January 9, 2012 Photo of the Day: "Shadows & Light"

My hope for this Photo-a-day Challenge was that it would help me to slow down and notice the wonder that surrounds me each day, to recognize that there is beauty in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. Today, my plan worked brilliantly with a little help from a former student and a train. I pass Pewaukee Lake twice a day on my way to and from school, usually in the dark. Today, I planned to leave work right at 3:15 to run errands in preparation for my trip next week. However, one of my favorite PHS grads (of course they're all my favorite ;) stopped for a visit. He is studying to be a teacher and asked me to be his technology mentor. We chatted about school, traveling, sailing, skiing, and before I knew it, it was after 4:00. As I turned onto Wisconsin Avenue, I heard a train in the distance. A line of cars had stopped at the crossing just north of the Lake, and as I glanced to my left, I noticed a brilliant yellow sun melting the ice. Rather than hurrying to wait in line with the rest of the cars, I pulled into the lot next to the Lakefront Grill and walked across the street to watch the sunset. Thanks to Nelson and the train, I was able to enjoy the shadows and light of this January day.