Sunday, February 23, 2014

Snow Skies and Crazy Ravens


Storms. Snow, sleet, and then rain the past week. 
I don't love rain on top of beautiful, fluffy snow, but 
the visual inspiration was rich. 



Early one morning, trees were frosted and a snow sky 
suggested that my drive home might not be so pleasant. 


I was taken by the muted sky tones and branching lines of dark trees. 









As the sky told me it would be, 
the drive home from work that day was treacherous. 
We were crawling along iced roads. 


A few days later, the sun came out and with it a warm that 
hinted at spring so off to walk I went.  




What exquisite form and color - an oak leaf emerging from 
the snow. I loved the arching fullness. 





For many years, Pasha and I sat outside in the fading afternoon light - our 
"last rays ritual" before he needed to come in before dusk and predator time. I've 
found myself outside several times this week, sitting on the stoop, watching the sun 
dip behind the trees, missing my dear friend. Today, just as I sat down, a crazy raven called from the forest. I remember once reading that if you go into the forest and 
hear some crazy sounds you can't identify, its probably a raven. You will also hear
the dripping, melting snow on the tin roof. 


32 comments:

Medieval Muse said...

A lovely post. Your observations and connectivity to the forest around you is always an inspiration and joy to behold.

Love the delicate, rosebud shaped pinecones.

Valerianna said...

Hemlock cones, Lisa... they are so sweet, aren't they?

Tammie Lee said...

driving on ice is scary....
sunset rituals are lovely
those ravens really do make a lot of noise
it is a joy to see your photos

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I have never heard that sound before, but if I do, I'll know its Crazy Ravens!
I feel your sadness in this post. Hopefully the time will come soon that you find another kitty to win your heart.

Unknown said...

Yikes, so icy! Take it slow, V.
The silvery light is so beautiful.
Spring edges closer... I hope!
-sus

stregata said...

Sounds like a jungle, with an interesting beat on the tin roof. Hope that spring will visit you soon and wishing you peace of heart.

Bedford Gypsy said...

Such a contrast in the photos, lovely photos btw

Lynn said...

Beautiful skies and lovely panorama complete with crazy raven soundtrack.

Valerianna said...

Thanks, Tammie - photos seem to be what I can manage in terms of creativity at present. Soon, that will shift, I think. And, yes to all the rest.

Valerianna said...

I thought I masked the sadness, Carol, I guess not!! Yes, keep an ear out for those crazy ravens, these are just SOME of their outragious sounds!!

Valerianna said...

Good ol' studded snow tires are very appreciated in icy conditions, but I do take it slow, no other option, really!!

Valerianna said...

Thanks, Stregata. I heard all kinds of different rhythms over the past few days!

Valerianna said...

Thanks!!

Valerianna said...

I love my neighbor ravens - they probably say, oh, there is that crazy lady again, out singing to the trees...

Mo Crow said...

such beautiful silver greys & love your crazy raven!

Barry said...

VA - beautiful soft skies and memories. B

Valerianna said...

Silver grays - just like my hair!!

Valerianna said...

Soft skies full of snow!

Sandra Dunn said...

Wishing warmth to your soul - what a winter season for you,,,

crazy raven huh? I was happy to hear the trill of my favorite bird today,,, the redwing blackbird.

hugs,
san

ArtPropelled said...

Looking up through the branches at the blue sky, lifts my spirits. Beautiful photographs Valerianna.

Wyld Oak said...

Those soft, pearly skies overlaying the sun and the dark branches cupping the air are just exquisite...and then the blue sky happiness that follows. What a lovely sundown ritual you have. I imagine ravens sounding like crows, only deeper...but I imagine they make dozens of sounds, clever as they are.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

What a difference a few days make - that blue sky is glorious and the sound of the melting snow on your tin roof has its very own rhythm.

The gentle memories of your last rays ritual with Pasha will be with you always Valerianna. Close to your heart. x

Lunar Hine said...

Beautiful images - love the subtle skies and that emerging oak leaf looks so robust and solid! Drive safely xx

Anonymous said...

these beautiful smoky, inky photos of branches would be beautiful paired with your tree series!

Valerianna said...

I love redwing blackbirds!!

Valerianna said...

Thanks, Robyn... I love looking up through the branches at the blue sky, too.

Valerianna said...

Raven sounds are really quite something, Carmine. They sometimes have this almost metallic sound and sometimes like a honk even. So whacky.

Valerianna said...

The melting snow sound has been replaced with whipping winds and frigid air. We're all frozen here again!!

Valerianna said...

I loved that about the oak leaf - its seeming solidity.

Valerianna said...

They would, Dee, an interesting idea!!

Laura said...

Such a beautiful series!

Anonymous said...

your photos are a journey
towards healing and finding footing for the work of the studio
i'm glad you're feeling that urge
rest and be gentle with yourself
we are vascillating between glorious sun, sleet and snow
with goldfinches and grackles thrown in the mix