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Changing Perspective

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Changing Perspective
to a Positive One
gives ample opportunity
for one to Perceive
how Precious Life is!
~~~~~

My intense dislike for Winter probably originated in my childhood.  I was never warm enough.  In a family where money was very tight, my outer clothes for Winter were not enough to keep the cold away from my body.  Our house itself with very little insulation was always freezing.  The Winter winds would come right through the windows.  I have memories of some of my siblings wearing Winter hats in the house just trying to stay warm.

I was born to be outside and Winter was no exception.  I did go outside a lot but I was always cold, or so numb with cold I could not feel some of my body parts.  Give me warmth and sunshine any day!  The gray, dismal, cold days of Winter I came to truly hate.

This attitude of course, followed me my entire Life.  I experienced the blues or the condition that is known as SAD.

Even though I did see Beauty
when the snow first fell,
that wonder did not stay
and SAD had its way.

This year, for the first time in my Life, I have deliberately chosen to fall in Love with Winter, regardless of how I have felt about it all my Life.  I intended to buy the warmest and best quality clothes as possible to keep me warm.  And I did.  Through the help of friends, equipment was recommended for me to use and so I bought those as well.  I forced myself to adapt to the cold when I went for my walks, wearing only a vest on top of layers even when temperatures were as low as 30°F.  Slowly the pendulum swung.

And today as I write this, I can really say I have fallen in Love with Winter.  To my dismay however, the white snow that I now look forward to, has been minimal, and even with the snowfall we have had, I have had to chase it in order to get photographs due to warming temperatures melting the new fallen snow.

So, here I am proving to all of you, that a change in attitude can and does alter your perspective with Life itself.

I have gone from a dread ofWinter
to looking forward to
what I can create
with the Glorious Snow
that here does fall. 

The irony of all this is now that I have changed my attitude, Mother is not cooperating by giving me plenty of snow this year.  Go figure!! But, that is Life, is it not?  (smile) …

Photography/ “Changing Perspective” 2016©AmyRose
@www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com

102 thoughts on “Changing Perspective”

  2. I do cherish winter and all it’s wonders, I just wish there was more snow in at least the city as it is one of the themes I am trying to work on. With nothing but my Smartphone at that! This shot is so beautiful though ❤

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    1. Thank you, Andy!! This winter has been a real education for me. It is serious cold out today and when I went over to the barn to feed the animals, I dressed extremely warm, inclusive of a face mask. And I am adjusted to the cold. So you KNOW it is cold if I dressed like that!!! Glad you enjoyed! Love, Amy ❤

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  3. It is interesting what you say, Amy! I did not choose to fall in love with winter. But a few years back I decided to accept it and see the beautiful side of it rather than the not so nice one. And since then I am fine with winter… although I still like the warm season a lot more!
    Btw. I checked Amazon and saw your lovely review. Thank you so very much! It is awesome what you wrote. Big hugs, dear Amy 💖

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    1. I like you enjoy the warmer weather better…. I feel better and have more energy. The cold hurts YET with the warm clothes I now have, that cold is kept at bay! I am having SO much fun and am meeting the nicest people who also do not stay indoors but totally are enjoying this incredible park. While out walking yesterday it snowed so hard it was whiteouts at times … and then on the way back to my car out come people who were on the trails as snow covered as me and grinning too! Oh yes, when we change our perspective, how glorious Life becomes!
      And you are so welcome for the review, Erika. It was my pleasure to do for you. You worked a long time on that book. You deserve all the praise you can get!!! Love, Amy ❤

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      1. That is right. I always felt how wonderful it was when coming home after spending a while outside in the snow. That was the best part of winter, coming home… lol.
        Thank you again, for your wonderful words I was touched reading it. Thank you, Amy 💖

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  4. Beautiful winter landscape, Amy! I appreciate these pictures. And I have always loved the sparkling beauty of snow despite the fact that I too was cold lots of times as a child.

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    1. Thank goodness I now have the means to buy the warm clothing needed, Tiny. And growing up I don’t think waterproof clothing was even a thing back then. I just know that anything I wore the cold came through as did the wet. I had no insulation in my boots if you can even imagine that. But now I dress warm and have become accustomed to it. And OH have I stepped into JOY!!! I am so glad you are enjoying my snow series, Tiny!!! Love, Amy ❤

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      1. I truly am enjoying your series! My visits will be intermittent due to a heavy work load and lots of travels, about a week each to remote corners of the earth, coming up the next three months. But I will always catch up 🙂 Love, Tiny

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      2. Oh wow, Tiny! In a way I would LOVE to be you because I have always dreamed of seeing the world. Please be safe in this crazy world, and try to have FUN even if these trips are for business. Life at times can be SO busy …. I will miss you! ❤

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      1. Yes lots of time for the snow.. and yes I was tired yesterday.. I spent the morning painting, for pleasure, and came online in the afternoon.. Not been sleeping too well of late.. I really feel the energy when its shifting and something I can not quite put my finger on is in the air… And I have been drawn to connect more in meditation which have sent me deep.. It is as if we are ‘Waiting’ and I am ‘Listening’ can’t quite explain it.. but intuitively I feel as if something major is about to occur..
        Been having strange dreams when I do sleep.. So.. yes you read me right dear Amy… Feeling the pull which if I am not careful is draining.. So spending more Quiet Time with Our Mother.. You know what I mean perfectly.. 🙂 🙂 ❤

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      2. Sue, again we are feeling as ONE. It is so difficult to explain when we perceive on a level that is not third dimensional. Things feels out of sync. I’ve been waking with dread in the pit of my stomach and I have to be aware I am picking up a channel that is not of my world. I breathe. I’ve been drawn to be outdoors more and more lately. To confirm what I have been feeling, I had a conversation with a young woman on the phone just last evening who, no matter what I said, kept trying to schedule an appointment outside of the times I specified. It was as though everything I said was not heard or misinterpreted as though I were speaking another language. I’ve been having feelings about certain places and this is one of them … So I am not going back. I sense a restlessness in me, a cry for a change. I saw one ray of Hope last week when a got a huge pat on the back, something that I do not get in “real life”. A vet we are now taking our cats to told me I should go to school to become a vet due to all I know. Well, thank you but not in this life time and not in the messed up system today. AND this man is OPEN to the methods we have learned, curious as to how we are keeping “special needs cats” so healthy. One Ray of Sunshine is all these years of intense energies that would love to tear me to pieces if I allowed. I like you am not able to put my finger on the pulse of what I sense, but I too sense it. I’m no longer sure if what I recognize as my Life is the Higher Path for me anymore. I don’t know. So many things falling away, so many disappointments, so many “upsets”, and then occasionally I see HOPE. I’m right there with you, Sue. WE hold each other as we both continue to Walk the Path of Love and Peace. ❤ (((HUGS))) ❤

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      3. You have such a lot of knowledge in your treatments dear Amy, but in today’s world going down the Veterinary root would be too stressful and costly.. But your Vet must be well impressed with your methods, and so I add my own big pat on the back.

        Yes the energies are not feeling right.. One thing you maybe able to look at where you are is the Sun and its position in the sky.. Here I am noting it is much lower then ever it has been before.. I read up on the wobble effect and it appears we have moved more again in our orbit than normal.. Like our Earth Mother is shaking herself in readiness.. Can’t say for sure.. You know I usually have connection with my ‘guides’ well even they seemingly have gone quiet.
        When I gave up everything a two years ago. my services, my circle.. I felt so lost… So I know how you feel about the Higher Path.. but my meditations have been stronger.. And dreams have been almost visionary..
        All I know is to keep Love in my heart.. Something Amy we are both doing.. And I am at last ‘Really’ letting go of all the hurts and wounds that I felt I needed to carry.. I so understand now their lessons, and can thank those whose absence of Love caused me to be stronger through there experiences….. Which was part of me releasing and forgiving of my Mother..in my Blessing post..
        I am seeing that our Karma is enacting out faster, as if we need to shed the layers still hang onto.. I think it is all part of the change as we shift up a gear! 🙂 Nothing is going to happen as we read in books.. 🙂 At least I doubt it.. But we are living through it now.. We are changing, and feeling those changes within Us right NOW.. its gradual not and instant Zap! to the next level.. 🙂 And all the unrest is part of clearing out old ways of being.. Chaos before Clarity..
        Holding you tight dear Amy.. ❤ Love Sue xx

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      4. YES to the sun! When I am driving especially I am blinded and have noticed not only that the slant is different VERY LOW but extremely bright. AND yesterday I noticed that it stayed light past 5pm, another strange occurrence. The light does not say to me “winter” but more like March. The change in length of light happened fast too, because I was walking around 4pm just recently and it was getting dark. Then boom, within a week or so, a good hour of light is noticed in the evening. Strange …. And yes to LOVE …. That is all I know as well, Sue. Sending you Much Love and (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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      5. Yes I am noticing here too the lengthening of daylight for the time of year.Lots of Love, and enjoy your day.. and Many thanks for taking the time to speak… I really appreciate You.. Love ❤ and Hugs xxx ❤

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      7. Yes it is as if they have stepped back.. or maybe the ethers are not connecting.. I do not know.. but I do not like the silence.. Maybe We are meant to Trust our own inner Spirits more.. I am going to write again and see what comes intuitively that way.. And thank you for sharing that Amy.. Means a lot to me.. >3

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      8. Whoa! I just came here to say to you what “just came to me”. Which is, this is a phase whereupon we are to apply what we have learned without our usual Guidance. It’s very uncomfortable. And I have many decisions (of course) that lay before me. It’s as though before the change of the “Guard” can come in, we are being observed to see where we truly are on our Path. That will determine Who comes in next to be our Guides. Does this make sense to you? Sue, I really don’t like this at all, believe me, yet YET if I must say truth, it is empowering. I’m flying Solo right now. Or at least that is what I am supposed to feel. I’m never really alone, that I know. But it seems exam time is upon us. 🙂 ❤

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    1. Amy, I was wearing snow cleats, something not easy to do and something I will not be doing unless I absolutely have to. It’s challenging to walk in any kind of snow. It makes walking twice as hard. Then there are the patches of ice you really don’t see until you are on top of them. I’ve learned to stay towards the shoulders of the paths where leaves, stone and softer ground are. I’m working up to taking my Canon with confidence on any trail, any time, except when it is really snowing hard. Love, Amy ❤

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    1. We all in this section of the USA are really enjoying a mild winter, although temps have plummeted lately. It is freezing outside and windy, too much cold for me to tolerate walking. I’m glad I took plenty of pictures when I did. Joanne, it just feels so good not to dread this season any more. I still have some issues with the grayness of the season, not seeing the sun too much, but I am learning here too to enjoy by just relaxing on those days as much as I can. I’m so happy you enjoyed this post today!! Love, Amy ❤

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  9. Well, now that you have come to embrace all types of weather, it’s difficult to complain. I’m actually surprised to hear that you didn’t like winter since you always seem to find beauty in everything but I definitely know how you feel. Living in with the cold, it seems like it is never warm enough!

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    1. Oh I am warm now, Marissa, thanks to the good clothing I have. Although, last evening as I stood in 10 degrees photographing using my macro lens, I must admit I felt cold. And today I came down with symptoms of a cold. Now doesn’t that beat all? ❤

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      1. Oh, that stinks. When I was in NY I was always a bit of style over comfort but I did try to dress warmly, especially during the day when I wasn’t dressed to be out and about town. There’s nothing that can save you from those biting winds though!

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  10. We have similar stories, Amy. I’ve overcome SAD with daily mid-day walks and 2000 iu of Vit.D drops. What a difference! Proper clothing is imperative. Someone once said to me, “There is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!”

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    1. Thank YOU for the mention of Vita D, Eliza. I’ve only been taking 1,000 iu but now I’ve increased it to 2,000. I agree with your quote because now that I have the proper clothing what a JOY it is to be outside in winter!! Yippee! I feel like a kid again!!! Love, Amy ❤

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    1. David, you are so right. The clothes they make now are so warm, so comfortable and so light. I am very Blessed that I am able to afford these clothes. I went without in my childhood and I know what it is like to have lips turn blue and shaking uncontrollably. It’s a wonder none of got frostbite! And as for the NOW, I am just Loving this, my friend. I would have never believed I could fall in Love with Winter as I am. What a miracle!! Love, Amy ❤

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  13. Winter is not my favourite eithet…monsoon always occupies the first place as far as my likings are concerned. But still, there is something sage like in winter… as if it is meditating for ages and is numb and blue… 🙂 Thanks for sharing your wonderful words and pictures…. Always a delight to go through them… ❤

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  14. Gorgeous!!!! I don’t like winter because I can’t stop thinking about all the animals who are hungry and cold. There are soooo many things I don’t like about it. The snow is beautiful , for a day. Then it turns filthy and won’t go away. LOL People fall and I stay in far too much. I miss the flowers and all the color. Miss being outside. It was -4 when I got up today. The high might hit 9. Don’t like it.

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      1. My daughter just told me two people had their windshields blow out from the cold. They said it sounded like gun shots. One of the women was driving to work and heard the noise and her windshield just exploded! I never heard of that happening before. Your pictures have been so beautiful. I try to have a good outlook, but I have three cats in the yard. I put a new bed on my front porch but no one seems to be sleeping there. Two of the cats are feral and then there’s my sweet Emily. ❤ Sorry I made you think of the icky stuff. 😦 Hope your cats and your mom are doing well.

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      2. Gigi, I take care of barn cats that are not mine because the owners do not take care of them well. I make sure they have warm blankets, food, clean water, and clean kitty litters. These cats are ex-house cats just thrown out when the owner got married and new husband doesn’t like cats. You should see how these cats act when that man comes down to the barn to feed the horse … They are terrified of him. The deaf one, yes there is a deaf one, folllows my husband like a dog and he comes over every morning to our front porch where I have a warm nest for him and food. Yes I know all about the animals, Gigi, and I do my share of helping them. It is so hard to even think that these precious babies are out in the cold. I’ve gotten to a point I don’t think about it any more … I just cannot. When ferals were around, I took care of them as best I could as well and OH was I frantic at times so worried about them. I’ve had so many that I have taken care of and still do, but if I don’t draw a line somewhere I will not be able to handle the stress of what I do. My sister saw a pic of me yesterday and she saw the stress in my eyes and on my face because yesterday I realized I am loosing my mother all over again. LONG story. My sis told me “not good, Ame” and I knew as well as her I had to get myself back to neutral ground. And I have. I sent her a pic of me today to show her how much better my eyes and face look.
        I may be like a broken record about “look at the Beauty!” But if I don’t, I wouldn’t make it. And that is the honest truth!! Go see the BRIGHT ORANGE flower I put on Petals with YOU in mind! I gave you the link ….. SMILING!!! ❤

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      2. Unbelievable. The snow is staying now because temps have plummeted to the teens. That is COLD. I was outside last evening photographing ___________________ (not telling) when I really got cold …. Hands, feet and face. Standing in snow for over an hour is a lot different then hiking. Besides the temp was all of 10. Brrrrrr ….. Yes even with warm clothes on.

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  16. Amazing beautiful photo Amy and I fully understand your new found love for the Winter.

    I find the snow to be beautiful, so long time it still is untouched and so long time, as I have a warm house.

    Here in Spain I don’t like the Winter’s cold weather, because there are no functionel heater here. I hope this will be better in short time by the move.

    Much love ❤ Irene

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    1. Oh my gosh!! NO heaters??? Oh wow, Irene! I have goosebumps just thinking about that! I hope it doesn’t get too cold for you. I grew up in a cold house and I know how we all suffered because of it.
      SO happy you enjoyed this Beauty today! Thank you so much for your constant support. It is so appreciated. Love, Amy ❤

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      1. Thank you Amy. When we have about 33-37 F. outside it is maybe 41-46 F inside here, so I do recognize your story with wearing warm clothe inside too.
        The electricity in this house has a low limit, about 2200 watt, so difficult to use any kind of heater without loosing all electricity here, which often happens.
        I hope that this will be much better in the new house.
        Love, Irene

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      2. Oh, Irene, that is terrible!! That is freezing! You poor thing! I don’t know how you can live like that. I pray this changes for you and soon. I hope your cold season is not a long one either. I couldn’t even begin to imagine living like that!! Wow!!

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      3. Dear Amy, it demands an alternative to change and I thought that this house was my best for renting in Spain, when I moved in, but the owner was not honest and much don’t function in the house. I bought a heater, but the electricity limit is so low, that all light disappear, if I wish to use both the heater and other things in same time, which make it possible to use the heater in very low position in the evening, just to keep the worst cold away, but not enough to stay warm.
        I got the key for the new house yesterday and will end this move the 28. of January, where I will get the contract. There are heaters all over the house and it is inside a compound and urbanization, so all should be in a much better condition.
        It is only in the Winter, that here is so terrible.
        Thank you very much for your kind support.

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  17. That’s my Amy, falling in love with winter :). Come to Romania, Amy, we have plenty of snow. More than we need. So, you can fool the Mother Nature. I hope you can see this video:
    http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/starea-drumurilor-autostrada-soarelui-si-20-de-drumuri-nationale-inchise-unii-soferi-si-au-abandonat-masinile-in-zapada.html?utm_medium=display&utm_content=300×600&utm_campaign=stirile_zapada&utm_source=IBU+ProTv-stirileprotv

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    1. Monica, the video kept stopping and breaking up BUT what I did see looks like winter here normally. We in WNY are known for large amounts of snowfall and this year is just so unusual. I just came back from walking and due to the very frigid temps (OH are my cheeks pink!) the snow is staying and hopefully soon the creeks will be passable on the trails. Walking in snow is very challenging and I am not able to go as far. I only went 3 miles today. I could have gone more but 3 was enough, thank you! 🙂 Stay warm, my friend! I am! Today when I came home and took my outer gear off, my clothes underneath were wet with sweat. I haven’t yet got down perfectly the layer system yet for this cold. I dressed too warm today. LOL Believe it or not!!! Love, Amy ❤

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    2. Honey, are you OK? I just read you latest post and I am truly concerned. You are not alone, Monica. To overcome our fears is about the most difficult task set out before us here on this planet. There are times I wake up with leaded dread in the pit of my stomach and I have to consciously tell that dread to leave. No one knows me, either, my friend, or the very difficult steps I’ve had to walk. Yet I arrived at a place in ME that I refuse to be afraid any more. I live LOVE every day, and every day the fears fade further and further away. Then there are the days panic wants to destroy me when my fears make me shake, unable to breathe, and I must take herbs (Kava) to calm my nerves. I’m here, Monica. And now I pray for you that you learn how to keep your fears at bay.
      Sending you my Love, Amy ❤ … BIG (((HUGS))) ❤

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      1. Now, I am OK, my dear Amy 🙂 But sometimes I have dark days and I write about it to get rid of the thoughts that haunt me. Thanks Amy for being such a good friend ❤ Loves and kisses

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      2. Take care of yourself, dear friend. I have dark days too, yes me. And I don’t write about them. It is so brave of you to do so. I so admire that in you. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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  18. What a beautiful picture, Amy and love it! Attitude sure does make a difference and glad that you like Winter. I like the beautiful snow but much prefer the Spring and Summer. Wishing you a Wonderful, Day ❤

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    1. Hi, Kathy! I prefer the warmer months too, OH believe you me but I really am learning to appreciate what this season has for me. It was SO cold today yet I went for my walk. Pinked cheeks, rosy from cold and when I took my outer gear off, I found my first layer wet with sweat. I was TOO warm, LOL. I have yet to figure out the perfect formula how many layers to wear when temps dip down to 20 or below. I will though! I have some surprises coming …. Mum’s the word. 😉 I honestly don’t know when I will be posting next. Between getting 2 more cats off to our Vet this week, getting my hair done (OH did the last place I went to really mess it up so I am in dire need!) and being in a quiet place, I couldn’t tell you when my next post will be. Probably Thursday is my guess.
      I Love you!!! Stay warm, my friend! ((HUGS))) Amy ❤

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      1. Hi Amy, had the same issue since I got my down jacket a few years ago. Love how warm that coat is though especially with the bitter temps lately. Just when you think you have it figured out the weather changes..LOL. Happy to hear about the surprises ahead and will look forward to it. Things sound busy for you and hope you get a great haircut! Always makes me feel good and found a good one when we moved. Love you too Amy!!!!! HUGS ❤

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    1. Thank you, Raewyn! Yes I am proud of me, for all my Life I felt dread for Winter. I would actually cry in Autumn for seeing my flowers leave. NO MORE. I am learning every Season has Beauty to adore, Lessons to learn from, and appreciation for what that Season has to offer. So glad you enjoyed!!! Love, Amy ❤

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    1. Yes, Alexander, exactly!!! Also dark perception ruins reality as well. I really am appreciating this Winter as I have never done before. Of course it helps that we have had little snow here and the winter thus far has not dragged on for eternity, or so it seems to sometimes. The gray dismal days are still bothering me, so I am again adjusting my attitude with that. Hope you had a good day and stayed warm!!! March is almost here! 🙂 Love, Amy ❤

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      1. Amy, it is my favorite winter in several last years. It is not too cold and snowy outside but still picturesque and beautiful. The only complain is we do not have a lot of sunny days. I enjoy it for one more reason. There are no mess and distractions on the roads and it is very important for my daily at least 100 km driving to my work.
        I enjoy this winter and weather. You mentioned March in your comment. Believe it or not Spring is least favorable season for myself (excluding Vivald’s Four Seasons). It doesn’t mean I hate it. However my list of seasons is: Fall, Winter, Summer, and Spring. Am I boring person? lol…

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      2. WE each have our favorite season, Alexander. That doesn’t mean you are boring or odd. Some people really LOVE winter. You should see the people on snow mobiles and skis in the park I go walking in!!! 🙂 ❤

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    1. Scott, the sun is actually shining today with snow on the ground so again I go for a walk in the park I have fallen in Love with. I still have so many comments to answer (and I’m cheating with yours but …) yet the outdoors beckons and oh yes I go!!! I bet your boys are having a blast in the snow. LOL I’m not even sure if you have snow where you live. Tee hee …. Love, Amy ❤

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    1. Thanks, Sylvia. I must admit, I am beginning to wish for Spring. I honestly am Loving the challenge of hiking and winter photography, but there is no denying, I miss my flowers. January is almost over if you can believe that and Spring will be here sooner then any of us know. Yep!! And there still is plenty of time for snow and the creek to completely freeze so I can get blow away creek/snow images with my Canon! 🙂 Love, Amy ❤

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  29. Believe me! If I had the coin, I’d hire the bull dozers it takes, to bring my snow down to you! I built a snowman once… He melted the next day; I came out, and all I found was a carrot, a scarf, two pieces of coal, three buttons, and a banana… No! I’d much rather be on a spit, roasted to tender perfection! It’s so difficult to get a tan in the winter 😦

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    1. I take it you are not too fond of winter? I have a wind burned face right now, trying to figure out what to put on it to heal it. And then I have to figure out what to wear on my face the next time I go walking so my face doesn’t freeze. You talk about problems. Hmmmmm ….. I got ‘um!!! xoxoxoxo Amy ❤

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