Winter in Illinois can challenge a person to look a little harder for nature’s beauty. Luckily, I got to see and photograph this sunset.
A walk in the timber, overlooking the Kaskaskia River, rarely disappoints, too.
Plus, the energy exerted climbing these hills is good therapy!
I love Sycamore trees, too. I wish the old trees in this timber could tell me their stories.
Then, I had that feeling … of someone watching … Look closely; do you see the gnarled, old man – giving this tree quite a human appearance?
I believe his silence speaks volumes of wisdom. I read a quote on Pinterest once that stayed with me:
Wisdom is silent – insecurities are loud.
Except for this guy:
His loudness is not insecurity. His is Happy-ness! Ever alert and watchful. Smarter than he may appear. 
For this Friday, friends, I hope you find peace and winter’s beauty.
Just Make the Coffee 
Spectacular keep up the great work
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you! Timber walks are good for the soul.
Yes I agree twith above….I LOVE the photos. I was born in Chicago area but on farms west of Chicago in Lombard…—I love the Sycamores wow so beautiful and the OLD MAN lovely…thank you for posting the beauty of Illinois..it is a magical state I call HOME..thank you Marla and love that HAPPINESS GUY HEEEE HAWWW please keep posting love your thoughts too.xox Merri
Thanks, Merri! Illinois probably isn’t always considered a beautiful state … but it is full of beauty!
Beautiful! You are an artist with pics and a poet with words.
Too kind! Luckily, I have had good inspiration.
Janet Kensil said it all and said it best!
Awwwww, shucks! Thank you… but I’m still jealous of your cherry tomatoes!
As usual, love all your photos. We had the most amazing sunset this evening. Sadly, I was “in the city” and couldn’t get a good picture!
At least you took time to observe and appreciate it. 🙂
Fun shots my friend. Great work. Love the old man in the tree and your happy boy.
I am starting to get spring fever! I hear Houston has been quite warm.
We’ve been in the high 70’s. I think we had two days of below freezing temps around Christmas. The bugs we will have here soon will be epic.
Ugh …. yeah, with the good comes the bad.
Wonderful post .. beautiful images!
Thank you – nature always provides!
What a fiery sunset! I like the walk among the timbers, will be glad when I can get out there again. Great pics of Happy!
Thanks, Patti! Timber walks are so good for a person in so many ways…. 🙂