December 5, 2006
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Nature , art , optimism (e )
English version below the picture .
C ' était hier Lundi en début d ' après - midi après le repas vers 2h 1/2. …J ' étais fasciné par le paysage de ma cour arrière . Le sycomore , le noyer , l ' aubépine tendaient leurs bras dénudés vers le ciel me donnant l ' impression bucolique d ' être dans une forêt en hiver .
Et dans le ciel le soleil tentait désespérément de trouer et de déchirer le voile de nuages cotonneux aux formes changeantes qui couraient vers l ' est soufflés par le vent . C ' était tellement étonnant que je pris une photo . Mais le soleil bien qu ' à demi - caché était en face de l ' appareil et j ' obtins une sorte de photo en noir et blanc .
Finalement après réflexion je trouvais qu ' elle n ' étais pas si mal et même un peu artistique !
Mais n ' était - elle pas trop triste pour poster sur Xanga ? L ' obscurité ne semblait - elle pas triompher de la lumière ? C ' est alors que je vis une large zone de ciel bleu à droite et je devinais que ceci me signifiait que la lumière et l ' espoir seraient les vainqueurs .
Voici donc ci - dessous cette photo très symbolique et optimiste .
Après le rude hiver vient le doux printemps .
Notre cour arrière le Lundi 4 Décembre 2006 après - midi .
Our backyard on Monday December 4 , 2006 in the afternoon (click to enlarge , if you want )
It was yesterday , Monday in the beginning of the afternoon after the meal at around 2 h 1/2 pm.. I was fascinated by the scenery of my background . The sycamore , walnut tree and howthorn stretched their bare arms towards the sky giving me a bucolic feeling to be in a forest in winter .
And in the sky the sun was trying desesperately to pierce and tear the veil of fleecy and changing shaped clouds running to the East blown by the wind . It was so much amazing that I took a picture . But the sun even half hiden was in front of the lens of the camera and I got a kind of black and white picture .Finally , after reflection I found the photo was not too bad and even almost artistic !
But , was not it too sad to post it on Xanga ? Darkness seemed winning against light ! It ' s then I saw a large patch of blue sky on the right and I guessed this told me light and hope would be the winners .
So here is above this very symbolic and optimistic picture .
After the rough winter the sweet spring comes .
Comments (138)
Very artistic! And so is your description. Your words give hope.
The sun is most definitely one of the constants in a life full of change. RYC: I am the blond gal on the left. The other two ladies are life long friends that I feel very blessed to have.
C ' est alors que je vis une large zone de ciel bleu à droite et je devinais que ceci me signifiait que la lumière et l ' espoir seraient les vainqueurs .
C'est fantastique, Michel! D'la vraie poésie.
Even buried here in snow, as we already are, you look into the beauty of nature. We get through winter because we understand that spring is coming.
You're right - I cannot wait for Spring
Beyond the darkness there is light...beautiful.
beautiful!
Salut Michel!!
Tu me manques! J'espere que Marina sens un peu mieux!
Mon amie, je ne sais pas sure comment elle vit (re: avec le monnaie)mais, je suis sure qu'elle a des resources. (il faut que tu me correctera avec tous mes erreurs...oh la la!)
Merci pour tes comments constant tous les temps!
Amities,
Clementine
There is still a bit of blue sky in your photo to remind us that a few more months will be spring. Its been very wet and windy here. Once Christmas is over then the nights will get lighter.
I see this and wonder how many of us see the dark skies ahead or if we see the blue skies ahead? It is like seeing a glass on the table filled half way with water and when asked what we see some respond with seeing the glass half empty and others see it as half way full. :O) I think that your picture is also a wonderful reminder of life and how we have both the dark times and the light times in it and appreciating both. We can't have one without the other nor can we appreciate one without the other.
xoxo Cat
Very nice. I love it when I take a picture that turns out unexpectedly beautiful.
C'est une très belle photo, Michel. Oui, artistique, car on dirait une photo en noir et blanc! De plus, je voulais juste te dire que j'aime bien la façon dont tu écris et c'est toujours un plaisir de passer par ton blog.
Bonne soirée!
Tiffany
The photo is indeed dreary, but your blog gives us hope. I can't wait until spring gets here~!
You are so frenched to translate two hours and a half with no shame to what should be 2:30......
I make no fun of you..............
I laff a wee bit and admire you for what you do.............
Thanks for teaching me as you speak...............
That is a beautiful picture Michel! You are quite the photographer!
What a great picture!!! So true - hope dispells the darkness.
I sure wish that that sweet spring would come soon. It was very cold in Chicago today. -2 degrees farenheight this morning when I walked to the train!!
<3,
Aubrey
I love it. Sometimes I forget the sky is even there, but then i look up, and it is georgous. Like your picture!
We tend to think that winter is a season that has no beauty but bare trees are lovely, native bird song can be heard more clearly and the sunsets can be glorious. Your photo shows that winter can be a great time.
Marie
You really captured some beauty there, Michel. It was back in 1984 when i realized the beauty of the bare branches of the trees stretching them toward their creator in thanks.
I enjoy a good blizzard every year or so
Michel...look at the comments you have gotten so far on this! You have made many of us think some very thought provoking things yet again!
xoxo Cat
I think what I see here a bit of hope, but more importantly, I see a man whose senses are fully alert to the things around him. I see a man who continually brings the simplistic to light and takes it to new levels. I enjoy so much seeing the world through your eyes, my friend. It is a beautiful picture. Many thoughts towards you and the family. All my love, Rachel
I like the Autumn and Winter so I hope Spring doesn't come around too soon.
The photo captures the feeling of Winter with the bare trees and dramatic clouds.
I love how you found the "good" in the photo.
What a beautiful photo you've taken, Michel.
The contrasts of light and shade are amazing, and can be very much likened to life itself! I just love the effect of the clouds with the knarled tree branches against it. This would make a really lovely painting! 
Thanks for sharing that, Michel. It really encouraged and uplifted me, to know that spring is coming, in more ways than one.
And the way the bare trees stretched their arms heavenwards during this seemingly dark time reminds me of a person crying out to God for deliverance. He is shrouded by the darkness, not knowing that a new, brighter season is approaching (as evidenced by the little patch of blue sky).
Great post, Michel! I always enjoy seeing the world through your eyes.
I love the darkness of the winter, the monochromatic light and it is true when the brightness of spring arrives it wakens something up inside of me that has been resting all winter....ready to burst into fresh green shoots. This is one of my favorite times of the year for exactly the same light that you have caught in your photo.....
Beautiful! You have an artist's eye.
Yes, it is a bit melancholy, but lovely in its own way. I lke this time of year, but I do grow tired of the cold and dark after a couple of months.
Best wishes, Michel.
C'est le sycomore celui qui tend le plus ses bras au ciel? Il a été scié il y a presque un an, si je rappelle bien. Il s'est bien repris, je vois.
)
Heureusement que aussi dans le noir il y a toujours un morceau de ciel. Merci de nous l'avoir montré, Michel.
Merci aussi aux arbres d'exister - et de survivre "nonobstant" nos soins...
Ciao, un chaud souhait de bon Avent (good Advent).
That is a beautiful picture, Michel! It's absolutely wonderful to see!
Dear Michel...I like the way the blue sky is peeking out there! It looks as though there is a bird or nest of some sort in the tree?? I always like the way the tree branches imprint against the sky in winter...lovely! I see you eat your midday meal late, like all europeans...I like that, it gives a nice pause to the day...my lunch was very rushed, as I was running to a meeting...such is life here, no time to stop and view the branches! It is warmer today, and I did manage to take a walk around the campus...brought some pink to my cheeks! Happy day, dear Michel Luv, Lowie
"It is during the darkest of the night..that one should never give up becuz dawn is not far away!"
"Therez always light at the end of a dark tunnel."
I do believe we can gain many insights from observing the phenomenons of nature n' itz unpredictability!
I love those who can appreciate the subtle details of life..something that can be easily missed..but if only one was paying attention..they'd be able to capture the moment...and you~ Michel..definitely are one of those ppl who see the beauty in small things!
it's definitely all in your point of view....early in life i learned from a seattle weatherman to say partly sunny instead of partly cloudy.
wishing you many wonderfully partly sunny and sunny days!! 
are you anticipating a rough winter ahead???? let's hope not!! blessings, melinda
No, not sad. Just wintery. except the patch of blue.
Je detest l'hiver.
Brrrrrrrrr!
That is a quite perfect picture. I just wish our winter was over already instead of just beginning!
Je m'habitue de ce type de ciel, Michel, et je dois dire que tu es bien un optimiste
C'est vrai qu'il y a toujours deux cotes d'une medaille - de la lumiere et de l'obscurite. Et il depend lequel on choisie. Tu as evidemment choisi la lumiere! Bien a toi mon ami.
Nice interpretation! I think my Fauquet Friday this week shall also be a tree! The spring can't come soon enough here; we haven't been above freezing all week.
enjoy the pic but enjoy your thoughts on it far more.
In the grey clouds and snowy drifts, one can even find beauty if they stop for a moment and look closely. Thank you for stopping a moment...
is that a bird i see rom between the branches?
A lovely winter's scene Well done Ron
How very beautiful and yes, there is always the blue sky and the sunshine behind the clouds.
I really appreciated the poetry of your soul shining through.
Love,
votre amie,
Francoise.
Hellow From Ireland
beautiful the way you captured it Michel...
You are very poetic in your description. Do you not think that how we view such a scene also depends on where we are? If we see it from our window or porch we may rejoice in the warmth and safety of our home. However, if we are somewhere away from home such a scene gives thoughts of being uncomfortable and perhaps worry about a storm. I find much beauty in the bare tree branches against the winter sky, but I also look forward to the soft green beauty of spring.
As ever, Carol Suzanne
very nice picture. i love when the clouds are all big with the sun escaping through the cracks of them. it definitely makes for a good picture like the one you took.
i hope everything is going good with you and i also hope marina is doing good also.
Matt
Very pretty. It is true that we cannot appreciate the light unless we have the darkness.
Good friends are like the sunshine peeking out from behind clouds after the rain.
Blessings
Melody
P.S. The book "God's Handmaiden" is about a young orphan girl who comes to live with her Aunt. The Aunt is a cook in a big house in England. The young girl eventually becomes a nurse and works with Florence Nightingale. Through the whole book you follow the young girl as she matures both physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Here is a link that has an excerpt from the back cover on it.
Book link
Very artistic indeed - and not too sad for the likes of me.
You are right too - the spring is a nice promise after a rough winter.
Yvonne
You and I seem to have been fascinated by our skies. Natures wonders are so stunning that catching them in a picture to remember is special
It's a beautiful picture. I'm always a little sad in the winter with the bare trees, the cold and darkness. Having the sun shining helps so much. But I have to remember that with the dark comes hope, light and rebirth -- every year -- just as God plans for all of creation!!
substance such as this should be filling the featured list...this so earned its place there...
You have a great commentary to go along with the picture. When I first looked at the picture, it reminded me of Halloween. Kind of creepy and scary. But after reading the words along with it, it did not look so frightening! Good job.
Hope your daughter-in-law is doing well. The rest of her family, also!
That is a very beautiful picture and you are right with darkness comes light. How very very true. Take care.
the morniing comes after a rough niht just like spring after a coldd dark winter!
You always post the most beautiful pictures! I put a couple of videos up of the pony running around and playing. One yesterday and one today. Things have finally slowed down enough I can get back into a Xanga routine!
Sure hope you and Janine and your family have been well!
You sounded quiet poetic in your English version there. It was very good and I like the sombre picture. I see by a comment on another's site you don't practice so much or I mean Xmas is not a big thing over in France ,that rather surprised me, are the majority of French people Catholics ,if not what is the other main religion. I hope you have a peaceful Xmas and a happy one ,and that your family feels better as well .Love Marjie
I just enlrged the photo and the blue stood out more. I rather like that photo, can understand why you have kept it my bear. Marjie again
Beautiful picture, Michel. And beautiful symbolism, too. We do need both the dark times and the happy times - too much of either throws us totally out of sync. Praise God that He knows how much of the dark times we can handle, and does not give us more than that.
And I am sure you are looking forward to spring...then you can plant.
But, make sure to have some fun in the snow (when it comes) with your grandbabies.
I'm praying for an early Spring... renewal and hope abound in the Spring!
Christy
My thoughts and daily prayers continue to be with you and yours!
Ahh indeed we also have sycamore and walnut in Los Angeles. However the pecan tree is more outstanding and its pinnate leaves turn bright yellow as winter deepens.
I don't think the french word for walnut will stick in my mind, but it peaks my curiousity what is a hazel nut, a filbert and other European nuts called.
Alons, it is too late for this old(50ish) man to learn french, but I get a kick out of reading short passages, especially in such poetic and passionate manner.
it is a great picture =) and i just put up new pictures of little elijah! hope you are well!
I like the bird flying among the tree branches. It echoes the optimism with the bird flying out of the darkness and into the light. What do you think?
Je prie pour Marina. Mes sentiments (thoughts) sont avec toi et ta famille.
Amities,
Clementine
This photo truely does feel Wintery. I like how you look forward to spring.
RYC: My mother has given me stupid reasons: how he looks, what his parents do for a living, and his education level.
<3,
Aubrey
I love the picture. I am quite fond of black and white pictures and I am sure you are acquainted with our Ansel Adams who took such beautiful B&W's. Trees are living creatures to me and I think of them guarding us and loving us. Thank you for bringing me a part of your world, Michel!!!!
It is a very dramatic pictures. A kind of Van Gogh in black and white.
Black angels fighting white angels. The eternal fight keep going on.
Amitié
Carlo
I like your idea of "the big Bang" It has water for life... I have many times come to your site and enjoyed your memories in french and English. it is quiet novel.
HAve a nice windy weekend
Owen
Darkness is something we must over come... If you always face the sun, you will never experience the shadow. The older I get, the more I dispise the wet windy days.
Soon it will brighten, just like before... Smile
Nice snapshop. I love the clouds when they all pile up (as long as there is no tornado) We have had the strangest weather in Nashville. One day 50's and today it was barely in the 30's going down into the teens tonight. We are a city that sits in a crater and the weather usually misses us but when it hits, look out...ha
I love the optimist that you always are. There is always hope in your words and on your xanga site. I hope your Daughter in law is doing well with her treatments. Best to you all in this fight for life.
Love, Brenda
RYQ: The Christmas village sits below the Christmas tree. I purposely took the shot close-up; I liked the way that angle showed the angel ornament, just above; the angel, watching over the little village in its quiet peaceful way.
The village is a ceramic piece made for my husband and I by my Mom and Stepdad. The base is a solid piece, and the houses and trees fit over light bulbs. They made seven of them, for all of their children, changing the colors and details to personalize them. Ours is the last survivor, after nearly 30 years. We hope to pass it on to continue a tradition, some day.
You may be able to see it in scale if you look for the picture of my Christmas tree posted previously. I think it is in at least one of the shots. Guess I'll have to check!
Winter has it's purpose but I am looking forward to Spring when the earth awakens and begins to fill with life and colors. I love Spring best of all seasons. I like the picture and the tree but then I love tree's. Yes you are right many people here go way out at Christmas time with bright pretty lights and spending for gifts but it's a happy celebration and a time when many help those in need more so at Christmas and that is sad we should help at all times and many do.
Shirley
RYC: A connection to Monterey Aquarium? I will have to go look at her site! Also, it's Fauquet Friday! I think you will like this one.
Seems like during this time of year we can view the sun if it peaks from behind clouds and see the most beautiful effects. Great picture.
snow there yet?
Oh wow. It's very very artistic. Even the way u described it. I hope u and ur family are having a woderful and blastanstic (hehehehh) holiday
That's a very nice picture. Maybe it means hope always exists with the darkest of times!
Have a great weekend, Michel!
Hiver, vous n'etes quand villain!
I wish you all the best at this wonderful time of year Happy Holidays. God Bless!
CLICK HERE
Happy weekend, Michel! Good thoughts to you and happy contented smiles. - Rachel
Beautifl picture! The death of winter meets the re-birth of spring!
Love,
Laurie
I love your optimism. It is a beautiful photo. The blues are very vibrant.
Words of hope indeed. Unless a sky is all grey I can almost always spot something of interest up there.
Your description of the tree sounds poetic... What beautiful words you have chosen!
I'm happy that you are a Xangan.. There are many special ppl who blog on a regular basis and I always enjoy your blogs.
Since I am an American and have taken the foreign languages of Spanish and Latin, I sadly know very little French. But, I'm grateful that you post in both languages.. Then, I can enjoy what you have to say for that particular day!
I still have you and your family and especially your beloved daughter-in-law in my daily thoughts and prayers. I hope things are going well!
Christy
Great picture. Depressing, no, I don't think so. There is a story in the picture, but it's a story that is hidden and needs to be discovered.
thanx for stopping by!
have a good weekend
Merci beaucoup, mon ami!! Love to you,
Laurie
Happy Saturday, Michel! It is sunny but brisk today in Dallas, really pretty...I went to breakfast and walked the mall, now it's time for some cleaning and grocery shopping! I come back to your sight because it gives me peace, just knowing you are there...thank you, my friend! Let me know how you are doing, and your daughter-in-law? Having my tea, please join me! Hugs, Lowie
Thanks for letting me know about the status of your beloved DIL..I'll pray that they are able to discover exactly what she has and that they can treat it. I'm sorry to hear that she is weak..
Always enjoy your visits.
Christy
Michel,
Samantha is about 12 weeks (3 months). Due July 2nd, but it will be a June baby because we all aren't going to let her go to full term like she did with Michael. Too many dangers for her and the baby.
Many hugs!
Rachel
ryc: I could never be angry with you. Thanks for your kind comments.
Beautiful picture, Michel. And great photography too.
RYC, I am not a harpsichordist per se. Pianist and organist, yes. But I did play the harpsichord part when we did Messiah last week. Interesting experience, but it is not my favorite instrument to play. But it is surely the instrument of choice for Messiah, rather than piano. We also had an organist as well as orchestra.
quels beaux mots pour décrire une belle photo.
re ta question - parce que c'est un gag (gentil) à Montréal à l'effet que les serveurs qui travaillent dans ces établissements sont arrivés là en même temps que le mobilier, donc plus très jeunes.
The sky being swept clean,
To show the blue background,
What does it mean ?
Blue will rebound.
Lovely picture Michel, carries much meaning.
Beautiful picture Michel. Sorry I haven't been by but I have been spending a lot of time at the doctor. Judi
The woman in the picture looks very happy, I would like to think she has seen her lover/mate. What are the temperatures there? (Fahrenheit)
le doux printemps est là en permanence
mais parfois nous l'oublions et souffrons ...
amitiés et meilleurs voeux pour un temps de l'Avent béni
AM
I have been praying that I am healed mind, body and soul. I had a lot of old resentments, and shame come up. I blessed it and let it go. I then had these physical problems come up. I think they are too just coming to the surface to be healed. Thank you for the kind words Michel. I am glad you are my friend. Judi
I wore a Liverpool scarf. The photo of the Christmas tree was taken at my week work. We have not got a tree at my weekend work. Yes I am working Christmas Eve and Day at doctors out of hours, this is were people ring when they have medical problems when their own doctor is shut over the weekend and holidays. I am the supervisor so its my job to make sure that they are not waiting too long to speak to a nurse or come and see a doctor. I also send the doctor to the home visits and the paramedic to home visits as well. I knew since this is a emergency service I would have to work at Christmas. After I finish work on Christmas Eve I am going straight to mass were Alice is going to be the Angel Gabriel. Hopefully we should have a quiet day at work but all we emergency workers should have a good time together.
Sorry I have gone on for a bit
mabye i SHOULD write in a satire paper...but, alas, i don't know any...thanx for reading
lovely picture. very haunting....eerie and beautiful.
Yeah, that's my lovely Tristram. How is ur Xmas going sir. Have u done al ur shopping for ur family/
Michel today is the day I see the specialist. I know that I am already over half healed and the rest of my healing is on its way. God is with me. I appreciate you being there too. Judi
Thank you for the compliment-a friend of mine did my layout-I love it! Love to you, Laurie
wonderful picture... I love all of the seasons for who they are and they are all so necessary...
Blessed Be
I am late
You saw a beautiful image here Michel. I love the way you write and tell of it.
It is really true.
I saw many many large bare trees today. I would have liked to stop and photograph them... I will some day, but today we drove to retrieve Elizabeth from school. only 1 hour and 40 minutes each way. It is a very beautiful drive to Pennsylvania... mountains and farms, much like the Alps
I hope you are well Michel
(((hugs))) for you and Janine
~Rosemary
Dear Michel.
RYC.. Yes, we certainly do have our own paths to follow.. Hope your path leads to much love, hope and faith... But, the greatest of these is love...
I've continued to include you and yours in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Do you celebrate Christmas?? An interesting post might be how you celebrate that holiday in France...I know I'd be interested.
Christy
Michel, how is your Daughter-in-law? Judi
gorgeous! i showed my hubby and he joked, glad i took that picture. hahaha
ryc, sorry you have problems coming to my site. don't come today then since i did 2 slideshows yesterday or something! so don't come to my site! 
but we're happy to be back in london! you missed my bday on nov 28th!! i was sad since hubby wasn't even with me! btw, how is marina! did i miss the blog on how she's doing?? be well! 
ange
Hello, darlin'...how's your week going? I have been very busy at work, during the holidays, it seems, I do more counseling, and people are more anxious...I guess it's all the holiday expectations..it all gets very materialistic, and I prefer just the warmth of getting together with family and doing simple things, like baking cookies together! Lots of parties the next few days, and probably no tea will be served *sigh*...will have to drink sherry instead!
Hugs, my friend! Luv, Lowie
It's been so long since I've visited any sites... it sure is nice to come back and visit a familiar friend
God Bless
(((TheFirst Christmas Gift)))
You are right, Michel. That is a true work of art, taken by a man who knows how to take a beautiful picture. I enlarged it and it really was much more stunning when I did that. I love the way you relate to the pictures you take and find some real meaning in them. It does make your blogs a joy to read.
I hope all is well with you, my friend. I thank you for your visits and kind comments. I enjoy company and it is always nice when a friend stops by.
Nice pic... we have no snow here in Canada... we had one snow storm so far and it was nasty, but its all gone and we may have a green Christmas.
TC ((((Michel my friend)))))))
We are nearly at the shortest day, the 21st....then they lengthen again, roll on Spring!!
Have a blessed Christmas Season my friend. Judi
This entry is even more poetic than usual. You have the soul of an artist. I like the contrast of the dark trees against the lighter sky, very pretty!
This was beautiful to me. Great picture. My best to your Marina. I keep her in my prayers. Dorothy
Just stopping by to say, "Hello". Hope everything is fine with you.
Love
Edie Rose
Cheers, my friend...how are the holidays treating you? It is very warm here, yesterday up to 80! Take out the flip-flops again *grin*.
Shopping and preparing for Christmas, I will be making Creme de Mint Brownies and Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Buttered Rum sauce for dessert...sounds delic, huh?
Have I told you I'm glad you are my friend, and that I wish you warmth, joy and health...well, if not, I am sending good thoughts your way right now, for you and your family! Will everyone be at your lovely house this weekend? Luv, Lowie
beautiful picture michel..
havent stopped by in a while on your site.. so thought id stop by and say hi.. and wish you a very wonderful christmas with family and friends..
Jesus is the reason for the Season..
God bless you,
renny
Hello just wanted to stop by and wish you a very wonderful Christmas. God Bless
(((((CLICK HERE))))
Just wanted to stop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
Hi Michel! its me, Gayle(helenapastafina)!!! I cancelled my xanga but I missed everyone so much I came back!
Have a great day and God bless you and Janine(((HUGS)))
Nice! is that bird in the branches? I guess beginings and ends are key to life.This pictures and your write up says it well.
We haven't heard from you in a few days. Miss you.
Miss you too ...
Meilleures salutations de HK
Now it is my time to worry about you. So unlike you to be gone this long. I pray that you are well. I hope that you are just busy, because of the Christmas season.
Much Love
Ediie Rose
Oops! looks like I forgot how to spell my name.
Love
Edie Rose
Joyeux Noël mon Michel doux!!!!
Love, Xally
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