Gentle Snowfall, Crazy Canyon, Missoula, Montana

One of my favourite Christmas cards ever received features a black and white photo of children, togged out in 60s-era parkas and mittens, arms spread wide, catching snowflakes on their tongues. It seems to be a universal response, regardless your age. Maybe in our era it has something to do with the pace of life racing past - we want to capture something that still exists in its own time and pace, unpushed by demands. Snowflakes fall, float, are gusted about by wind. They simply are, in all their complex crystalline selves. I'll take a double helping of that, please.

Seed Stalk, Crazy Canyon, Missoula, Montana

This picture just made me sigh a medium-sized peaceful sigh. I just want to look at it and think calming thoughts - about new flower seeds, and digging in the dirt, and the sun-gold ripeness of a just-picked tiny pear tomato bursting to life in a single, delectable bite. But all of that will have to wait a few more months.

Organic Glow, Crazy Canyon, Missoula, Montana

Gazing into the crisp, winter quiet of the forest, I watched the shadows sharpen and moss-sheathed trunks illuminate to a verdant glow.

Crazy Canyon Charlie Brown Tree, Missoula, Montana

With a little tinsel and a shiny red glass ball, I'm sure this little sprout would be in the running for a 2013 Charlie Brown Christmas tree.