Stargazing is my favourite thing to do on dark nights, especially after having to deal with all too human sources of stress (crowds, shopping etc). Though in the UK, winter night air isn't usually clearer than summer (so cloudy and damp!) but when those clouds do clear, the stars are brighter at this time of year because the Earth is facing a part of space that's full of very hot, giant, luminous stars like the ones in Orion and the Pleiades, which make our Sun seem feeble in comparison! And the brightness and beauty of those stars have layered this part of the night sky with so many stories across time and cultures. I'm really getting into star lore these days, to add more magic to my stargazing experiences.
That’s so interesting. Winter skies do feel much clearer to me without the moisture in the air. But you’re right it does have to be a cold crisp night, not a cloudy one! ✨
That ‘winter air is less moist’ thing holds true in North America, where cold winds blow over the Canadian land mass and ice sheets, but in the UK our north wind passes over the ocean so it’s definitely moist, hence clouds and haze! It’s a bit of a myth that it has to be cold to be clear to see the stars-when I was in the Canaries last December the skies were magnificently clear and starry, and it was mild enough for a light cardie…
We're winding down from a snowstorm that started on Thanksgiving (November 28). We ended up with 24 inches. We're in a lull now, but an Alberta clipper is headed for us on Wednesday, followed by lake effect (Lake Superior) snow. They're saying another 9 inches. This is very, very good for our local economy as well as for me, as my favorite weather forecast is: "Travel will be difficult to impossible."
Thank you Victoria 😊 There is so much beauty in the winter and we need to stop rushing from one heated place to another, pause and drink in the glories of the natural world around us.
That’s so kind of you to make your newsletter free to all. It feels like the best kind of Christmas present which will keep on giving throughout the year. Thank you so much xx
Thank you for suggestions for re-connecting with the beauty of our Creator, and within and among ourselves. The pictures are simply stunning and take me home. We live in a place now where there is no snow and a cold wave, like now, is a welcome respite. But my heart yearns for the sights, sounds, and smells of home. Grateful to you! 💝
Thank you so much for this thought-provoking and quietly celebratory post. I am longing to get home to the cold and the dark after 3 weeks in Australia, and now being stuck in a humid 35 degrees in Singapore for a stop-over prolonged by my husband’s unplanned stay in their first-rate hospital. Your description of the deep peace that winter brings has lifted my spirits - as has your generosity in making your posts free to everyone who appreciates them. Every good wish to you!
The old magic in those quiet moments that you describe are what makes Christmas for me, the noise from the incessant commercialism and adverts makes me want to run away to a cabin in the mountains until it’s all over. I also like the idea of those long afternoon naps 😊 xxx
Yes a cabin in the mountains is the dream at this time of year isn't it! Or one of the cosy cottages from your beautiful Winter paintings would do very nicely too ✨
I am inspired by your choice to follow your heart and share access to every one of your wonderful words.
The reminder that true wealth comes from pursuing our passions and sharing them with the world was the best St. Nicholas Day surprise in my clog this morning.
I’m so in a peaceful and calm mindset right now after reading this lovely December newsletter from you. Thank you, as always, Vicky for setting the mood at the start of each month. You’re always so inspiring and spot on! Merry Midwinter! 🎄
Such a calming, comforting, soothing read !Thank you Victoria for this beautiful post, it really opens up a new perspective on the month of December. Fabulous photos… they really capture the magic of this period! Looking forward to the Winter Solstice retreat😍🤩
Lovely! I so enjoy the winter days too! Thanks for bringing up the meteor showers - I was recently wondering about the dates and then forgot again, but thanks to you I'll not miss them.
You're very welcome! The timing of them isn't so great this year as they clash with the December full moon which might make viewing conditions a little tricky, but hopefully there'll still be something to see (and wish on) 💫
Stargazing is my favourite thing to do on dark nights, especially after having to deal with all too human sources of stress (crowds, shopping etc). Though in the UK, winter night air isn't usually clearer than summer (so cloudy and damp!) but when those clouds do clear, the stars are brighter at this time of year because the Earth is facing a part of space that's full of very hot, giant, luminous stars like the ones in Orion and the Pleiades, which make our Sun seem feeble in comparison! And the brightness and beauty of those stars have layered this part of the night sky with so many stories across time and cultures. I'm really getting into star lore these days, to add more magic to my stargazing experiences.
That’s so interesting. Winter skies do feel much clearer to me without the moisture in the air. But you’re right it does have to be a cold crisp night, not a cloudy one! ✨
That ‘winter air is less moist’ thing holds true in North America, where cold winds blow over the Canadian land mass and ice sheets, but in the UK our north wind passes over the ocean so it’s definitely moist, hence clouds and haze! It’s a bit of a myth that it has to be cold to be clear to see the stars-when I was in the Canaries last December the skies were magnificently clear and starry, and it was mild enough for a light cardie…
We're winding down from a snowstorm that started on Thanksgiving (November 28). We ended up with 24 inches. We're in a lull now, but an Alberta clipper is headed for us on Wednesday, followed by lake effect (Lake Superior) snow. They're saying another 9 inches. This is very, very good for our local economy as well as for me, as my favorite weather forecast is: "Travel will be difficult to impossible."
That sounds brilliant! Stay safe and enjoy being cocooned and cosy. So envious! ❄️
Thank you Victoria 😊 There is so much beauty in the winter and we need to stop rushing from one heated place to another, pause and drink in the glories of the natural world around us.
So glad you agree! Sending Midwinter wishes to you ✨
That’s so kind of you to make your newsletter free to all. It feels like the best kind of Christmas present which will keep on giving throughout the year. Thank you so much xx
That’s very kind of you to say. And you are very welcome! 🌝
Thank you for suggestions for re-connecting with the beauty of our Creator, and within and among ourselves. The pictures are simply stunning and take me home. We live in a place now where there is no snow and a cold wave, like now, is a welcome respite. But my heart yearns for the sights, sounds, and smells of home. Grateful to you! 💝
I’m very glad this transported you somewhere snowy and familiar, if only for a short time. Sending you midwinter wishes ✨
That’s so lovely of you to remove the paywall. I appreciate that very much and look forward to the emails! 💜
You’re very welcome and thank you for reading along! ✨
Thank you so much for this thought-provoking and quietly celebratory post. I am longing to get home to the cold and the dark after 3 weeks in Australia, and now being stuck in a humid 35 degrees in Singapore for a stop-over prolonged by my husband’s unplanned stay in their first-rate hospital. Your description of the deep peace that winter brings has lifted my spirits - as has your generosity in making your posts free to everyone who appreciates them. Every good wish to you!
Thank you for your kind comment! I hope you and your husband will be able to get home soon and wishing you both plenty of midwinter peace and rest 🌲
The old magic in those quiet moments that you describe are what makes Christmas for me, the noise from the incessant commercialism and adverts makes me want to run away to a cabin in the mountains until it’s all over. I also like the idea of those long afternoon naps 😊 xxx
Yes a cabin in the mountains is the dream at this time of year isn't it! Or one of the cosy cottages from your beautiful Winter paintings would do very nicely too ✨
Definitely 😊
I am inspired by your choice to follow your heart and share access to every one of your wonderful words.
The reminder that true wealth comes from pursuing our passions and sharing them with the world was the best St. Nicholas Day surprise in my clog this morning.
Thank you for your very kind words!
Beautiful read Vicky ✨
Belated thank you for the ambient soundtrack mention on youtube back in October.
I’m hooked now also!
He has some wonderful creations for this time of year.
Calming & magical. 💜
And thank you for the reminder! I'm going over to youtube to check out some wintry ambience right now ✨
I really enjoyed your post
That's very kind, thank you! Sending peaceful December wishes to you
I’m so in a peaceful and calm mindset right now after reading this lovely December newsletter from you. Thank you, as always, Vicky for setting the mood at the start of each month. You’re always so inspiring and spot on! Merry Midwinter! 🎄
Very happy to hear that Liz! And peaceful December wishes back to you!
Such a calming, comforting, soothing read !Thank you Victoria for this beautiful post, it really opens up a new perspective on the month of December. Fabulous photos… they really capture the magic of this period! Looking forward to the Winter Solstice retreat😍🤩
You're very welcome! Sending you peaceful Midwinter wishes ✨
A light state of torpor - I love that! Something we should all be doing 😊
Star gazing at this time of year is wonderful isn’t it. The stars seem so much brighter and sharper. ✨
They really do - there's something about being out in the really cold air of Winter that makes them seem to shine extra bright ✨
Beautiful 🤎🙏
Lovely! I so enjoy the winter days too! Thanks for bringing up the meteor showers - I was recently wondering about the dates and then forgot again, but thanks to you I'll not miss them.
You're very welcome! The timing of them isn't so great this year as they clash with the December full moon which might make viewing conditions a little tricky, but hopefully there'll still be something to see (and wish on) 💫