Here in the Northern Hemisphere, last night was the longest night of the year and today is the first day of winter. For me, this time of year is one when I spend way too much time indoors at the computer – and nowhere nearly enough time outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature. Something about the cold, the snow and not very many flowers to photograph!!

Winter can also be a very peaceful time to spend time in nature. When I’ve spent time at Chincoteague or in the Smokies at this time of year, it’s so quiet that I feel like I have the place to myself. It’s a wonderful time to see familiar places in a completely new way.

To share the incredible beauty and sense of peace that I find in nature at all times of the year, I’ve created a new video – Peaceful Beauty – for you. It features some of the amazing sites I’ve seen in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges in the past few years. The soundtrack for the video is Pamela Bruner’s “Dona Nobis Pacem” from her On Christmas Morn CD.

As 2011 comes to a close, my hope is that you have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.

Take care,