Winter solstice is rapidly approaching, the meteorologic beginning of the fourth season. While the attendant cold, muted colors, and reduced avian activity render this time of year less attractive to many, in one respect winter’s beauty is unrivaled.
Die Wintersonnenwende nähert sich mit rasenden Schritten, und mit ihr der meteorologische Beginn der vierten Jahreszeit. Auch wenn der Winter wegen kälterer Temperaturen, blasser Farben, und verminderter Vogelaktivität bei vielen unbeliebt ist, ist seine Schönheit in einer Hinsicht unübertroffen.
Is there any visible substance in nature more marvelously magical than snow? Smart brains have long unraveled the mysteries of the astounding transmutation of water into hexagonal crystals, but physical explanations do not lessen the magic.
Gibt es eine sichtbare Substanz in der Natur, die mysteriöser ist als Schnee? Kluge Köpfe haben schon vor langem das Geheimnis der schier unglaublichen Transmutation von Wasser in hexagonale Krystalle gelöst, aber physikalische Erklärungen vermindern nicht den Zauber.
The magic of translucent structures that appear white when they fall gently from the sky, that cover the dull grays and browns with a snowy comforter, that shine, shimmer, and scintillate in the sun.
The magic of utter silence during a snowfall.
The magic of awakening to a world blanketed in purity, all its stains temporarily concealed.
Den Zauber durchsichtiger Strukturen, die als weiße Flocken vom Himmel fallen, die das stumpfe Grau und Braun mit einem Federbett bedecken, die in der Sonne glänzen, glitzern und glimmern.
Den Zauber völliger Stille während eines Schneefalls.
Den Zauber, des Morgens aufzuwachen, und eine reine Welt vor Augen zu haben, deren dunkle Flecken zeitweise verborgen sind.
In the wake of two November snowfalls, I captured a few snowy scenes. Along the Front Range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, where we make our home, an intense sun usually melts most of the white splendor within days, unlike in the mountains.
Im November habe ich nach zwei Schneefällen einige verschneite Szenen festgehalten. Im Vorgebirge der Colorado Rocky Mountains, wo wir leben, schmilzt eine intensive Sonne die weiße Pracht meist innerhalb von Tagen, anders als in den Bergen.
This second collage contains wintry impressions from Germany. My dad and I have long hiked a trail that skirts the Donnersberg (literally Thunder Mountain), the Palatinate region’s highest mountain at 2,254 feet. On an early December day one year ago, we were greeted by a frosty wonderland.
Die zweite Kollage enthält winterliche Impressionen aus Deutschland. Mein Vater und ich lieben seit langem einen Wanderpfad entlang der Flanke des Donnersbergs, dem mit 687 Metern höchsten Berg der Nordpfalz. An einem frühen Dezembertag vor einem Jahr wurden wir von einer frostigen Wunderlandschaft begrüßt.
To us Northern hemisphere dwellers I wish a joyful winter, and a happy summer to our southern counterparts.
Ich wünsche uns Bewohnern der nördlichen Hemisphäre einen frohen Winter, und unseren Pendants auf der südlichen Halbkugel einen schönen Sommer.
Wie schön die weiße Welt doch ist. Bei uns wird Weihnachten (wieder einmal) alles grün sein.
LG Jürgen
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Wunderschön, doch meist sehr kurzlebig. Auch bei uns gibt es wahrscheinlich keine weiße Weihnachten.
Herzliche Grüße,
Tanja
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Das wäre dann doppeltes Pech.
LG Jürgen
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Die Natur macht was sie will … zum Glück.
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I love these impressions Tanja. Wishing you a happy winter 🙂 ❤
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Thank you much, Takami. Does it get wintry where your live?
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Hello Tanja 🙂 Yes, Japan has 4 seasons so it does get very cold in the winter. In some areas of the country, we get so much snow it’s literally called “snow country.” 🙂
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Thank you for the clarification, Takami. It just occurred to me that Japan not only has iconic Mount Fuji, but it has hosted several Winter Olympics. I was not thinking clearly when I posed my question! 🙂
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It’s my pleasure Tanja. Japan has quite a few nature World Heritage sites, and a wealth of wildlife. (There is plenty of beautiful countryside too – and of course wild animals and birds 🦢😍) Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing your beautiful work.
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Tanja I love that snowy peach-coloured toadstool among the fallen leaves! Gorgeous!
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Thank you, Liz. I felt exactly the same way.
Maybe looking at the snow will make you feel slightly cooler, as summer is starting to gear up in N.Z. 😊
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Yes, we’re getting the occasional sweltering day 🙂
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Beautifully written, as ever, Tanja.
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Much appreciated, Nick! Happy winter to you.
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Hallo Tanja,
schöne Wintermotive…ich könnte leider nur mit grauen Regenbildern antworten …und am 24.12 sollen es 12 Grad Wärme werden…Zeit die T-Shirts hervorzuholen 🙂
Lieber Gruss von Jürgen
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Dankeschön, lieber Jürgen. Wie gesagt, es handelt sich um Archivbilder, auch hier gibt es keine weiße Pracht. Hol Dir keinen Sonnenbrand!
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Ich will endlich mal Schnee, Schnee, Schnee!!!!
Dankeschön für den Vorgeschmack, liebe Tanja! Nächstes Jahr werde ich das schöne Weiß der Stille in Norddeutschland suchen gehen… Wir haben ja den Harz und da liegt garantiert welcher. Habe ich viel zu lange vor mich hergeschoben.✨ LG Simone ✨✨
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Ich hoffe Du findest ganz viel Schnee, Schnee, Schnee bei Deiner Suche, liebe Simone. Auf Fuerteventura liegt ja wahrscheinlich eher weniger. 😊
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Ne, da such ich ihn diesmal auch nicht! 😊
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Yes, there is beauty in winter…I just have to look for it! Blessings to you!
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Much beauty, no doubt. I hope we can all experience some aspects of it. 😊
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genieße den schnee. 🙂 schöne fotos.
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Beautifully expressed, both in words and pictures. 🙂 Yesterday, the first snow fell over Stockholm, not much but enough to lighten upp the darkness.
Ich wünsche dir eine wunderbare und weisse Weihnachtzeit!
/Meggie
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Vielen Dank, liebe Meggie. I hope Stockholm will get more snow soon! I know it has been too warm and too dry, which is very concerning.
All the best for the holiday season,
Tanja
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Sehr schöne Wintermotive… sie laden zum Träumen ein!
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Es freut mich, wenn ich Dir Gelegenheit zum Träumen gebe, liebe Christa. Wie sieht es denn bei Euch mit Winter aus? In Colorado ist es sonnig und warm.
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Hallo Tanja,
bei uns ist es z.Zt. meistens grau.
Viel Schnee liegt bisher nicht und in den nächsten Tagen wird der, wenn die Wettervorhersagen stimmen, auch wegtauen und wir werden anscheinend kein weisses Weihnachten haben! Anscheinend aber einen weissen Jahreswechsel!
Viele Grüsse
Christa
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Grau ist nicht so hübsch wie weiß, und ich hoffe der Schnee wird nicht so lange auf sich warten lassen!
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Lots of nice photos! The one that immediately caught my eye is the forest scene with one person in it. It has a melancholy quality to it.
Bye till next time —
Neil
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I am glad you like the photos, Neil. How interesting that you find the photo with the person melancholy. I will need to tell my Dad. 🙂
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Danke für den schönen Beitrag Tanja,
ich finde es auch toll hier die Kommentare quasi rund um den Globus zu lesen, wo die einen Winter und die anderen gerade Sommer haben.
Faszinierend Tanja und liebe Grüsse,
Jutta
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Ich bin auch immer wieder fasziniert wenn ich sehe, woher die anderen Blogger kommen, und was sich in anderen Teilen der Welt so tut.
Vielen Dank für Deinen Besuch und Kommentar, liebe Jutta.
Ich hoffe Euer Winter wird angenehm!
Herzlichen Gruß,
Tanja
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Absolutely beautiful pictures! You are so lucky to have a view like that every day!
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Thank you, Diane. I feel very fortunate.
Happy winter to you and yours!
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Liebe Tanja, vielen Dank für die wunderschönen Bilder. Ich wünsche Dir eine schöne Weihnachtszeit. Liebe Grüße, Uwe
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Ich danke Dir für Dein Interesse und Deine netten Worte, lieber Uwe und wünsche auch Dir ein friedevolles Jahresende.
Herzlichen Gruß,
Tanja
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It was so nice to get some wintry impressions with snow as we don’t have snow here, it’s raining and dark grey… Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, kind regards Mitza
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Thank you, Mitza. All our snow is gone, too, but at least it is sunny, and not dark and grey.
May all the festive candles and lights help brighten up the days.
Happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
Warmly,
Tanja
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Lovely snow pictures! I hope to see the sunrise late on a muddy winter world here tomorrow.
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I hope you will see it, Cathy, and rejoice in the fact that the days will be getting longer from then on! 🙂
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How lovely wintry photos. I do love them. Few days ago, Helsinki got snow blanket for Christmas. 🙂
Happy Holidays!
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I am glad you are enjoying my wintry photo. And I hope Helsinki’s snowy blanket will linger long enough for you to have a White Christmas.
Best wishes,
Tanja 🎄
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Beautiful impressions you have created of winter’s many forms. I do love winter, but unfortunately we haven’t had much snow where I am, yet.
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Thank you, Otto. Unfortunately, most of our snow has melted, but I hope for more. I also hope you will get to enjoy some.
Happy holidays to you.
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Ah, winter solstice! One of my favorite days of the year – because I know for sure that days start getting longer the following day. :). Beautiful photos. Wishing you happy holidays.
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Thank you for your visit and kind comment. I share your enthusiasm about winter solstice. Even though I enjoy winter, I enjoy the fact that the days are getting longer even better.
Happy holidays to you as well.
Tanja
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How beautiful, Tanja.
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Thank you, Jolandi. There is probably no snow near your current home. 🙂
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Nope. 🙂
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Wonderful post and captures, Tanja. I love the winter’s wonderland of creations! 😊
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Thank you, Donna. It is an evanescent beauty, but we have to enjoy it while it lasts. Happy winter to you!
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Frohe Weihnachten, liebe Tanja!
Winterwunderland, wie schön.
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Vielen Dank, liebe Brigitte. Auch Euch allen ein frohes Fest! 🎄
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‘ .. physical explanations do not lessen the magic.’ My children will attest to that! No matter where we go, if there’s snow to be found, we’ve got to get out and romp in it.
Merry Solstice to you, Tanja. I am envious of your winter wonderland! (And you can be envious of our winter yard birdies.)
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Winter wonderland is no longer, Shannon, but predictions are for possible snow come Wednesday. Fingers crossed!
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May the season be merry and bright .. and white! Happy New Year, Tanja.
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Thank you, Shannon. I wish all of you a happy and healthy 2019!
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Frohe Weihnachten, Tanja! 🎅☃️
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Danke gleichfalls, liebe Anna. 🎄
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Your abstract first photograph could as well be showing shadows on a human body as on snow.
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That’s an interesting interpretation, Steve. I also thought that it could have been taken at White Sands Ntl. Monument in N.M.
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Yes, I can see it as sand, too. Probably the reason I first saw it the way I did is that I’ve made some abstractions of plant shadows on bodies.
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It is good to let the imagination take us where it wants to go, Steve. 10 different people looking at the same object will come up with 10 different explanation. I think that’s great.
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Snow is so pretty, until it gets dirty. I love seeing it cover the branches of trees.
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I do, too. Pristine snow is definitely best.
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So pleasing to the eyes, the write-up is absolutely wonderful. Brings alive the beauty of nature.
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Thank you for your kind words and appreciation. 😊
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Tanja – This is a wonderful post regarding the magic of the winter season. Your photos enhanced the magic of your descriptions. Thank you so much for sharing. -Jill
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It makes me happy to know that you enjoyed my wintry post, Jill. Thank you!
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You are most welcome dear friend.
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Perfect, magical images for a cold and beautiful, wintery composition. Hope yiu are doing well, Tanja.
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Thank you for stopping by and for commenting. I enjoy winter, but am looking forward to spring!
Best wishes,
Tanja
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