A Haven for Vee

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Lovely November Mornings

The mornings have been so lovely around here.

Skies like these get my attention even when I'm asleep. ☺ By the time I had wakened enough to think camera and had returned for the photo, it was fading away 


and within minutes was dull November gray once more.


There's a metaphor there somewhere. In fact, while visiting Cait, I found the perfect quote for what's been going on with me: 
Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off--then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. ~Herman Melville

That Herman! He has perfectly described my condition and has put such an amusing twist upon it. The sea is a mere thirty miles away, yet I put myself into the corner instead. Why is it that I so often do the exact opposite thing from what would best help my drizzly November of the soul? Don't answer that! Well, you might let me know whether you've ever done something similar. ☺

50 comments:

  1. I've often said that I am just to focused on whatever is right in front of me that I miss soooo many opportunities for laughter, friendship and fun. We can both work on getting ourselves out of our ruts and into the joy of living life. I love your photos. When the sun hits the trees like a spotlight I just get a very happy feeling. Now, having lumped you in with me and my ability to bypass joy let me just say that you bring joy to so many. You are such a wonderful encourager and friend.

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  2. The 'sea' closest to me is our creek. I don't think it would have the same therapeutic effect. lol But I sure do understand about the November gloom. That's why every single year I try to come up with ideas of fun things to do during the long, cold, snowy months ahead. I haven't made my list yet this year. Pretty soon we'll be able to drive across the [frozen] lakes around here - another depressing thought.

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  3. I woke up thinking about you and wondering how you are. My car is going in the shop this morning but when it comes out....I'll pick you up and we will go to the beach, preferably a warm one. I wish we could just sit together and talk and talk. That's usually good for what ails you. Well...instead of dreaming...I'm sending you LOTS of warm hugs this morning and some sunny smiles. Your buddy, Diane

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  4. Can you hear this Texas girl..with a strong accent...yell AMEN!! Why do we all do that? It must be in the season because I have received phone calls, emails and text for two weeks, where everyone is there. May we all go to the sea...whatever that is for each of us...to see His face!! Hugs...great post!

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  5. I feel that way in January ! I love November with the fall weather and the excitement of Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching. The sky here has been especially pretty in the early mornings!

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  6. Well, in my world a river runs through it. :)

    I must admit that once the leaves have dropped (and a couple wind storms as well as a November snow have brought them down) then my "sea" is found through the pages of a book.

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  7. Hugs to you Vee. What is it about these dull November days that makes us feel so bedraggled?? At least you have captured some pretty morning moments - hang in there (in 37 days the days will start getting longer). BTW I've missed you.

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  8. I'm finding that living here in North Carolina brings about a certain joy that I had lost in Seattle; not that I didn't love the Pacific Northwest. The sunshine, even when the chill is in the air, has me full of energy to meet the day. I am a little bummed, though about how fast the holidays are approaching and the amount of work I have to do. My "sea" is always hearing from my grandchildren, giggling and full of mischief! XOXO

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  9. I don't care for the dull days either,,,,and I hope we get lots of snow this winter to hide all the brown :) The pretty light does disappear fast, I have done the same,,,,ran for the camera only to find the light totally changed! Hope you will stop by the country and enter for a chance to win some handmade cards I have been working on. Will announce the winner on Sunday :) Have a happy day!

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  10. That first shot is beautiful, Vee. Have a great wknd!

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  11. Wish I could "get to the sea..." Heavy frost blanket here this morning. C.

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  12. Well I think those trees ablaze would be good for anyone's November soul! Beautiful.

    I see Rosella's comment...that the days begin to lengthen in 37 days. Really? And before we know it, spring will be here. :) It seems I have missed the 'dull, grey days of fall'...and have just arrived home to them.

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  13. I'm back...after reading your Veterans Day post. Well I'll be...I always thought the day belonged to the veterans...resulting in an apostrophe. I enjoyed your post...re. your 'forefathers' who served.

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  14. Ah, such beauty surrounds you. With the time change our day light is over by 5:30 PM. It's going to get shorter. I fall asleep so much earlier now, but also wake early so I can greet the daylight. Mornings are my favorite time. The gray days will pass. Just think about how much nicer it is to have gray days rather than almost blinding glares when the sun hits the snow.

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  15. That top shot is especially lovely! There is beauty to be found in the midst of gray, drab November weather. I like the way Herman puts words together. Yes, we all have our "drizzling November of the soul" periods to get through. Mine usually comes in January after the holidays.

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  16. Yup, the grey days are here and for the most part continue until February, which is our month to always head away to the sea - somewhere. Your top photo shows a gorgeous illumination of the tree tops and it's photos like this we'll have to pull out when we need to see the sun.

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  17. Funny... I do the same thing. I am less than 20 miles from Lake Michigan and don't go to the beach, summer or winter, nearly enough. I do love the sea. Nothing like it. I will be going to Puerto Rico on business in December. That will break things up for me. Even though it will be a grueling schedule, I will get my feet in the sand. I think you and your guy should take that 30 mile drive this weekend.

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  18. Hi Vee! I can really relate to Mr. Melville...so easy to get that 'stinkin' thinkin' going and pretty soon everything looks dark. At least he knows he'll be revived by the sea. Good for him!
    Family, friends and a walk in the woods will do it for me. Best therapy ever.
    Have a good Thursday!
    Ceil

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  19. I love drizzly November days, I'd really enjoy it if I didn't have a leaky roof that the HOA is responsible for upkeep and repair. :(. I feel bad that you feel a little down in the dumps. Going for a drive or meeting up with friends usually perks me up. xo

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  20. Vee,
    I think that it is the November's of the soul that make us appreciate the April's of our soul so much more..to everything there is a season...thankfully they do not last forever..and seasons change...
    Love, Mona

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  21. Your first photos are gorgeous! Makes me think I need to check out the early morning skies more often.
    Sorry to hear that the gray November days are getting to you. I've been missing your daily posts.
    When I lived in Michigan I found November to be a bit depressing (along with February and March:). Too many gray days in a row can definitely take a toll. We get gray days in NC too, but they don't seem to drag on and on.

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  22. Good morning Vee. Your first photo is so ablaze. While here in the desert I've also run for my camera only to find that what I wanted to capture had faded. And so our days go....and soon the skies will brighten again. Enjoy today!

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  23. Ah, it's so good to see those kisses of sunlight in the early morning! Methinks you are getting in some practice for the next photo challenge!

    Beauty is where you find it. Now scoot along and go find some!

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  24. Praying that you find your sea today wherever that may be...
    That corner keeps calling to me these days...

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  25. My morning walks do it for me. They make me get up and out to start my day. : )

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  26. Ahh Vee yes go to the sea and enjoy the lift in spirits. As for me I love the November days - I feel more cozy.

    Love the shot of the sun in the trees - gorgeous!

    Leann

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  27. "dull, grey november no more." you can write, girl.
    i also love that you can see the blue sky with your
    eyes closed. a super power?

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  28. I've been in the November of my soul for awhile now, Vee. I look forward to emerging from it.
    I do love your photos and the sharing of the poem. xo

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  29. Well, I did go to the sea, and it was quite gray there, too. But beautiful as well. Silvery sand and steely water.
    Some days I feel like being ornery and obnoxious - it's best for me to be alone then, and retreat into a book, or focus on someone other than myself.
    Capturing the light as you did is beautifully done. That tree looks ablaze.

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  30. what a wonderful post, I truly can relate to this! Beautiful photos!

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  31. Oh dear Vee...I hear you..really I do. I do love your photos and everything you share. Thank you for making me smile..Blessings

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  32. November does that to a lot of people Vee. I guess one has to make themselves move out of the house, the slump that is November, and see something else to bring cheer to the dull landscape. Your photos of the golden sun lighting up the treetops are beautiful. I have noticed the sunrises lately as it has moved farther south and how it might break the grey skies for a few minutes of glory only to be swallowed up again by the clouds. It's still up there above the clouds. One thing about winters here is even though there is a white landscape the sun shines more than any other time of the year. So, hang in there and embrace this restful month before the busy Christmas season hits. Blessings to you. Pam

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  33. It seems you have to get up pretty early to catch that 5 minutes of sun in the morning! That's happened to me so many times .... I wake up thinking it's going to be a beautiful sunny day only to find the sun has disappeared once again behind a cloud not to be seen for the rest of the day. November is a tough month.
    The golden glow you captured is beautiful! Hang on to that when the skies get gray. :)
    xoxo

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  34. I'm sorry you've been gloomy. I'm far from the sea now but I grew up about as close to the sea as you are now. I do have a creek though. I find that some time with a friend and time to talk is cheering.

    Have you ever watched the movie Temple Grandin? It is wonderful! That movie would cheer you!

    Deanna

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  35. I live by the sea, and have a friend named Vee.
    Come and see me, gloomy you'll no longer be.

    Okay, so poetry isn't my gift... I did see the beautiful hues of the morning, but didn't photograph it.
    ~ Abby

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  36. Vee,
    Look at Solomens reflections in Ecclesiastes. Sometimes it seems as if all of life is just vanity and vextation.
    But Praise God, by his Holy Spirit he breaks through and restores our joy again. And I KNOW he will for you too, Vee. I'm praying for you, my friend.

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  37. Stunning photos, what a contrast a short bit of time can bring. Please consider coming down this way for some sunshine! We are wishing for some rainy days. It's all relative isn't it. Oh I think we often do the opposite of what would be good for us; you're not alone in this. I read this this morning and thought I had commented. Guess not.

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  38. I think it may be time for me to go to sea.... I am sure down in the mouth today.

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  39. My gosh- that is a wonderful quote- one I have never heard before. The sea calls my name, too, but is too far from me to visit. I long for it sometimes and feel homesick for it.....one reason I love the big water of the Bay here---but it is not quite the same. There are days this Fall that I feel mournful-missing my only siblint-my brother-the first set of Holidays since he passed away.

    Your photos are gorgoeous- uplifting and beautiful- xo Diana

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  40. Been thinking of you so much lately I haven't contacted you by e-mail just giving you some space,to stop, take a deep breath, enjoy, and savor these special gold nuggets given by God, something we all should do!thank you for sharing. Love you dearly!
    Sue

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  41. This would come under the heading of words APTLY SPOKEN for me. I stop by Blog Land for just a moment this evening, and this is the perfect post for me to read. It describes me of late as well.

    Now, I do not like the sea...
    I do, however, have my own version of the sea, and I need to go there.

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  42. Beautiful photos Vee and a perfect example of a November day....the skies are so magnificent with the sun so low and the dark afternoon skies ... so many colors and textures and nature again is there to hopefully lift your spirits....I know it does mine....And your quote is so perfect ...when I'm down and out of sorts that's when I know it's time to return to the sea and look at the beautiful horizon, breathe in that salt air and renew my soul. We live an hour drive away but it's my salvation so often. Yes, there are times that I resist so much and just want to just crawl under the covers and not do the things that I know will snap me out of my mood and yet sometimes it's almost like a stubbornness or should I say a little voice saying, "oh just be miserable for a little while longer"...what is that anyway?....Sometimes I can't even figure myself out....but I know exactly what you are talking about. Try not to let those walls close in on you . Sending you warm hugs and prayers.

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  43. Your skies are so breathtaking! Literally. Just stunning with beauty.

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  44. Vee, it seems there's more to Melville than I would've thought when I was in high school and not enjoying the required reading of Moby Dick!

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  45. These thoughts remind me of the poem, "The Lake Isle of Inisfree." We all need a place to go for refreshing. Sometimes it's a step away from routine. Sometimes it's a new place, or an old place with happy memories. Sometimes it's a meeting with the Lord Himself that refreshes (like Jacob when he wrestled for a blessing).

    I have told you often how I love autumn. But I need to read these words in July. That's when I need the place of refreshing.

    {{Hugs}} to you...happy to see you here!

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  46. Take Care and banish those dismal thoughts by just looking at those gorgeous skies.

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  47. The early morning sun hitting the tops of the trees against such a delicate blue sky is stunning.

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  48. Beautiful pictures, I can only imagine what it was when you first saw it. I love autumn but it is nearly gone and has started to get cold

    check out my post on a beautiful cold front sunset;; Sunset and Icicles

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  49. A trip to the sea will do wonders for your November grey days Vee.
    I find it is both inspiring and grounding, putting everything back in perspective.
    The presence of the Almighty reminds me He is in control.
    hugs
    Shane

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