First off this week, I have to disagree with one of the quotes Tina used in her post (link at the bottom). The quote stated that all noise is “waste”. In my opinion, it depends on how you define “noise”. Is the soft plashing of a creek considered noise? Or is it a pleasant, relaxing sound that you seek out for its calming qualities? You be the judge. The sound of this shallow, no-bank creek in South Dakota was very calming, and I found its surroundings very beautiful too. I sure didn’t consider it “waste”.

Even the thumbnail frame for the video is beautiful and quiet.

This past weekend, our Japanese Maples in the back yard turned from dark maroon to bright red. They do this every year, not before November 1. It’s quite remarkable.

Not a breath of wind disturbed the delicate leaves. I do have to hand it to my husband, who went out in the yard and picked off all the big leaves that fell onto it from the vine maple not far away in the yard!

While I sit on my bed and read, Kikyo silently gives me the “look”.

The stands of bamboo on either side of the walkway in the Japanese Garden at Cheekwood in Nashville very effectively screened out most of the noise of other visitors, allowing silent movement and contemplation. And the shadows cast by the bamboo also added to the silent ambience.

Speaking of shadows, I do always keep my eyes open for shadows. One evening as we were coming out of our favorite local restaurant, I noticed the shadows cast by a leafless tree on the hood of our car. Does this look eerie to you?

We always seem to get to places in the late afternoon, so are treated to the lengthening shadows cast by various structures. This old pier at Picnic Point Park conveyed silence to me.

“The Fog comes in on Little Cat Feet”. Everyone remembers that single line from a Robert Frost poem. but fog does tend to mute the sounds wherever you are, and contributes to a sense of isolation, even if there are others around.

These two photos, both taken at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge on the Olympic Peninsula, just communicate Silence.

Here’s the Link to this week’s Original Post. And Tina’s Too.