Okay, it’s confession time. I’m directionally challenged, but I’m getting out my maps of the world. Will you be my witness and travel companion? From Georgia to Gallup, Greece to Gibraltar, I’m determined to go to my grave without taking another wrong turn.
While I’ve never heard of an active volcano in Yosemite National Park, for a few days each February, you can catch a glimpse of a lava-like flow at Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall.
Horsetail Fall is spectacular enough on most winter or early spring days, when the seasonal waterfall makes a more than 2,000-foot drop down the east side of El Capitan. But on certain days in mid-February, the sun sets at a particular angle that illuminates the waterfall for a few minutes in stunning reds, oranges, and yellows, and turning it into something called a “firefall,” when you’d swear you were witnessing a river of hot lava flowing down the sheer cliff face. Hundreds of visitors come each year with cameras in hand, hoping to catch the perfect shot.
photo by Steve Corey via Flickr.com
A couple of weeks ago while looking out my office window, I noticed a similar phenomenon when a patch of sunlight hit a bend in the lane to my farm. I fantasized that if I were to stand in that gorgeous patch of glowing light, I would somehow be transported to other-worldly realms.
Diana Shelton says: Wow! God’s creation is breath taking; if words can justly describe, its absolutely gorgeous! As my husband would say, “Beam me up Scottie”
BB king says: ah yes that is what i said to myself bef even reading your post Diana- haha Beam me up Scottie! Yes when it seems otherworldly you do feel like you are gong to another realm.
Krista says: That is absolutely stunning! I would love to see that in person. We live in a fascinating world with many wonders.
darlene ricotta says: That is so beautiful! I have never been there, maybe someday.
Thanks
Darlene
Sharron Donaldson says: Yes, incredible! God is good! He gives us these little glimpses of heaven!
BB king says: that looks way desolate to me. deep snow? we got a blizzard like storm with high winds and then ice, I’m not even leaving the house today, its 15 now.
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: Although, I have never seen or been to a ski resort in Winter, I am thinking it might look like this landscape? I am imagining this photo as the “MJF Wall Tent Winter Resort” view for endless hours of cross country skiing or snow show walking. Then back to the tents with little wood stoves for a warm up with hot chocolate and a good book! sounds like a bit of heaven to me!!
My resident photographer just got a new super fast camera and special telephoto lens today that are made for optimum photographing of things in motion. Who knew you could get better photos than what he already has? So, stay tuned as he learns how to use everything. Tomorrow morning , he is meeting another friend who loves photography of birds as much as Warren. Those two are going to be there by 7 am so BIRDS, get your feathers groomed up because two guys are coming out with powerful cameras to capture your breakfast routines!! LOL!!
MaryJane says: I need a camera like that for night time campfire photos surrounding my moving people and never-still children. Suggest to Warren a campfire in your backyard, camera in tow:)
Lisa Von Saunder says: Spectacular shot of the owl! I love owls. We have alot here on my farmette in Amishland PA, but i only hear them and seldom see them. Who took this great photo? Kudos to you! Oh yeah and what kid of owl is this?
Lisa Von Saunder says: NO way to comment on your essay for today ( no continue reading) so I’m writing here instead.
First of all, today is a triple holiday, its St Brigid day,in the Christian calender, as well as the celebration of the ” bride” in pagan times, and sabbat Imbolc ,a Celtic ritual that celebrated the first wakening of the spirits of vegetation (spring ) . And the BIG ONE, it’s my Birthday! the big ole 65th!
Holy Moly it looks cold in those photos ! You are very brave and determined or perhaps full of cabin fever to venture out like that!
Jan Ammann says: Very beautiful picture of an owl in the snow!!
Lisa Von Saunder says: oh and for those who love owls and want more info , here is a recent article in Washington Post about owls:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/owls-are-natural-born-killers-so-why-do-we-adore-them-so-much/2017/01/23/ba41f93c-ddd0-11e6-918c-99ede3c8cafa_story.html?tid=a_inl&utm_term=.cabf23c73fc9
MaryJane says: I haven’t double checked but we think our owl in the photo is a Great Horned.
terry steinmetz says: How majestic! Thanks for sharing…
Lisa A says: WOW!
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: Beautiful and detailed photo of this majestic owl!
Lisa Von Saunder says: there are those “so retro” wooden skis again!
L.Manis says: Breathtaking! #
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: The beautiful Palouse on it’s long winter’s nap. Now, I can’t wait to see the greening up come April.
Lisa Von Saunder says: BRRRRRR!!!!!
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: Let’s hear it for 2017! Looking forward to lots of Farmgirl news and adventures this year. There are books to read, places to visit, foods to try, friends to meet……..it is going to be FUN!!
Winnie Nielsen says: That little country church is about as cute as it gets! “Ding Dong merrily on High”….
Lisa Von Saunder says: too sweet – you treat your birds right MaryJane
Carol says: Gorgeous! The snow highlights everything! I love it!
This would be pure fantasy for me to keep a cow but I love your books & am sure this one is just as good as the other two I have.
Bonnie Kirkpatrick says: May I live there?
Winnie Nielsen says: Beautiful sky from your farm!
Happy Thanksgiving Eve, MaryJane. Blessings to you and your family too. If I was there, I would ask to fire up the wonderful wood stove in the tent and cook old fashioned oatmeal and coffee tomorrow morning and watch the sunrise on the beautiful Palouse!
Winnie Nielsen says: Amber fields of grain. America the Beautiful!!
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
Frost painting is so incredibly beautiful out your way. This is something we never have here in Florida.