Winter Beauty
To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson, Beauty in All Hours
I took this picture during one of my winter walks at our local park. The day was cool without many people walking (always a surprise around here). I love how the bare branches interplay with the evergreens and sky.
The great thing about walking – besides just getting some fresh air – is how it builds up my feet and ankles. I can stand longer in the kitchen to cook or to hike farther on my photography trips without pain.
When I get off path at this park, the ground is uneven with lots of gnarly roots. I’ve wrenched my foot and fallen a few times. It’s a good workout though and walking in the woods always makes the day better.
The picture started out as this:
My initial processing cropped the picture down and removed the bright red coat from the dock. Should I process this again, I think I’d leave that in next time.
The remaining processing was done in Topaz, with a finishing vignette and frame from onOne. The details are as follows:
Deep Run Park Nature Virginia Deep Run Park Ralph Waldo Emerson Topaz Studio
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I am a backyard adventurer, philosopher and observer, recording my life in journals and photographs. Visit my blog at www.livingtheseasons.com.
Living The Seasons 
Beautiful capture🙂
A wonderful picture depicting the natural beauty of the day. I love the quote. I do a lot more walking now that I have Dot and it’s true, my feet are much stronger now. We have discovered some parks to wander around, not as picturesque as the ones near you though.
Years ago, I’d written a goal for a big yard with all kinds of landscaping. I pretty much have that.
My yard is very small, but within a short drive I have a very nice park and the other way, a botanical garden. So I got what I wanted, but not quite how I envisioned it. And I don’t have to take care of it!
Of course, the beagle doesn’t like either one. He prefers checking the storm sewers in our neighborhood! After all, you occasionally find a cat down there.
Lovely with the red coat.
That red coat in the original version certainly does draw the eye (or at least it drew mine).
I agree with you. I’m not sure now why I thought it should be cloned out. . . although even in my other shots, I’ve been leaving people in more. I think the pictures look too sterile without them. Of course if the faces are recognizable, I have to do a slight blur.
The strengthening from being outside, in the air, and tromping those uneven grounds is worth those few tumbles. Even a tumble can make you stronger. I hope those ankles weren’t damaged though. Loving seeing the world through your lens again.
Great picture, Nancy! Love the processing too.
I appreciate the compliment. I’d really thought about deleting the post right after I’d posted it because the picture isn’t as graphic as I usually make them. So I’m glad to hear you liked it!