On Christmas afternoon, we go for a walk, rain or shine. In Seattle, that usually means rain.
One of our favorite destinations is the duck pond a couple blocks from our house.
We had a green wet Christmas…
… at the end of a green wet December.
But we didn’t mind a few puddles, and neither did the ducks. They reflect the sky and light up the forest floor.
The forest was showing off its Christmas colors.
The sun never came out, but orange streetlights lit up the raindrops in the tree branches.
There was even enough light cast by the streetlight to take a shadow portrait.
Our afternoon walk turned into a night walk when we decided to go to the top of the ridge to watch the moonrise from our favorite overlook.
I love night walks. Everything is illuminated. Light and color are everywhere.
It was interesting to note how people decorated for the holidays. From this…
To this…
And everything in between.
The moon looked like a giant Christmas bauble in the sky.
But the lights on the ferry were as pretty as any I saw that night.
And the wet pavement reflected the streetlights,paving our streets with gold.
Maybe that’s why we’ve never bothered to decorate the outside of our house. I doubt we could improve upon the job Ma Nature has done. But the inside story is different. It is there that we like to let our little lights shine.
All words and images c2013 Naomi Baltuck
Click here for more interpretations of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination.
So beautiful even with all the rain.:) You are a wonderful photographer!! hugs and love (((xx)))
By: lenwilliamscarver on January 12, 2013
at 9:08 am
Dear Len,
Thank you for a very generous comment.
With love,
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:59 pm
Great photos. Nice boots!
By: empressnasigoreng on January 12, 2013
at 9:35 am
My sister in Juneau, Alaska brought those down. She calls them “Juneau Tennies.” They get a lot of use in this climate!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:58 pm
You have some great shots here.
By: 12kilroy on January 12, 2013
at 9:36 am
Thank you! Sometimes I let content take precedence over the quality of a photo, because the story’s the thing. But sometimes I get lucky!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:57 pm
[...] Everything is Illuminated « Writing Between the Lines [...]
By: Weekly Photo Challenge-Illumination « KnowledgeKnut on January 12, 2013
at 10:06 am
I must set plans in motion to head west soon
if it was not floating the water was lapping the sides pretty close to me 
Miss WA and all my weekly visits and GODFATHERS PIZZA
I even crossed what looked like a floating bridge in a rig one day ex wanted to know where I was and how did we he there
By: nutsfortreasure on January 12, 2013
at 10:10 am
I remember my mom calling everyone’s attention to the Mercer Island Bridge as we crossed it when visiting here from Michigan. “Look, kids–a FLOATING bridge!” There’s another one crossing over Hood Canal. I still think it’s cool.
Many of the Godfather’s Pizza places are out of business, but you could still find three in the metropolitan area, if you come.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:54 pm
Cool so I was not crazy
I wouldn’t eat anything but breakfast as I came across through ID on my way to get motel and pick up a Pizza there was one close to the Motel 6 25+years ago I would run into I do not know how I lived
I would turn TV on turn down sound then leave pizza on top of warm tv all night while I slept 
By: nutsfortreasure on January 12, 2013
at 7:03 pm
In the days before microwaves, that would be a clever alternative to cold pizza for breakfast!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 7:08 pm
By: nutsfortreasure on January 12, 2013
at 7:10 pm
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 7:11 pm
Those naughty Mallard ducks turn up everywhere. I had to have a permit to keep some as they mate indiscrimately with the indigenous wild ducks. Can’t say that the permit made any difference. (?)
By: footsy2 on January 12, 2013
at 10:17 am
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:50 pm
Naomi, that’s a gorgeous post, full of memorable images of your magical Christmas Day/Evening walk. I particularly loved the tiny golden raindrops on the trees cast by the streetlights.
By: The Wanderlust Gene on January 12, 2013
at 10:27 am
Thank you, Meredith. It is so interesting to see which of a series of photographs appeals to different people! I appreciate your visit, and the time you took to share your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:49 pm
Hi,
Nice photos, some lovely Christmas lights, and what a lovely area the duck pond seems to be in.
By: magsx2 on January 12, 2013
at 10:56 am
Hi Mags,
It’s a little oasis of trees and water, with our own resident Great Blue Heron. We go there often–and there is the added bonus of a great coffee shop just a few blocks on the other side of it! Thanks so much for stopping by!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:48 pm
I used to hike all over Seattle when I lived there. IT is the best spot for hiking!
By: JasmineKyleSings on January 12, 2013
at 12:46 pm
There are some pretty nice urban trails, and it doesn’t take long to get to some nice trailheads int he country.
When were you here in Seattle? Where did you go?
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:38 pm
I went to AI. I lived on Alki, West Seattle and off Elliot! We would hike ALL OVER!! It was a blast I made great friends and learned SOOOO much at school. BUT I was horribly poor and the 4 grey walls was to much for me in the end!
By: JasmineKyleSings on January 12, 2013
at 11:48 pm
It really does get to some people. I tend not to notice the gray or care too much about the wet, and I never carry an umbrella. Alki is a really wonderful place to live–so close tot he water, but with a pleasantly insular feeling.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 11:51 pm
Yes and a moving summer atmosphere! Loved it!!!
By: JasmineKyleSings on January 12, 2013
at 11:57 pm
Everything is so green, and it looks like it must be warm.
By: T. W. Dittmer on January 12, 2013
at 1:09 pm
We have a pretty temperate climate here. It doesn’t often get cold enough for snow, and the mountains keep the ocean’s moisture from escaping so it is very green. I can imagine living elsewhere, but I wouldn’t want to.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:36 pm
You’re not alone in a walk on a wet and rainy Xmas afternoon – Dad usually takes us on a route march to a neighbouring old cemetery as one my nieces loves reading the inscriptions on the old mausoleums.
By: crazytraintotinkytown on January 12, 2013
at 1:36 pm
That is so cool! We often find ourselves in old cemeteries, reading tombstones and trying to piece together the stories written in the stone.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:33 pm
Some beautiful Christmas lights.
By: Colline on January 12, 2013
at 2:18 pm
Thank you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:31 pm
Took a night hike sans flashlights in the Shawnee National Forest and was surprised at how many bio-luminescent critters there were to light the way!
By: scillagrace on January 12, 2013
at 3:20 pm
That would be wonderful, Scilla! It must be too cold and wet out here for fireflies, but they are one of the most magical and wonderful creatures to share the night with. I do miss them.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:30 pm
Not just fireflies, but crawling worms and centipede type thingies! One was slithering away from our campfire leaving a vapor trail a foot long!
By: scillagrace on January 12, 2013
at 7:11 pm
Wow! That is beyond my ken! I remember leaning over a bridge in the Florida Keys and seeing creatures glowing beneath the water.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 7:16 pm
Maybe we all glow when we’re in the right place!
By: scillagrace on January 12, 2013
at 7:44 pm
I love it!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 7:45 pm
Illumination and reflection, terrific combination. I especially like the line into the woods!
By: rutheh on January 12, 2013
at 4:51 pm
Thank you, Ruth. It felt a little like setting off into the jungle with Clutch Cargo and his pals, Spinner and Paddlefoot! I so appreciate your visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:26 pm
What a great post – I’m glad you used this for the challenge. I loved the trees reflecting in the water, but my favorite is a toss-up of your daughter smiling at the camera or the self-portrait shadows. I’m glad I could spend a few minutes walking with you!
Nancy
By: dogear6 on January 12, 2013
at 4:54 pm
Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much! You have started my day with a smile!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:22 pm
wonderful walking with you in this light Naomi – that third image down is so evocative
By: laura@eljaygee on January 12, 2013
at 5:02 pm
Thank you, Laura. I’s a little unreal to have such a primeval spot hidden away in our little neighborhood, but we love to go there and see it in all its moods (and ours!) Thank you for coming out to play!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 6:25 pm
We had ourselves a cold, snowy Christmas in NH. Love your pics.
By: 4amWriter on January 12, 2013
at 7:48 pm
Thanks. I hope your New Year is going well.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 7:49 pm
I always enjoy your pictures
By: nymuse88 on January 12, 2013
at 8:21 pm
Thank you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 9:57 pm
You have proven that even rain can be more than vet – wonderful warm photos.
By: viveka on January 12, 2013
at 8:36 pm
I appreciate your visit, and taking the time to comment! I hope your New Year is going well.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 9:57 pm
My pleasure … ‘smile
By: viveka on January 12, 2013
at 10:01 pm
What gorgeous rainy pics, Naomi. Who would have thought that a rainy winter’s afternoon could be so photogenic? I love the shadow portrait and the one of your daughter in her rain boots. I would imagine they are essential footwear to own in Seattle.
By: adinparadise on January 12, 2013
at 9:15 pm
Oh, yes! She had a pair of rain boots with dragons on that she wore into the ground. Thank you for visiting. It is always good to hear from you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 9:59 pm
Thank you for taking us on your walk. Great fun and I can smell the moisture.
By: Pat on January 12, 2013
at 11:52 pm
Thank you for coming by, Pat!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 12, 2013
at 11:56 pm
You do have the indoors bedecked with light, looks great. Thanks for taking us on the walk to the duck pond and sharing your illuminations. Good eye!
We have the same decoration extremes here.
By: pattisj on January 13, 2013
at 12:16 am
Hah! Thank you for making me smile!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 1:39 am
P.S. Did I mention that you can never have too many twinkle lights in your living room?
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 1:39 am
What a wonderful and colorful walk! Thanks for letting me tag along ♥
By: stuffitellmysister on January 13, 2013
at 1:32 am
Thanks for coming, Paula!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 1:40 am
What a pleasant walk! Wonderful illuminations.
By: Amy on January 13, 2013
at 2:33 am
Thank you, Amy!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 5:36 am
Beautiful images, Naomi…
By: Bams Triwoko on January 13, 2013
at 3:16 am
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your visit, and your taking the time to comment.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 5:36 am
[...] Everything is Illuminated « Writing Between the Lines [...]
By: Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, 'Illumination']. « 3rdculturechildren on January 13, 2013
at 3:46 am
[...] Everything is Illuminated « Writing Between the Lines [...]
By: Weekly Photo Challenge Lights | Weekly Photo Challenge on January 13, 2013
at 5:49 am
I like the photo of the duck on the pond. It seems very calm. And also the ferry.
By: Zen on January 13, 2013
at 7:18 am
Thank you! I love watching the ferries come and go. Someday I will have to do a proper post on them.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 5:22 pm
the lights on the ferry!!!
By: frizztext on January 13, 2013
at 4:35 pm
Thank you, Frizz. I love having the ferry dock at the foot of our hill. Sometimes we hop on and go back and forth, just to be on the water.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 5:23 pm
I miss Seattle. Here in northeast FL we have but two seasons: Hot and Hotter. Today the temp got up to 81, if you can believe it. It’s supposed to be back down into the 60s some time next week. And the cycle begins again. Hot one day, cool the next, warm the next, down right cold the next three days, then an up swing again. This is a FL winter.
By: makergoddess on January 13, 2013
at 7:05 pm
I am a sweater-weather person, and hot weather just makes me wilt. I know some people are affected by the rain and gray skies, but it doesn’t seem to bother me. But Florida is a very interesting place–like a foreign country, with a different eco-system–all the tropical flora and fauna.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 7:09 pm
I love night shots–sounds like an awesome walk.
By: Kourtney Heintz on January 13, 2013
at 7:31 pm
It was quiet, and gently illuminating! Thanks for stoping by, Kourtney.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 13, 2013
at 7:32 pm
I can relate to what you mean by your being a “sweater-weather person”. Heat makes me long for Mole’s subterranean house. But in the photo essay of your walk what I saw was the kind of family warmth you bring to all of life, Naomi, and there’s never too much of that kind of warmth.
By: Cathryn Wellner on January 14, 2013
at 12:09 am
Dear Cathryn,
Thank you for one of the sweetest comments ever! It is always so good to hear from you.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 20, 2013
at 9:58 pm
Beautiful pictures, a really nice walk.
By: Román Emin on January 14, 2013
at 3:06 am
Thank you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 16, 2013
at 7:33 am
What a wonderful tradition–that’s the important part of Christmas for me–family traditions and being with loved ones. And I love the rain and cold weather.
By: TBM on January 14, 2013
at 10:51 am
Thank you for stopping by. I hope your New Year is going well!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 14, 2013
at 3:42 pm
great photos
By: Miss P on January 14, 2013
at 5:44 pm
Thank you, Miss P!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 20, 2013
at 9:58 pm
Finding art in everyday life gives me goosebumps. A most wonderful and totally unexpected gift!! I know you understand exactly what I’m saying. Hope the world opens up for you today and every day, Nikki
By: i mayfly on January 14, 2013
at 6:14 pm
Dear Nikki,
I know exactly what you are saying. I love to pull photos out from here and there, but it is even more of a challenge to look around and recognize the beauty that surrounds you. Some people say that a camera gets between you and the world, but I love having it there to help me capture it and take it home and share it. Thank you so much, Nikki, for understanding.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 20, 2013
at 10:02 pm
What a fun adventure you all had! Your pictures are really beautiful and show how nice it is to be outdoors…
By: megtraveling on January 14, 2013
at 9:15 pm
Hi Meg,
Every season in any weather has its own appeal. You can’t be afraid of a little rain here in the Pacific Northwest, or you would never make it out the door! Thanks so much for your visit. Best wishes for the new year!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 20, 2013
at 10:12 pm
These night views are really something, Naomi.
I’ve always thought the rain in Seattle rather nice.
By: Jamie Dedes on January 15, 2013
at 3:47 am
I kind of like it too, Jamie. I am not so much affected by the weather. I think it’s because I am at heart a homebody, and don’t mind getting wet, and then getting warm and cozy inside. Or maybe I have so much going on in my head. I would not be at all surprised if that were true for you. Your mind is probably always full of images, phrases, and mulling over lovely combinations of words to express them.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 15, 2013
at 4:23 am
Yes! That’s true of me too …
By: Jamie Dedes on January 15, 2013
at 6:57 am
Very nice colorful post!
By: Pablo Buitrago on January 16, 2013
at 3:16 pm
Thanks, Pablo. I am hoping you will start posting again. Any chance of that? How is school going? Best wishes!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 16, 2013
at 3:36 pm
Great post, now I think I’ll go for an evening stroll…
By: maggiemyklebust on January 19, 2013
at 9:34 am
Thanks for stopping by, Maggie. Your winter world is so lovely. But bundle up!
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 20, 2013
at 10:03 pm
What a wonderful – and inspiring – Christmas tradition Naomi
Love those lit up raindrops on the branches and the reflection in the puddle.
By: Madhu on January 19, 2013
at 5:40 pm
Thank you, Madhu. I appreciate your visit, and am always interested in knowing which photos appeal most. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 20, 2013
at 10:06 pm
Great shots!!!
By: Rexlin Victor on January 24, 2013
at 3:44 am
Thank you, Rexlin. I’ve been enjoying exploring your blog too.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 24, 2013
at 6:04 am
Looks like you have a great, adventuruous Christmas. Lights does make a lot of difference during this season. they brighten up our spirits and makes us trully merry. Great shots!
By: Island Traveler on January 24, 2013
at 10:08 am
Hi Naomi, Dordogn information:
1. Website: http://www.northofthedordogne.com/
2. Travel: Dordogne is protected, so it’s inaccessible as other regions. If you take train, you’ll need to stop somewhere for overnight and get on another train (local slow train) the next day and no connection on the same day, for example. Check the Euro train site.
3. Staying: We stayed in Sarlat, but there are other towns are recommended by the website above.
4. Travel information (TI): Sarlat has a nice tourist info where you can arrange your own tours there, such a canoeing and hiking. English-speaking staff.
5. Hotels: La Villa des Consuls and Hotel de la Madeleine, and Hotel de Selves. website has more. The one we stayed was a further from the town, not very convenient to get to restaurants and TI for example.
If you need anything else, let me know.
Later, Amy
By: Amy on January 27, 2013
at 1:45 pm
Thank you so much, Amy! I’ll look this up.
By: Naomi Baltuck on January 27, 2013
at 5:50 pm
[...] Writing Between the Lines http://naomibaltuck.wordpress.com/ [...]
By: A Nomination from the Wayward Journey « Micheline's Blog on February 4, 2013
at 10:34 pm
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By: A Nomination from Micheline’s Blog « Micheline's Blog on February 5, 2013
at 12:31 am
Thank you so much for this honor, Micheline!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 5, 2013
at 1:18 am