Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Being Awfully Hopeful and Critters we Love

Happy morning to you all please enjoy some recent activities where I feel alive in the moment, something we can all use. No gigantic lofty goals, like these snow sculptures. Aren't they incredible at what they can create for us?




"Good habits are the basic tools that will determine 
whether you are a tortoise or hare in life!"
Lucas Remmerswaal




You may have guessed these two continue to draw me in. Maybe because they both woke up with determination and stand asleep with satisfaction because they know every single moment counts.
(Their life span is much like Frosty the Snowman.)


However difficult life may seem at times
 there is always something you can do and succeed at.







These next photos are from my last weekend off at the Stillwater World Snow Celebration. 


Welcome to 

SATURDAY'S CRITTERS 

and posting to City Daily Photo




"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."

Chinese Proverb






Hope is the powerpack that sustains you through the ups and downs of whatever you're pursuing and there's so much that can happen in being hopeful.




The Importance of Intention
Explore the paths that bring you joy.






 





"The man without purpose is like a ship without a rudder."



Explore the places that bring you joy.



and now for a few evening views.




Not just finding, but truly feeling the meaning in the small, 
everyday moments that light you up. We all have them.










Joy is not in the things, it's in us, all along.




View from Frontenac State Park
Many trails to hike that overlook Lake Pepin, meander through restored prairies or take you to the shores of the Mississippi River. 

Recall your memories, as you create more memories to recall. 




I mean is that a face of pure "love me please 

and did you bring treats too?"


"To be Hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness, and I may add a flag that still stands.


"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided."

J.K. Rowlings



"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." J.K. Rowling

A fishy moment below. Yep, it's another statue that was on display in Red Wing, Minnesota. 



He appears to be in flight, in midair. But think again....



Next post I'll share photos from my trip yesterday

 (Saturday February 7th)

 to The Art Shanty Projects on Lake Harriet!

The frozen water was 21 3/4 thick so a perfect day to set out on the ice.





Yes, water always calls to me. Over here I am. 
 
"I dream. Sometimes I think that's the only right thing to do."
Haruki Murakami







Another "feels good" memory. I sent this package to my daughter and her family, and Sparkle always makes a special deal out of it. (Okay she also knows there will be treats inside.

Remember it's a privilege to be loved by an animal.



One day teaches the other. Proverb




Free parking!




No waiting!







Success is Following the Pattern of Life one Enjoys Most.

What do you enjoy?




Meet Booker one of Wild Rumpus Book Store's charming pets.

"Being awfully hopeful is a powerful trait that can significantly impact one's mental and physical well-being. It is not just wishful thinking; it is a belief that you can overcome adversity and persevere, leading to success." 

I want to add, leading to the success you desire.



Turn Your Wounds around. 

Wisdom comes from your heart and soul.

Thank you for your wisdom, thoughts and maybe a vent, if necessary, in my comments.

Venting is so good for the soul. Even if you type or write it out and then toss it in your bonfire for more warmth. 

and take good care of you,

12 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello Karen,
I love seeing all the snow sculptures, it is amazing at the creativity of the artists. I like your quotes about joy and hope, we do all have this feelings. More joy please. The llama is cute, one of grandsons has a stuffed llama he carries around, he loves that stuffed animal. Pretty peacock, cute doggies and kitties and great photos. Keep staying positive and happy! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great week ahead. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment!

21 Wits said...

Thank you, Eileen, for stopping in and I'm headed out here soon to capture some more joy I know it's out there waiting.

Villrose said...

Impressing sculptures!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Hi Karen, I absolutely love all the snow sculptures! And being an animal lover as well, I love seeing the dog, the cat and the llama!
I love Winter and snow, and I enjoy seeing others enjoy it rather than complain about it, and the sculptures are a perfect example of this.
Thank you so much for sharing, I am so happy to see all these lovely photos!

Shiju Sugunan said...

Those ice sculptures are stunning!

Jeff said...

Those snow sculptures are incredible. I need to make a winter visit to Minnesota to experience that, all that work that's gone before spring.

RedPat said...

The snow sculptures are wonderful. I love how the shadows highlight the details, Karen.
Is that your neighbourhood peacock?

Anonymous said...

Again great posts reminding us of the silver linings in clouds. Frontenac park and town hold great memories for me.You ask what makes happy....water, frozen or not. There is just magic in it for me.
You think we have winter beat? Not beat but some of the best winter weather ahead. Thanks for the inspiration.

Hena Tayeb said...

Wow.. those snow sculptures are simply amazing!

Veronica Lee said...

The sculptures are amazing!
Love the uplifting quotes and the joy you share through the critters and photos.
Thanks for spreading positivity and beauty--made me smile today!

Debbie said...

i wish that someone in the "not too far away area", would put together something like this, i would love to attended. it was a "balmy 48 degrees" here today!! i'm glad we were able to get out today. and enjoy the warmer weather!! enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

Linda said...

The snow sculptures are just incredible. I guess snow is a good material for sculpting, but the idea that it’s just going to melt soon makes me wonder why people put in so much effort. I guess they really enjoy it, and perhaps knowing that it is temporary takes off some of the pressure to be perfect.