The winter of 2025 was way beyond harsh.
Life is short – fragile – uncertain –
Studies have shown that losing a dog is as hard as losing a human loved one. This winter – both.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawaken.”
Category: Author Julie Stephens
Hope: March 2014 – January 2025
Matt is much more than our UPS driver whom I can text,
for example, this card is from him.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
“Happiness is a warm puppy.”
Charles Schulz
Joy & Hope
If LOVE could have kept you here you would have lived forever
Puppies grow up fast
I bought Hope this little Teddy Bear for a quarter at the thrift store.
New Year’s Eve 2024 & New Year’s Day 2025
Celebrations & Traditions
My husband is romantic.
Over the years we’ve lived up here we often got all dressed up for New Year’s Eve and went out to dinner CLIMB; the fanciest restaurant at 9,000 ft. where we live. We don’t have to be concerned about traffic in the winter and we aren’t big drinkers so us going out, on New Year’s Eve where we live, isn’t risky.
the shortest day and darkest night
Winter Solace
The enchanted moment, where the ice crystals sparkle in the early morning sunlight, can’t be captured in a photograph and the peacefulness is just as breathtaking. The world is too noisy and busy and moments like this are magical.
Gratitude of simple pleasures
Feeling so content and blessed in front of the fire my love made watching the early morning sky turn baby blanket pink and blue sipping hot hazelnut coffee from my purple cup and petting Hope our border collie – passing this contentment onward
So cozy
I enjoyed a slow-moving morning with my book and coffee in front of the fireplace watching the colorful sunrise
What fun when my book is so good I don’t want to put it down AND I have the time to do just that!
Our Travels in Greece
Greece is a beautiful country and an amazing, historical experience. Here is a fraction of our experience.
Our view looking out on The Parthenon as we dined our first day – surreal since we were here a year ago…
Bruce and I easily got our covid vaccines in September 2022 and went to Germany and Austria staying well.
Packed and Ready
I don’t check any luggage. This was for 2 weeks. After years of trying different types of carryon luggage; this works for me. Husband noted that I’d never been ready so quickly / easily.
This trip has been beyond amazing but I cannot relate to people who are down about going home after traveling.
The Famous Water Lilly Garden
Claude Monet attempted to record an ‘in the moment’ impression that a scene gave him. I relate, as I attempt to do this with my photography. Here is the color and joy that fills his garden, home and paintings. The end result, is timeless beauty.
Morning Prayer at the Abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel
Walking to Morning Prayer at the Abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel
My Catholic upbring filters into my appreciation for this holy service.
My sensitive nature loving self is grateful for the opportunity to be here with the beauty of the peaceful morning on the beach
I made a short recording of the service which is located a few pictures into this post
Bruce and I got up before sunrise.
New Experiences Keep Us Engaged with Life!
Watching a cat in Fougères France taking a walk perched on its person.
Conversing with a traveling companion who also feels shy.
UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont St-Michel, is a unique architectural and natural wonder of Europe
We left Amboise France.