Happy Holidays!

Every image has a heartbeat, and this one has been pulsing quietly in my archives for almost 25 years. This American Goldfinch, photographed in a dreamy sea of pink thistles, feels like pure joy. She’s busy gathering thistle fluff—the stuff that feeds, shelters, and sustains life—while looking completely at home among the spikes and softness.

In French, the Goldfinch is called “chardonneret” from chardon—thistle—because these birds genuinely love thistle seeds. Even the scientific name, Carduelis, traces back to the Latin carduus, meaning thistle. This little bird has been linked to this prickly plant in language, art, and storytelling for centuries—proof that nature remembers what matters, even when we forget.

And somehow, that feels wonderfully appropriate for Christmas.

This season is about warmth in cold places, kindness in the rush of the year, and gratitude for small but meaningful gifts. The Goldfinch thrives on something most would ignore—those stubborn thistles—and turns them into life and beauty. There’s a hopeful message there: that resilience, grace, and gratitude can grow from unexpected places.

This photograph reminds me how lucky I am to spend my life in nature, to witness moments like this, and to share them with all of you. And to everyone who has supported me—especially those who join my workshops, travel with me, trust me to guide them in the field, and share in the adventure—thank you. Your enthusiasm, friendship, curiosity, and passion make this journey incredibly rewarding.

Wherever you are in the world, whatever season you’re celebrating, and however you mark this time of year—Christmas, Holidays, Hanukkah, Solstice, or simply the closing of another year—I wish you peace, health, and joy. May your days ahead be filled with wonder, kindness, and time in nature. Thank you for being part of this journey and for sharing in the beauty and magic of the natural world with me.