Unexpected Tranquility

A few days before Christmas an ice storm came thru our area. Between the ice and the very cold temperature, I was not too adventurous and only took a few photos from around our yard.

I probably should have taken this plant inside weeks ago!

Since the holiday poinsettia display was almost over,I had been mulling over whether or not to go. I almost let the coziness of being inside with family stop me. At the last minute I decided to go and asked if anyone else was interested. No one was, so my trusty camera and I went for an outing. I am barely out of the car and already I am very glad I came. With only one other car in the parking lot, I knew it was not going to be crowded. In other parts of town the ice on the trees caused quite a bit of destruction, but here it added to the serenity of the area.

 As I was coming into the building, a couple was leaving. I had the whole place to myself. I passed by the orchids...

 and entered the 'Candy Cane Land' poinsettia display. I enjoyed taking my time to see all the tree decorations and all the different varieties of poinsettias.

I would have really liked it if they had dimmed the overhead lights and only have the Christmas tree  lights and the string of lights up above on.

Tropical plants are tucked in and around the poinsettias and trees.

One of many candy canes

Thru the door on the other side of the room I saw the soft lighting that occurs near sunset and this scene; which lured me back out into the cold....

and while walking around here in the stillness ...

except for a very slight breeze....

 creating a relaxing 'tinkling' from the overhead branches...

 I felt like I was  in a 'cocoon' of beauty.

 It was hard to leave this unexpected tranquility, but the very coldness of the air finally made me want to go back into the warmth of the greenhouse.

As I warmed up, I spent some time with the orchids.

not an orchid

 When it was time to leave, I slowly walked back to the car feeling very blessed to have had this 'tranquil moment'.