Sunrise January 2

Bare branches pierce the sky

Often January is thought of as drab and colorless. The deciduous trees have dropped most of their leaves and their bare branches pierce the sky. The grasses are brown and tumbled. And for some of you, there’s probably white snow on the ground.

Super Moon!

On January 1, we had a Super Moon–meaning the moon is the closest to the earth as it ever will be in a year. We were rewarded with fairly clear skies that day. I nearly forgot about the full moon until we were driving down the  street. I snagged a couple of shots while we were moving, trying to avoid the power lines and buildings along the way, for I knew it would soon be out of my view on the horizon.

Super Moon, January 1, 2018

I usually wake up before dawn and Tuesday morning was no different. There was that super moon glowing brightly in the western sky.

Setting super moon, January 2

I began to see pink-ness

I sipped my coffee wondering if the sunrise would be as beautiful. It was. With my back to the eastern sky, I began to see pink-ness, bathing the walls generously with an ethereal  glow. I quickly snapped this photo–not changing the exposure.

Sunrise January 2

The scarlet branches command their presence

Each day I am rewarded by something in God’s creation that I can get excited about. First the Super Moon–at night and early morning. And then, the stunning pink sunrise. On our morning walks, I see a scraggly blackberry branch with a few leaves clinging that are a crimson/orange color. Sometimes I see white berries on bushes, giving contrast to the brownish grasses below. My favorite is a type of maple tree that has scarlet branches. In the summer they look like any ordinary tree draped in green leaves, but in the winter, it commands its colorful presence. Yes, there is color and beauty even in January! If you are able, get outside, try to find some unexpected color or beauty.  I think you’ll find it.

Sunset in December