I am looking out my window at the moment contemplating the icy crispness of my world. After a few years of no snow (except for the mountains) Victoria, BC is experiencing “colder than usual” temperatures. It’s rare to have snow before Christmas but here it is.
Steamy spirals of exhalation hang suspended, then dissolve like Zen mandalas, and snow blind sunlight scatters frosty diamonds that bounce everywhere on the frozen ground so as not to be possessed. I love the crunch of footsteps and the wind blowing a spray of snow from tree branches that sting my cheeks. Already I can’t move my numb lips. They’re stuck to my teeth in a bracing grimace. I love it!! I am a winter bird. This light icing is only the appetizer. More snow is on it’s way. I’m off to a Christmas Concert this evening.
( a jubilant) Arrival by Abba played by Dutch International Military Tattoo
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I was remiss in posting my last two Monochrome Madnesses with Leanne Cole. Her theme this week was square and I submitted the square gateway to the Mayan city of Uxmal. Do visit her to see the great gallery

and last week- MM-33


Your description of your winter walk is absolutely beautiful, Cybele. I had to read it a second time, just to ‘feel’ the lovely words. Winter is, indeed picturesque, and the perfect wonderland. You photos always amaze me. As someone new to photography, I’m in awe of your skills. Your photos always have that magical glow … simply stunning. I hope you get the deep, white snow you long for very soon. 😀
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awww, I’m glad you liked it!! We’ve had rain and now frost again- so a real mix. I’m a bit behind in blogging at this time. Hope to get going again soon!!
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Although I love the beauty of Winter and the white, pristine cover of snow, I like to see it through a window or through your lens, rather than be in it. Now I am on blood thinners I cannot seem to get warm and here in Washington we are experiencing a cold snap that has my hands and feet feeling like small blocks of ice. No matter. I love your post and especially these photos. Beautiful!
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thank you so much Renee and I hear you. Stay warm!! Blessings of the season!
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Numb lips stuck to teeth .. But sounds like you love the winter chill! I love your pics 😃
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thanks so much for visiting Julie!! yes I love the purity of a snowfall!
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O..wonderful Cybele, finally they come. Fabulous photos, super!
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thanks so much dear Della!!
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Lovely music and shots, Cybele. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the snow. We’ve had quite a bit in the last week…close to 20 inches. Winter is definitely here! Enjoy!
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oh you get way more than us I think. The saying here on the island is if you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes, so the snow has melted and then a few days later came again lol.
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Beautiful work and hopes you keep warm and snug ❤
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all the warmer for your visit wildalchemi!!! Thank you!
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Send some of your white winter crispiness here, Cybele, please. We had warm southerly winds yesterday with spring temperatures, but it exhausted me. Now it’s all grey and drizzly. But last week, the wind blew from the east, with an icy bite to it, and I was bursting with energy and enthusiasm, all dressed in my Scandinavian knitwear!
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oh Sarah, you know how it is here- very similar to your weather so we had a lovely snow then soggy rain and today crisp again!! I love Scandinavian knitwear. I’m like you, invigorated by the cold!!
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Lovely photos! I’ve been told we will have more snow than usual this winter in the central USA, also. We haven’t seen any yet, though the temperatures have stayed below freezing lately — BBRRRRR! I used to love the winters, but not as much as I get older. I’m less of the “winter bird” now and more of just a frosty icicle! 😉
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I hear you lol. Yes, your winters I think are colder. We get snow then rain warm and cold every day it’s different!! Thank you for coming by!!
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Stunningly and sensitively processed photos…love them all.
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thanks so very much Paula!!
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I love winter too although we don’t get the privilege of snow. Sometimes that has it’s advantages but I adore taking snowy pictures! This is gorgeous! Glad to know you are still around. 🙂
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Many thanks for dropping by Laura. I’m on again off again as with everything lol!!
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I understand! I’m thinking of dropping this blog after the first. Too much social media! STILL haha
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I hear you!
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Wish I could be there!
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oh unfortunately it gets soggy here on the west coast all too soon!
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Looks and sounds wonderful Cybele, I’m envious of your winter landscape 🙂 I love these words: “Steamy spirals of exhalation hang suspended, then dissolve like Zen mandalas, and snow blind sunlight scatters frosty diamonds that bounce everywhere on the frozen ground so as not to be possessed”
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oh Andrea like England we turn all too soggy very quickly,- except of course in the mountains. Thanks so much for your lovely approval of my meanderings!
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I love snow……but we don’t tend to get much at all where we live.
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we don’t usually get a lot in the low lying areas! More like rain! 🙂
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Shivers, but looks so pretty:)
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oh yes!! thanks Alexa!
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Hahaha! >>>>> well you got your snow!!! – love these images, Cybele, especially the top two. Adrian 🙂
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I did and even more today but it will turn to rain soon I fear which is the usual for the west coast! Thanks Adrian!
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Lovely, lovely LOVELY images and words. Keep cosy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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many thanks my dear!! I will and you too? any snow in your parts yet?
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Snow is something we don’t wish for here.. x
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😀
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So lovley. Glad you are enjoying the snow.
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thanks Sherry, Take care of yourself!
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Getting better 🙂
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:)!!
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It looks cold, but so beautiful and mysterious. Are you a winter bird, really?
Well done post! 🙂
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Glad you like it Amy. I do love snow in winter as opposed to soggy rain! Thank you!
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Love it! Steamy spirals of exhalation!!
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many thanks Sue!
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😀
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wow. each one, is Beautiful!!
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thank you Deb!
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my pleasure 🙂
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Great treatment of that gateway. As for snow . . . don’t miss it yet. Not sure I ever will.
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well, you flew south!! 🙂 thanks Disperser!
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frigidly frosty
& beautiful 🙂
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it is! thanks Smile!!
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I love your snow photos and the words you use to describe it. I have rarely seen snow but find it magical when I do. I really don’t like the cold though.
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many thanks Suzanne!!
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It looks gorgeous! Stay warm!
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thanks Deb!! Snow brightens my spirits for sure! – and yes to warm!
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Enjoyed each one for its own story…happy light dusting of early winter.
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many thank you’s!!
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