“In the deepest snows, the path which I used from the highway to my house, about half a mile long, might have been represented by a meandering dotted line, with wide intervals between the dots. For a week of even weather I took exactly the same number of steps, and of the same length, coming and going, stepping deliberately and with the precision of a pair of dividers in my own deep tracks,-to such routine the winter reduces us,-yet often they were filled with heaven’s own blue. But no weather interfered fatally with my walks, or rather my going abroad, for I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow-birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines; when the ice and snow causing their limbs to droop, and so sharpening their tops, had changed the pines into fir-trees; wading to the tops of the highest hills when snow was nearly two feet deep on a level, and shaking down another snow-storm on my head at every step; or sometimes creeping and floundering thither on my hands and knees, when the hunters had gone to their winter quarters.” THOREAU, in Walden
Good to be Home 
I’ve been lurking actually. I’ve been very overwhelmed with being sick and having a sick baby, so I haven’t really felt like commenting on anybody’s stuff. I’m not sure I’m even REALLY up to it yet. I have been meaning to tell you that your posts have been encouraging to me during this time in my life. I’ve had some dark days as of late, and I know exactly how you’ve been feeling. God has spoken to me in His Word, and I hope to be able to share that on Xanga pretty soon! Thanks for checking up on me! Love, Amanda
love the 3rd one =]
Thoreau always knew just how to describe nature. Love the picture and the quote.
Lovely again ~ the third one just lift our eyes to the heavens, doesn’t it?
Just stopping by to say HI!As always your post is so encouraging to me.have a wonderful rest of the week!!God Bless
You are so gifted, Shanda! Thank you for sharing. Your posts always encourage me and make me smile! Bless you!
beautiful photos — i love the quote too
I love pictures 3 and 4, and the picture painted with words. 🙂
The middle picture with the three trees is so nice. Makes me want to be right there.
Love, Thoreau, love that you like him as well!
you really have a wonderful way with putting just the right words with the right pictures. It evokes an emotion deep in my heart. Thank you for the contemplative “moment”. 🙂
I wish our snow had stuck around here. Such lovely shots, and lovely words, too. Love you, Shanda. Love, Trish
wow! So beautiful…..
Hi there…. things are going well. Baby kept me up a couple hours last night…but that is ok. I will try giving you a call soon.
love
B
I love 1 and 2….There is something about them….
Breathtaking!!! Thank you.
Lovely quote and pictures. I like your header!
beautiful pictures!
the B&W images look so dry and fluffy, like a dreamHave you always taken pictures? I have since I was a little girl, using flim in my grandfather’s Brownie, and now a digital SLR Canon. What camera do you use?
Great pictures – I love the woods.
I LOVE it. I was so ENTRHALLED with the words and pics I felt like I was walking with you! thanks for your positive comments 😉 praying positive things in your life.
I loved the quote so much that it made me feel as though I was there. Your picture are always so beautiful and the quotes you choose truly encourage me. I love coming to your site and seeing what you have posted. Brings a smile to my face.
I love your land it is so beautiful. What a wonderful setting to take your amazing pictures not to mention an awesome place to raise your children. Have a wonderful Friday, my friend. Love, Michelle
You have some wonderful pictures over the last few posts!