"Winter Birds 2" - Postcard

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This week's Sunday Postcard Art challenge was "Winter Birds."

This is my second entry using the same background as my first entry.

I created this using GIMP 2.10.22.

The vintage images are from an Internet search. (See the side of my blog for links.)

"Winter Birds" - Postcard

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This week's Sunday Postcard Art challenge was "Winter Birds."

I created this using GIMP 2.10.22.

The vintage images are from an Internet search. (See the side of my blog for links.)

Cat Looking - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of my cat this past week. He is fully recovered from the major surgery that he had back in June 2020. On today, Christmas day, this particular year has reminded me of what is most important in this life: having loved ones (including my beloved cat) is such a precious gift that I've sometimes taken for granted. I have also taken stock of myself, and found myself wanting, in many areas. And frequently lately, a line from a movie comes to my mind, about myself, for many things I do (or don't do): "And that is why you fail."

Blue Nativity Ornament - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

Merry Christmas!

I took that photograph of the Blue Nativity Ornament on my Christmas tree. The birth of Jesus is what Christmas is all about.

Crescent Santa Claus Ornament - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

Merry Christmas Eve!

I took that photograph of some of the ornaments on my Christmas tree.

"Red Santa Claus Gold Text" - Postcard

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I created this using GIMP 2.10.22.

The vintage images are from an Internet search. (See the side of my blog for links.)

Silver Bird Ornament - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of the ornaments on my Christmas tree.

"Christmas Song Bird" - Postcard

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I made two similar pieces using the same images. I'm unsure if I even like these, but I'm in the process of going through my UFO (UnFinished Objects & Projects) pile to complete them or throw them into the scrap heap.

I created this using GIMP 2.10.22.

The vintage images are from an Internet search. (See the side of my blog for links.)

Red Pinecone Ornament - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of the ornaments on my Christmas tree.

"Medieval Christmas Music" - Postcard

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I made two similar pieces using the same images. I'm unsure if I even like these, but I'm in the process of going through my UFO (UnFinished Objects & Projects) pile to complete them or throw them into the scrap heap.

I created this using GIMP 2.10.22.

The vintage images are from an Internet search. (See the side of my blog for links.)

Snowman Ornament - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of the ornaments on my Christmas tree.

"Christmas Wreath Santa" - Postcard

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This week's Sunday Postcard Art challenge was "Happy Christmas / Open Theme."

I created this using GIMP 2.10.22.

The vintage images are from an Internet search. (See the side of my blog for links.)

"T Stands For Teddy And Christmas" - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I am joining Bleubeard and Elizabeth for this week's T Stands For challenge found here.

This is my summation of the past week:

Teddy will be serving double duty as my main image plus as my "T-Day ticket" for my T-Day posts.

This past week, photos of my Christmas decorations and ornaments have been popping out as scheduled blog posts, and I haven't been too active online. As Christmas nears, this particular year has reminded me of what is most important in this life: having loved ones (including my beloved cat) is such a precious gift that I've sometimes taken for granted.

And certain lyrics from Christmas songs took on deeper meanings for me years (decades?) before the current situation with covid-19 arose:

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow

I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Through the years, some of my loved ones have died, so we all can no longer be together. And my Mother told me the second set of lyrics above related to the soldiers during WWII, who could not be home for Christmas.

Regardless of one's religion, perhaps the world would be a better place if we all did some self-reflection.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Judge not others, lest ye be judged.

I've turned a critical eye on myself, and found myself wanting, in many areas. And frequently lately, a line from a movie comes to my mind, about myself, for many things I do (or don't do): "And that is why you fail."

Half Moon Behind Tree Branches - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took those photographs last night. I was hoping to get a photo of the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn (Christmas Star), but I think I needed to go to the shoreline, to be able to see it low on the horizon. I did photograph something, but it was too high in the sky to be them, so I think it was Altair. At least I got to see the moon.

Green Egg Ornament / Vintage Tag - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of the ornaments on my Christmas tree.

Snow On Trees, Wind Chimes, Bird Feeder, Red Christmas Bells - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took those photographs in my yard after Sunday's (Dec 20, 2020) light snowfall. Most of the snow on the ground is from the storm we had earlier in the week.

Nutcracker Tag Ornament - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of the ornaments on my Christmas tree.

Silver Santa Nutcracker Mouse King - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of my Christmas decorations.

Crescent Moon - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of the crescent moon this evening.

Red Santa / Angel Holding Cat / Snowman Nutcracker - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of my Christmas decorations.

Nutcrackers / Advent Calendar - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of my Christmas decorations.

Christmas Wreath Tree Reflection In Snow Covered Window - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of my window reflecting my Christmas wreath and tree. It's still dark outside, so I can't tell how much snow is out there, and the snowfall won't be ending until later this morning. Thankfully I didn't lose power, and hopefully it stays that way.

Nutcrackers - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of my Christmas decorations.

Teddy Monitoring Snow Storm Forecast - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

Teddy is in the "Situation Room" monitoring the snow storm forecast. From the National Weather Service:

Winter Storm Warning

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service New York NY
851 AM EST Wed Dec 16 2020

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-103>108-NYZ067>071-162300-
/O.CON.KOKX.WS.W.0001.201216T1900Z-201217T1800Z/
Northern Fairfield-Northern New Haven-Northern Middlesex-
Northern New London-Southern Fairfield-Southern New Haven-
Southern Middlesex-Southern New London-Western Passaic-
Eastern Passaic-Western Bergen-Eastern Bergen-Western Essex-
Eastern Essex-Western Union-Eastern Union-Orange-Putnam-Rockland-
Northern Westchester-Southern Westchester-
851 AM EST Wed Dec 16 2020

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 16 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 to 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast New Jersey, southern Connecticut and southeast New York.

* WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 1 PM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is still some uncertainty with how much, if any mixing occurs tonight for southeastern coastal Connecticut. If some mixing occurs, snowfall amounts will be lower.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions.

Sunlit Tree Shadows On Trail - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This is 1 of 4 posts of photographs that I took at the Audubon Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary in Fairfield, CT this past week.

The older I get, the less I like Winter, however, each season in New England does have its unique beauty.

Trail Views - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This is 2 of 4 posts of photographs that I took at the Audubon Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary in Fairfield, CT this past week.

The older I get, the less I like Winter, however, each season in New England does have its unique beauty.

Thin Ice Patterns On Pond - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This is 3 of 4 posts of photographs that I took at the Audubon Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary in Fairfield, CT this past week.

The older I get, the less I like Winter, however, each season in New England does have its unique beauty.

Trail Views And Christmas Red Holly Berries - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This is 4 of 4 posts of photographs that I took at the Audubon Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary in Fairfield, CT this past week.

The older I get, the less I like Winter, however, each season in New England does have its unique beauty. And it was a nice surprise to see the red berries on this Holly, with less than two weeks until Christmas.

Red White Santas / Snowmen - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of my Christmas decorations.

"T Stands For Teddy Looking At Water And Magic Cookie Bars" - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I am joining Bleubeard and Elizabeth for this week's T Stands For challenge found here.

This is my summation of the past week:

Teddy will be serving double duty as my main image plus as my "T-Day ticket" for my T-Day posts.

This past week, Teddy enjoyed some water views from a high cliff edge. Because I was a little nervous about having him so close to the edge, I forgot to include his soda with him. (And for the record, there was a space in front of him, where I stood, but I was still uneasy having him pose there. As JP commented last week, Teddy is a "keeper" so I was leery of this photo shoot location.)

Later in the week, Teddy reminded me that I forgot to put the Christmas tablecloth in the kitchen, so he volunteered to pose with my his mug and the Magic Cookie Bars that he claims he made.

With Christmas less than two weeks away, I'm still feeling a general sense of worry due to the covid-19 cloud that is hanging over everything. The only time I seem to find peace within myself is when I go walking in the woods.

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

© All Rights Reserved

But those trails will soon be white. A Nor'easter is heading for New England, with 8" to 12" (20.32 cm to 30.48 cm) 10" to 14" (25.4 cm to 35.56 cm) of snow forecast for my area of Connecticut Wednesday into Thursday. (And the forecast may change, as the storm gets closer.)

We also continue to have drought conditions here in Connecticut.  (United States Drought Monitor - Connecticut)

Christmas Carolers Angel Nutcracker Cardinal Music - Photograph

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

I took that photograph of some of my Christmas decorations.

"Red Ribbon Christmas Wreath" - Postcard

© All Rights Reserved

(Click on image to enlarge)

This week's Sunday Postcard Art challenge was "Wreaths."

I created this using GIMP 2.10.22.

The vintage images are from an Internet search. (See the side of my blog for links.)