March 2023 SOLC–Day 11
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This morning I got out of bed, grabbed my glasses and phone and headed out of my room to go downstairs. As I stepped into the hallway, the moon light stopped me in my tracks. It flowed through the window and painted itself upon the old wooden floors. I stopped to take a photo, fascinated by the light and shadow interplay with the only hint of color in the illuminated pine boards.
I continued on my way downstairs, feeling a little lift, fed the cats, turned on the coffee pot, and sat down to write.
Wait a minute! My pen stopped in its tracks. It was supposed to be cloudy this morning. If it were cloudy, I wouldn’t be able to see the moon! (Yes, it did take me a bit to connect these dots.)
I looked outside again. There was the moon, brightly shining behind the trees.
I walked into the living room and looked to the East. A shimmer of red glowed on the horizon. A few clouds lay low in the sky.
Next, I looked at my weather app. “Bowdoinham, cloudy”.
Not so much! I thought.
So, now the question loomed. I knew I was in dire need of a dose of Nature, but I had thought today wouldn’t be a great day due to the forecasted clouds. Now, it looked like opportunity might be knocking. I glanced at the clock. 5:35 am. The sun was due to rise about 6 am. I couldn’t make it to the marsh, or the beach…but I could go down to the river.
And so I did.
When I first arrived, things were pretty low key. I sat in my car for a moment debating if I really wanted to get out and take pictures. It was colder than I’d thought it might be, and my energy has been hovering in the low range.
Maybe I should just go back home.
Finally, figuring I was already there, I convinced myself to get out of the car.
I crunched across the snowy grass and snapped a picture or two. At first, it looked like this:
Next, I wandered up to the bridge for a better vantage point. Just a few minutes later, it looked like this:
What a difference a few minutes can make! I turned to look up the river and wondered at yet another difference.
Looking west, upstream, there was just a subtle wash of pink in the clouds. The river was cluttered with ice.The mood was somber, cold-looking and somewhat severe.
I turned and looked back and forth between the two views–somewhat mind-boggling and definitely fascinating!
The colors faded, the day lightened, and I wandered a bit more, watching the morning unfold.
Later, as I drove home, I couldn’t help but think about what I would have missed if I hadn’t left the house, if I hadn’t gotten out of the car, and if I’d only looked one way.
Our days are filled with so many choices. Here’s hoping I make a few more positive ones along the way today.
Nix the comfort zone 
Yes, it was a great day to get out and soak in that early morning view! It’s been really dark and cloudy of late where I live, but your reminder is nestled in my brain to get out and soak up the day.
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Molly, do you have any indigenous people in your heritage? I feel you have a unique connection to the earth. Your photos are gorgeous. I am borrowing the moon one for a slide show for my students based on my friend Leslie’s book “Are your stars like my stars?” I want to share different moons. So many were shared on social media this week. After I build the slide show, I will share it with you.
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Beautiful photos – such contrast! I admire your decision to venture forth and snap these pictures! Raining here this morning with a little sleet mixed in. Not pleasant. Nice on Sunday. Below average temperatures for the rest of the week.
Loved your description of the moonlight painting itself on the wood floor. Very nice!
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So my goodness – so beautiful. Glad to be reminded to take a chance and not miss out on what the world has in store for us. Just gorgeous sunrise. Thank you!
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Stunning photos! I was immediately drawn to your first photo – the light streaming through your window. You have a brilliant eye.
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I love that your theme here is choices. To get out of the car, to not believe the weather report, to brace the cold, to stop and see the beauty. Great choice!
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Gorgeous! I’m sending this to a friend in Colorado. She’s always taking incredible pictures in the morning as well. Maybe you’ll be the inspiration for her to join our TWT community! And, yes, our days are full of choices – here’s to sharing your positive choices with us this morning!
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I loved reading this slice, and the reminder to just get out and do it. I am one who could sit and read at any time of the day. I sometimes need to push myself outside, where I also appreciate being. And the photos are incredible!
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The pictures are beautiful – I love how a few minutes or a different angle make such a big difference. Your writing is also beautiful – when you said the moonlight “flowed through the window and painted itself upon the old wooden floors” I caught my breath. I’m so glad you decided to go, to get out of the car, to take care of yourself. May we all make such positive choices.
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Wow…that sunrise is incredible! I’m so glad you made the choice to go. It was definitely worth it. You have the gift of description in your writing. I always enjoy reading your slices.
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Great choice! And we are the grateful recipients of your beautiful photos. I love, love, love your moon through the window onto the floorboards photo–a real gem! You really are a master of morning photos.
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What a fantastic slice, first the moonlit picture and then the sunrise, so spectacular. It is amazing when we reflect on how easy it would have been not to go out at all.
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