The shortening days are making me appreciate how precious light is and I take time to notice how magical the daylight is at this time of year. Here at the beginning of December the sun only rises to around 16 degrees above the horizon and so even at midday there's a low light shining through the windows (I am doing my best to ignore that this highlights the dust on all the surfaces).
Early in the day the dawn highlights droplets captured on spider webs, condensed from the early morning mists. And on clear afternoons from 2-3pm there's a wonderful honey gold light which glorifies the last of the autumn leaves still clinging to the trees and makes even the tv aerials shine as though burnished with precious metals.
This golden afternoon light glows through the hedge outside my window here at home and traces lacey patterns on the curtain. Out in the woods it is cut into thick lambent wedges by the tree trunks and illuminates the ferns and fallen leaf carpet to flaming tones, and the setting sun blushes great ships of cloud sailing across the autumn sky.
The colours that I see out in the woods prompt me to rummage out from my yarn stash all the colours of peaty earth, golden toadstools and sunlit leaves and I'm enjoying playing around with these colours in some gentle paced making.
I feel so thankful to live somewhere that has seasonal changes and contrasts and deeply appreciate how they give a rhythm to my year. At the moment that rhythm is encouraging me to slow down a little and conserve energy, a muted form of hibernation if you will and I'm planning on having a quiet winter, a much needed pause before the springtime planning that we need to do for Toby's future. Today I'm curled up here by the fire, knitting and feeling grateful to be warm and safe, I hope there's something making you feel grateful this week, J x
little cotton rabbits 
Such glorious phots, thank you for sharing them with us x
Wonderful photographs – so uplifting at this somewhat bleak time of year. Your words Julie, could not reflect more how many feel about the beauty of nature around them. It is always a joy to open your blog at any time during the year. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing the photos. You are a wonderful photographer!
Goodness, Julie. You should have been a poet! What a wonderful, lyrical post and the photos as usual are perfection. I love the beauty of nature and always look forward to your posts. In fact yours is the only blog I subscribe to!
Interesting facts about the light – Let there be Light takes on a new meaning.
Love the fox and her outfits. Charcoal and gold look well together. Please would you take a photo of her when she is done and all dressed up. Would love to see the wee thing finished.
Happy Advent!
You have an intentional eye for beauty! What Autumn moments so close to Christmas. Where I live my view is covered in white snow frosting but we also consciously bask when we see the sun. I am also seeking calm & a grateful consciousness to combat some seasonal melancholy. The hazards of the calendar. I agree with your comment about the advantage of seasons. Teaches us all that everything is temporary & each season brings promise & hope.
May you end the year with those you love doing something you love & I wish you more of that in the New Year.
Love to you across the Silvery Sea.
Lori from Vallentyne
Such beautiful photos and poetic words!!
Love your blogs.
Luvs
I have spent some time revisiting your gorgeous blog over recent days, after a very long absence.
How everything has grown, including your lovely family!. I am so reassured that Little Cotton Rabbits still thrives. Mostly that your words are still beautifully threaded within your posts.
I have been seeking to find something crafty to while away the long winter evenings. So what could be more appropriate than to pick up my needles again and start a Little Cotton Rabbit project. Now I have the task of choosing which one. They are all so beautiful 🤍
I am strangely drawn to the Fox/ Deer. I Love the colours in this post too a real reflection of the season for me.
Congratulations on your anniversary year x
Enjoy your posts always so much, the beautiful colours, words & pictures, that you share with us…
Merry Christmas from Canada!
Beautiful photos. I love your fox and her outfits, very autumnal.
I am looking forward to a rest this winter too. We need to recharge our batteries ready for Spring.
Our local vixen decided to sit in the middle of our road at 11pm and bark for at least 10 minutes, calling for a mate I think. No other fox turned up so she left. She looked very healthy and knew I was watching from my window.
Sue x
Your photos always bring such joy. Thank you for sharing your lovely photos, your beautiful words and your many knitting talents with us all.
Joyfully.
Such a lovely post Julie!
That little fox has a wonderful wardrobe. 🙂
V x
You have an eye for capturing beautiful things❤️
Hi Julie
I am always amazed by your blog and always look forward to seeing it. I love this one. The colors are so beautiful and you just sort of live within these photos. Thank you for sharing them.
The cows are a huge success. They are so adorable.
I hope the holidays brings much happiness.
Love
Sandy💕
I love reading your beautiful words and seeing the world through your eyes. I always feel so uplifted after reading your blog. Thank you for sharing bits of yourself with us. You make the world a better place. Enjoy some nice cozy time for yourself. You’ve earned it. Im grateful for so many things today. The beauty of this earth, my supportive family, my health and for wonderful friends. Thanks for reminding me to stop and feel gratitude.
All my best XXX
Oh! Lovely! I still miss the definite change of seasons. This year seems to have been “hot” and “not quite so hot” in Downunder! Thank you so much for putting those photos up. They help me “think cool”.
You never cease to amaze me with your loving and gentle talents. Knitter, photographer, amazing mum and poet – too! Thank you for sharing yourself so beautifully, Julie.
Beautiful photos and a wonderful use of descriptions…I too love the changing seasons and the impact that has on the way the light shines. So much to be thankful for.
Your photos are always lovely and your descriptions are even lovlier.
The fox is adorable! And I always look forward to your photos of the beautiful English countryside.
I love the short winter days and the low light, just magical and you have captured it beautifully. Such a cosy time of year. The fox and her clothes are divine, you honestly blow me away with each animal. And the little fair isle jumper! CJ xx
Beautiful photos Julie. Miss Fox looks delightful with her Autumn wardrobe.
Take care and enjoy some quiet time over the Winter. Thinking of you as you plan for Toby’s future.
Thank you again Julie for all your wonderful photos.Its lovely to see the autumn leaves and the fire burning. Here downunder its been hot and steamy and for some of the country cyclones and floods.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas and all good things for 2024.
Your knitting of Fox🐾🐾 is Pawdorablly 💗Precious.
The entire picture is Spectacular. The colors you use the glorious knitting I always hope to emulate😉. Your photography always captures such honesty & strength in nature🌹 It is always a Joy to visit and Revisit your site.
Our son is going to be 24 in March he was diagnosed with Autism long ago. We knew he was gifted, because he was very smart in certain areas as a wee baby. Then did different things, we did homeschooling due to 9/11 in our area at the time.
It turned out good for him as he grew not liking being touched, noises.. He is amazing and A darling young man. We pray for kid’s like this today in the world💗
I adore knitting your mid size bears🐻🐾🐾 and bunnies🐰 they keep my mind and hands busy😂😅
You are amazing and gifted💕 Bless you
Kathy
Gorgeous 🥰