HYACINTHS FOR THE SOUL

Friday, February 4, 2011

Shadows in the Snow

Seasonal Sundays

Welcome to Shadow Shot Sunday and Seasonal Sundays.

We woke to a soft layer of winter white on Friday morning.

As I looked down to the terrace there was

a mirror image of the table and chairs.

Graceful, architectural images

appeared on the powder covered steps . . .

And began to mix with those from nature.

I noticed the black and white check

pattern and smiled to myself.

Our walk was a silent one

among the shadows of the trees . . .

Long, lean, and void of any leaves.

Shadows cast upon small drifts along the rocks

gave the appearance of hills and valleys . . .

And painted the snow covered

path with layers of charcoal.

Thanks for joining me for Shadow Shot Sunday @ Hey Harriet.

Click here to join others who have shared shadows today.

The Tablescaper is hosting Seasonal Sundays here.

The Year of the Rabbit

A Few of My Favorite Things

Ann Estelle has been waiting for you

to come visit for Chinese New Year.

She has lots of favorite things to share today.

(Click here if you missed Ann Estelle's M. E. Monday post.)

The Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year began on February 3 this year. This celebration is a time of family, friends, food, and fun. Red, an auspicious color, is the predominant color for the New Year celebration because it is a symbol of joy, virtue, truth, and sincerity.

It is customary for family and friends to visit each other during the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Meals are shared and gifts of fruit or sweets are given when friends and family visit each other's homes. Mandarin oranges are one of the most popular fruits during this celebration.

They represent luck and good fortune, which is why Ann Estelle has brought gifts of mandarin oranges especially for your visit.

Red envelopes called "Ang Pow" are given to children during the New Year celebrations.

It is customary for the red envelopes to contain money in even amounts with the number eight considered to be very lucky. You can imagine Ann Estelle's excitement when eight gold covered chocolate coins tumbled out of her red envelope. She squealed and clapped with glee.

2011 is

"The Year of the Rabbit"

Those born in the "Year of the Rabbit"

are said to be ambitious, articulate, and talented.

Ann Estelle has prepared a little tasting plate.

~Chinese Orange Chicken and Fried Rice~

It's both sweet and spicy.

A nice compliment to a bowl of steaming Egg Drop Soup. Traditionally this soup is served at the end of the fifteen day celebration. The ribbons of eggs in this tasty soup will warm you on this cold winter day.