leaf on fire

I spotted this little beauty in the woods during a walk that started with me walking determinedly through a haze of rain, and ended with me almost skipping in sunshine.

January is a difficult month because there are very few signs of renewal – apart from the very early flowers – and there’s not much evidence of the incremental gain in the length of the day. Plus, the weather… well, it’s challenging.

Yet, a dead leaf on the ground can become a chiaroscuro bonfire when hit by unexpected sunshine.

I treasure these sudden glories in winter, especially the ones fashioned from everyday material.