I took a short video of spot billed ducks standing on rocks in a fast running stream. The cold was biting, even for a quick walk. They stayed balanced while the water pushed hard past their feet. They dipped only their heads under the surface to forage. Below the surface, their bills flicked and swept quickly as they searched. The current kept the water shimmering and restless around the stones. Watching them in that harsh cold felt both tough and beautiful.
A woman stands in profile against warm blocks of ochre, clay, and dusk. Her hair is gathered into a neat knot, and a single gold earring catches the light. Leaf motifs rise around her, repeating softly like a pattern of growth. The background shifts between deep charcoal and muted amber, holding the scene steady. Shapes overlap in clean layers, giving the space a quiet structure. The palette stays warm but restrained, more grounded than bright.
ITAP from today of a great egret and little egrets by a stream that had mostly frozen over. Even at midday, it was still below zero. Most of the water was locked in ice, but that spot seemed to stay just barely open. Maybe it was the sunlight that reached it and kept it from freezing solid. A great egret stands tall on the stones, motionless, as if saving heat on purpose. Nearby, the little egrets tuck themselves into tight white shapes, letting the warmth reach only one side. In that small pocket of sun, they wait out the cold.
Under a sky alive with swirling galaxies, a riverside campsite glows with color. A campfire burns bright, turning the cold air welcoming. Tall pines stand in silhouette, framing the scene. The river mirrors the firelight and the neon constellations above, stitching warmth into the water. Tents rest along the bank, small and brave against the vast night. The whole palette feels like a dream you can almost hear, crackling and humming at once.
ITAP of a great egret resting in the cold, head tucked away and body folded into itself. One thin leg holds steady while the other disappears into warmth. Winter reeds stand dry and pale around it, whispering in the wind. The rough, straw colored bank makes the egret’s white feathers glow even more. Rest like this feels like its own kind of strength. I found myself hoping the cold passes quickly for it.
The sun sits low over a calm sea, casting a path of gold across the water. Soft blues and blush pinks melt together, turning the horizon into a quiet breath. The layered texture makes the light feel almost touchable. Along the edge, pale sheets of ice drift like broken pieces of winter. Even in the cold, the reflection feels warm and steady. The whole scene holds that space between day and night as they trade places. It leaves a gentle hope that warmth always finds its way back.
Happy Monday everyone! Just checked my Neynar Score and it’s 0.99. Thank you for all the love and support here. Wishing you a bright happy week from start to finish. Let’s make this week a good one.
ITAP of a heron keeping watch beside a frozen stream. The ice is pale and quiet, beautiful in a way that also feels a little cruel. Dry reeds sway nearby, brushing the cold air with gold. The heron stands perfectly still, as if listening to the creek beneath the frozen skin. Watching it made my chest ache a little, so lovely, so pitiful, and somehow so admirable.
Soft pastel skies stretch wide, with clouds glowing like warm cream. A mint-green river winds gently through the fields, quiet and unhurried. Patches of peach, gold, and rose layer the land like a quilt of light. Two slender trees stand on the left, anchoring the scene with calm grace. Wild grasses and delicate blooms scatter in the foreground, adding a playful touch.
ITAP on a snowy night along the walking path. Snow kept falling, soft and steady. The branches held little caps of white. Warm streetlights shimmered through the scene like gold. The creek ran dark beneath a thin skin of ice. Everything felt quiet, but the cold was sharp. I stood there for a moment and watched the night grow deeper.
Soft clouds drift across a wide blue sky, tinted with gentle pink. A river curves through the landscape like a calm ribbon. Bright fields of yellow, rose, and green stretch out in bold patches of color. The whole scene feels airy and bright, like a daydream you can step into. Trees dot the horizon, adding rhythm and balance to the scene. The water holds a deep blue that cools the warmth around it. Everything feels open and quietly joyful.
ITAP from my walk in the snow. After a while, the snowfall paused for a moment. The creek was slowly freezing over in the biting cold. Streetlights spilled gold across the ice and made the surface shimmer. Three mallards stood still on the snow dusted ice, saving their warmth. The cold air made the silence feel even deeper.
A sunlit wall glows in a vivid orange, making the whole scene feel warm. She sits quietly in the shade with a cup of coffee, taking a short break. The simple table and empty chair add a sense of ease to the space. Her yellow dress echoes the wall, while the cool green door balances the heat.
ITAP of a white egret lifting off from the river. I took this photo at lunch today. The weather was below freezing, and the air felt sharp against my face. The egret’s wings almost looked like they were glowing over the dark water. I’ve always loved birds, and moments like this make me stop and watch. The whole scene felt quiet and clear, like winter holding its breath. I hope this cold spell passes soon so the stray cats and wildlife can be a little more comfortable.
He sits on the edge of a stone ledge, letting the path ahead speak first. Hot reds surge through the garden like a bold heartbeat, and electric blues answer back in cool calm. The sky is washed clean, turning the whole scene into a bright, open daydream. His white shirt and hat stand out quietly against all that color. Leaves and grasses crowd in close, as if they are gently keeping him company.
I T A P
After lunch, I took a walk and spotted a heron standing quietly by the water. The air was sharp and clean at -10 C, and a thin layer of ice had formed along the edge. Everything felt hushed, like the world had turned the volume down. The river moved slowly beneath that fragile sheen, catching light like pale glass. The heron stayed perfectly still, feathers drawn tight against the cold.
An open window holds the city like a quiet frame. The yellow wall keeps a gentle warmth in the room, even before the day fully begins. Soft blue and gray rooftops stretch into the distance and settle the scene. I wanted the small cup on the sill to leave behind a hint of an unhurried, easy moment.
This was my lunch today. A friend had an errand near my office, so we met up and ate together. It felt like a little pause in the middle of a busy day. Everything tasted extra good because I had company. We took our time and caught up between bites. It made the afternoon feel a little lighter.
The emerald river curves softly through the trees, and willow branches fall like curtains, making the whole place feel hushed and dreamlike. Along the bank, a sweep of golden flowers glows in the light, while gentle reflections and lily pads slow the world to a calm drift. A lone figure resting at the edge adds a quiet human warmth. Teal and gold breathe together in a beauty that simply lingers.
Her eyes are closed, but her face feels fully awake. Both hands frame her cheeks as if she’s holding herself together. The expression is tender and fragile, like she’s one breath away from tears. Soft light gathers on her skin, making the moment feel almost weightless. The dark background keeps everything intimate, pulling you closer to her quiet ache.
