As I write this, an oversized English Setter is laying across my legs. The wind is gusting outside and I think it may snow as the temperatures take a colder turn tonight.
It’s probably because I travel now, and often to warmer climates, but I really appreciate these “typical” days in a season. And there’s something so somber and nostalgic about wind-swept, mid-winter days … particularly late in the afternoon. Do you have weather, times of day, or places that are nostalgic for you like that? It’s a little unexplainable – that connection with a type of scene is somewhere within us even if we don’t know why. Reminds me of a little line from The Lord of the Rings (nerd alert right here) “I think, in his heart, Frodo’s still in love with the Shire: the woods, the fields … little rivers”.
![hiraeth](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hiraeth.jpg)
Also, I just returned from a wonderful little visit to Blackberry Farm in east Tennessee. Apart from being one of the nicest places i’ve ever stayed, the hospitality is bar none, the aesthetic is outdoors-oriented, and it just has a real authenticity to it. Here are some of my favorite snaps from a design point of view. I was too occupied being in awe of the place that I didn’t take as many photos as I should have but I guess that’s a good thing. Oh, and Blackberry Farm also happens to also be where my wedding will take place this November. Hashtag blessed is right!
![IMG_20160225_231308](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160225_231308.jpg)
![20160225_170033](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160225_170033.jpg)
![20160226_104853](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160226_104853.jpg)
![20160225_162907](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160225_162907-e1456787055127.jpg)
![20160225_124304](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160225_124304.jpg)
![20160225_121149~2](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160225_1211492.jpg)
On a different note, I head to South Africa this week to visit friends with my parents and sister. We’re also doing some hunting – mostly plains game. Can’t wait to share updates. But for now – here’s a little glimpse from where I stand.
![20160229_152241](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160229_152241.jpg)
![20160229_152159](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160229_152159.jpg)
![20160229_152156](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160229_152156.jpg)
![Just some fun with editing](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160229_152156-EFFECTS.jpg)
Just some fun with editing
![20160229_151754](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160229_151754.jpg)
Farewell, February!
![20160229_152035](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160229_152035.jpg)
![20160229_151859](http://cygnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/20160229_151859.jpg)