Saturday, December 12, 2015

Within That Gentle Light

On Hanukkah, the first dark night,
Light yourself a candle bright.
I'll you, if you will me invite
To dance within that gentle light.
~ Nicholas Gordon


I will be visiting family for a couple of days while my sweet neighbour, Carol keeps an eye on my furry boy, Zephyr. This will be his first time alone – ever. He's always had at least our dear Skitty to keep him company. I'm a bit worried about him because he's still very noticeably grieving for his brother, though he's much improved from the first few weeks after Skittles' passing. I'm hoping my absence won't set him back. Right now, he's snoring away behind me as I type.

For each of the first six nights of Hanukkah, I've been posting a few staged menorah photos on Facebook. Since I'm not really prepared with anything else, I'll post those here. And hopefully, next year I can get all eight days.


first night
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. ~ Buddha




second night
My family wasn't very religious; on Hanukkah, they had a menorah on a dimmer ~ Richard Lewis




the third night
A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light. ~ Moshe Davis




fourth night
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it "Christmas" and went to church; the Jews called it "Hanukkah" and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Hanukkah!" or to the atheists "Look out for the wall!" ~ Dave Barry





fifth night
May the lights of Hanukkah usher in a better world for all humankind. ~ Unknown




sixth night
Most Texans think Hanukkah is some sort of duck call. ~ Richard Lewis

More photos coming up before too long.

46 comments:

Mandy said...

What beautiful photos! Happy Hannukah!

Gary's third pottery blog said...

What a wonderful series :)

ADRIAN said...

These are beautiful.

Out on the prairie said...

Very nicely portrayed. I have been looking for matza meal for weeks and unable to find it in my travels. They were assembling a lego menorah when I was in Tucson. I am leaving Germany today.I will be in hotels all month.Love the Dave Berry quote, he always has made me smile. Happy holidays!

Bob Bushell said...

Pretty candles, fabulous images Hilary.

Theresa said...

Have a wonderful time with family! Beautiful photos. Maybe a radio left softly on a classical station for a bit of company will help Zephyr and of course, some recently worn item to curl up on.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, dear Hilary!

I hope your fur baby, Zephyr, will remain calm during your brief absence. Our animals become very attached to us and us to them. I am not on Facebook and therefore appreciate the words and pictures you share on your blog, including the beautiful images in this post. When I was a boy I looked forward to attending the annual Christmas Eve candlelight service at our church. It is a powerful metaphor to watch darkness dissipate and light fill the great room when the flame of a single candle is shared with another and another.

Happy holidays to you, dear friend Hilary!

Shammickite said...

I love the Dave Barry quote, he's so funny! Lovely Hannukah photos, Hilary, specially with the decorated tree in the hazy background. I don't do anything on facebook so I am glad that you showed the photos here.

Shammickite said...

On your visit to family, any chance you'll be travelling near S'ffville?

DJan said...

Beautiful! We need to become Facebook friends, but since I don't know your last name, I'll ask you to send me a friend request. I'm easy to find at djanstewart (there aren't any others, I don't think) in Bellingham. :-)

messymimi said...

The menorah is such a beautiful tradition, i'm glad you keep it so well.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

pretty shots. :O)

Anvilcloud said...

A nice tradition that. Catholics have advent candles and Protestants have ...

Kat said...

What gorgeous photos. So peaceful.
Wishing you a very happy and blessed Hanukkah!


-Love that Dave Berry quote. He always cracks me up. :)

TexWisGirl said...

laughing at that last quote. :) loved your sweet photos. may you and yours be blessed through this season and most surely in the next year!

Kaye Waller said...

I admit that I grew up knowing nothing about Hanukkah. I come from a tiny Danish Lutheran village in California where I as a Celt was the minority. Since then I've learned much about the world and I think Hanukkah is one of the most beautiful holidays. Your photos are gorgeous--as always!--but these are especially heartwarming. Have a wonderful visit, Hilary. I have a feeling your kitty will be fine!

thecrazysheeplady said...

Lovely post. Thank you.

Leah J. Utas said...

How very beautiful.

Rita said...

I hope Zephyr will be okay. I know you will think of him and he'll probably be just fine...but I would worry, too. ;) Lovely pics of the menorah and sweet (and funny) quotes. Enjoy your time away!! :)

Red said...

Great hots and quotes about Hanukkah and the lighting of candles.

Barb said...

Your menorah photos cast a pretty light - Happy Hanukkah. Enjoy your time with family.

Jackie said...

Absolutely gorgeous photos, as always...
Hoping that your fur baby will be just fine in your absence. Sending extra prayers for Zephyr.
Hugs to you, Hilary....
Jackie

A Cuban In London said...

Stunning photos. Happy Hanukkah! :-)

Greetings from London.

stephen Hayes said...

Beautiful photographs, and I love the quotes accompanying them.

yaya said...

So beautiful! I feel the warmth of the lights right through the photos...Happy Hanukkah!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I'm sure Zephyr will do all right under Neighbor Carol's care. Of course, he might not speak to you when you return. :) The photos are stellar. Love the last quote.

Indrani said...

Such a beautiful subject to photograph!
Great series.

Karen said...

Happy Hanukkah Hilary!
Hope we can get together sometime in the New Year IF I get down for my Sis' birthday, that is! Driving through the hills of Maynooth in winter makes me rather anxious. (Justifiably, a story I'll tell some day!)

ellen abbott said...

love the fan and the coffee pot? tea pot? I always liked Hannukah because of the candles, not the theology so much. in fact I have left all theology behind. I don't light candles anymore. same as I quit putting up a christmas tree when I left that theology behind. I like the whole winter solstice/return of the light and if I was someone who indulged in ritual, that would be the holiday for me.

Tabor said...

I was very blessed once to be invited to my neighbors house for Hannukah dinner. I wish that would happen again as I am ready for another meaningful evening.

Catherine said...

There is something spiritual about the act of lighting a candle and I love the quote about many candles being lit from a single flame.

Daryl said...

probably too late to do but you can always leave a t-shirt or pjs that you've worn recently with Zeph to remind him of you while you are away .. when our late Rosie was in hospital i brought her my sleep t-shirt to keep her company ... in fact when she passed we buried her with it ...

sage said...

Wonderful photos--although I'm not Jewish, I do have menorah and one evening during the season will light the candles--I'll have to do a photo! Menorah's can be so pretty.

William Kendall said...

Lovely photos. The quotes brought out a smile and a laugh!

Wendy said...

Beautifully portrayed, Hilary! Your photos are lovely and I hope you enjoy your time away. Think your furry friend will be just fine.
Hugs,

Becca said...

I love your Chanukah pictures and the quotes to go with them! I need to take prettier pictures during Chanukah next year!

Mage said...

I love Dave Berry. I love these photographs too. Happy Hanukkah to you. :)

Anonymous said...

Lovely shots! We all need some gentle light.

Maggie May said...

Beautiful candle studies.
Happy Hannukkah. Enjoy being with family and I hope your little cat will be fine. They are more resilient than we think.
Maggie x

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Chuckling over the Dave Barry quote. Enjoyed your photos. Eager to try some candlelight photography. Safe travels.

Haddock said...

Love the picture of the seven candles.

Ruby said...

Happy Hanukkah Hilary!

Unknown said...

Nicely done...beautiful! :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful Series of Candles, Lovely post!!

Best wishes,
Maggie

Jenn Jilks said...

They are beautiful! Amazing photos. I should take some lessons!
Happy Hannukkah!

Betty Manousos said...

happy belated hannukah!love love love love that gorgeous bokeh! excellent shots!