part of a popular park and I can drive to it too! This was my first stop to see it so differently in the winter.
When I go to the Harrybrooke enclave I launch from Lover’s Leap loving the majesty of the gorge and the bridge above. The folklore behind the area is easy to imagine as you look from the top upon Lake Lillinonah. The sparkling icy waters and snow capped cliffs added to the intrigue today.
Sitting in the Lion’s Den at the White Horse tavern by the fire eating a delicious sirloin chili was a perfect break from the cold day hiking. The service was great and the food reasonably priced and delicious. A great place to plan the next stop!
So close to White Horse is the lovely small town of New Preston. The falls were such a happy surprise when I first came upon them. The strongest part of the falls rushed through the areas of ice and snow allowing you to imagine how they were once a source of power.
Then of course there was Kent Falls. Which is one of the most popular attractions in the State. Too popular so I don’t really frequent it. But on this wintry day I found it a perfect stop with the exception of how cold it was beside the Falls!
On my way to my next destination it felt perfect to stop and get the best hot chocolate I’ve had in a while! They had many options including white and mocha with additional add ins. I went classic which I highly recommend at the Kent Coffee and Chocolate company.
My final stop was breathtaking complemented by the beautiful words of Henry Thoreau. I chose this spot to wish my son a Happy Birthday at the annual special minute of his birth. I hope one day I can take him here too.
Happy Birthday Steve. You’ll always be my baby. Life is most beautiful on the days you’re in it.
January 8, 2022
The wreath otherwise reminded us of December at almost 60 degrees as the sun was setting on the beach.
I was surprised by the number of kids driving up to see the sun set all with their cell phones capturing the changing skies.
I noticed the difference in the shoreline with several people and birds perhaps out clamming.
Sasco Beach is a resident only beach in season but is a wonderful drive up sunset option in the off season.
Due to covid the Westport ice rink at Long Shore wasn’t opened last year. I was so happy to find it was again this year.
I may have been one of the first on the ice as the few of us there were captured by the local newspaper.
One skater out on his own even sought to help several others regain their ice legs. He patiently and kindly showed me how to skate backwards.
I did a bit of extra sliding but proud to say I didn’t fall. The holiday music playing from the speakers encouraged me to skate to the beat and do a little ice jingle as I skated.
Feb 2022 Update: After renting skates I found that I was getting blisters so decided I would purchase some.
After researching options, I decided to head to Cheshire Ct to jenskates.com. Text Jen and she will coordinate a fitting and share the options for your assessment. I found Jen to be kind, patient, thorough and well prepared with stock and related supplies.
https://jenskates.com/collections/figure-skates
The following day I returned to the rink – All Bling, No Blisters” thanks to Jen.
Pivot and Pause in New England