2-24-2026 1:27pm

Beauty in Winter

Christine Larkin Editor

The Snow Tree by Skylark

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - BEAUTY IN WINTER

There is a particular beauty in winter. There's something magical about fresh fallen snow that blankets our world and quiets things down. We need things to be quieter.

It has certainly been a winter this year. Unprecedented snowfall in the Northeast has compounded the effects of the season. I especially enjoy taking pictures after it snows or when there's early morning fog. My camera lens is a window to capture a moment in time. On one recent morning driving to work, I stopped by a lake nearby and captured this lone duck standing on the ice.

Photo by Skylark at Brightwaters Lake

I make it a point to see beauty in everything around me. Life can bog you down, but when you look around, you are embraced by the natural world in all its glory. It truly is magnificent, and there's always something unique to see. Nature offers us comfort and solace. It creates a sense of ease and peace that penetrates our soul. Things slow down.

I've always loved photography. Winter offers a unique backdrop. Unlike a painting that stimulates our imagination, a picture captures a real moment in time. The image we capture in that moment changes in the next moment. That's what makes photography so special. It's all about the adesso. The now. At this moment.

Photo by Skylark at Brightwaters Lake

The light in winter fog is different. It's as though there's a filter over everything as the air is dimmed by mist. I took this photograph one early morning recently as the fog was especially dense. You can see a subtle light from the lamppost in the distance. Fog forms when water vapor in the air condenses into tiny water droplets, typically under specific temperature and humidity conditions. It's some of my favorite weather to photograph. Inverno, winter in Italian, is a beautiful season. Even for those of us who are summer people at heart.

This week, we were slammed with snow. I dreaded having to dig out my car yet again. When I finally made it outside, I was greeted by my neighbors who offered to help me. We had enough shovels to go around. It was a group effort, and everyone was in a good mood. We had all spent the last couple of days cooped up in our homes, so it felt good to get out and see each other. Don't let anyone tell you that people don't care anymore. A snowstorm can bring out the beauty in winter and the kindness in people. Thank you, neighbors.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

Photo by Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, shoveling snow can be a great workout. Be careful, though. We've all heard stories that didn't end so well. Take your time. Go slow. Take breaks. Enjoy the process.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center along the Atlantic Ocean. This center explores the relationships between human beings, energy systems, and environmental stewardship. Located on the West End of Long Island’s iconic Jones Beach State Park, the center offers permanent and rotating exhibits, public programs, and educational resources to help visitors understand and appreciate the coastal environment.

I took a walk here last Saturday. Discovering this oasis was a thrill, and I will visit here many more times to come. You must visit here. It is a hidden gem not to be missed. Visit Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center for more information.

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SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was taking a bird walk with members of the Great South Bay Audubon Society and seeing a Cedar Waxwing for the first time. This bird is characterized by its pale, yellow belly and waxy red tips on its wings, which resemble sealing wax. The Cedar Waxwing is known for its social behavior and is commonly found in woodlands and parks where it feeds on berries. What a beautiful bird.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please bring Nancy Guthrie home. Only you can do this. I believe in the power of prayer. Let's continue to pray. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Prayers do get answered.

Italian: Preghiere esaudite.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

British Colonial is one of my favorite interior design styles. It blends nature with dark brown wooden furniture, wicker, and gold touches. Don't shy away from combining these elements in your home. This mix is both elegant and calming.

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What do you love about winter?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under this post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' by THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS

LYRICS

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
Stopped into a church
I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
You know, the preacher like the cold (preacher like the cold)
He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
I could leave today (I could leave today)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.

Skylark Live Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. You can find some of my vlogs on my YouTube channel. I also post them on my social media platforms. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

$UPPORT ME:

Patreon - www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Substack - https://substack.com/@christinelarkin1?

Personal Shopper for Interior Decorating - www.skylarklive.org

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!