Pictures for Pam, Day 25: Macro Mondays 2.0: Glowing Red Bulb

HOLY FROSTBITE, BATMAN, IT'S COLD OUT THERE!!! That was my reaction as I peeked out the window this morning and found a world that was breathtakingly white with frost. I went through my routine as efficiently as I could because I was so excited to get out there. A glance at the thermometer as I stepped onto our porch confirmed my suspicion—at 24°F/-4.5°C it was the coldest morning this fall. Yikes!

I shook my tail down the few stairs onto the grass before stopping in my tracks, turning around, and marching back into the house. "On a morning like this, photography comes first!" I grabbed my camera and instantly found my first subjects—the enormous, bright red rose hips just outside. The frost clinging to the star-shaped group of sepals was so cool! From there, I totally lost myself as I escaped into the moment. Frost on nylon mesh, crusted leaves on the ground, on the trees, caught in twigs…teasel and metal and acorns…barbed wire, grass and even sporophytes were covered with crystals. This frost was special, forming lovely little clusters of spikes on every surface it touched. Beautiful candy-sugar also covered anything at ground level. I was in heaven!

Still, I was racing against the time. Not from the frost melting too soon but from my ability to withstand the cold. No matter how warmly I dressed, my freezing fingers and toes would eventually force me inside. So I kept moving, clicking away and overwhelmed by the beauty of what I saw. Finally though, I basically had to drag myself back to the house by an ear, kicking and screaming the whole way. "BUT LOOK AT THAT LEAF!" "There will be more frosty days." "BUT THAT FROSTY GRASS!!" "Tomorrow is another day." "THAT FROSTY SPIDER WEB IS LIKE A CRYSTAL NECKLACE!!" "You can't feel your fingers to press the shutter…you are done!" *whimper* Still, I somehow managed to get over 400 pictures while I was out…oh dear, how will I sift through them all?!

Today is Macro Monday! And thus, you will see my main idea and a few others as insets. I enjoyed playing with Christmas lights, something I hadn't done for quite some time. Still, I was not quite as inspired as I thought I'd be. I think maybe my results are too obvious. My mind is dancing outside and in the mountains of jewels I've discovered in my archives.

Pam, the picture I picked today features a light bulb that glows as brightly as your spirit. I cannot help but think about your strength and determination, such a bold soul who warms anyone lucky enough to receive your warm touch. Thinking about you every day my dear.

Explored on 12/4/18, highest placement, #2.