Melting 1 - Missoula, Montana

"Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul."

- Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

Shady Side Of Sunny - Missoula, Montana

Within 5 minutes into my lunchtime walk, I realized that, despite the warming optimism of much-awaited sunshine, I should have worn my toque. Especially as a recent shearing has again left my little ears fully out in the weather. "Cold ears, warm heart" is not a meaningful mantra.  A belated temperature check revealed a still-brisk 26 degrees F - that's -3 Celsius, by the way. Loathe to turn back for a wee chill in the air, I was saved by the Aha! moment:  an ample scarf can cover both neck AND head!  Wrapped somewhat more elegantly than the scarf mummification of childhood, I carried on, ears intact and warming. Ah, the multiple joys of Pashmina!  

May your hearts be warm this Valentine's Day - and your ears, too!

Driving Light Returns - Lolo, Montana

Oh, the simple joy of driving in strengthening morning light!

Quiet Reflection - Missoula, Montana

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action."

- Peter F. Drucker

Snowing Still - Missoula, Montana

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.
"So it is."
"And freezing."
"Is it?"
"Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."

- A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Snow Lady Of The Night - Missoula, Montana

There she was, just standing on the corner...watching traffic go by...

Rabbit And Crow? Footprints In Snow - Missoula, Montana

"Footprints in the snow have been unfailing provokers of sentiment ever since snow was first a white wonder in this drab-coloured world of ours."

 - The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932)

Hello, Rabbit - Missoula, Montana

"Hello Rabbit, is that you?"

"Let's pretend it isn't", said Rabbit, "and see what happens."

- A. A. Milne, from Winnie-The-Pooh, Ch. 10


(At least I think these are rabbit tracks - of a very fluffy bunny. Think Thumper. Or Mopsy.

By the way, the real House at Pooh Corner - Cotchford Farm, where A.A. Milne wrote his classic anthropomorphic tales of Pooh and friends -  is up for sale; read more here.)