Sunday Stills: November’s #Textures and Beginning of Advent Season

Let us celebrate the month of November with a study of the various textures that caught our eye. On this last day of November 2025, it seems appropriate to share some of the highlights of the month using textures as the theme.

In the Northern Hemisphere, textures seem to be abundant in Autumn. As we bundle up for warmth in the northern hemisphere, we wrap ourselves in textures.

Cozy blanket Autumn Decor

Texture can be a photographer’s dream, as it adds to an image’s composition. Since photography is a visual medium, capturing texture is a skill. A variety of textures in a photograph can invoke all of our senses.

Textures Found in Leaf-Peeping

“One of the first things to consider when photographing texture is that the beauty is in the details.” ~ Jeff Guyer

To cope with our shorter, darker days, I try to take a walk at least twice a week, in addition to taking classes at the gym three days a week. On my calendar this month: Took the Toyota Rav4 to be repainted, Doctor’s appointments for both of us, and Church potluck. We also took a drive to see the golden colors of the Western Larch trees, and experienced two evenings of the northern lights.

fence texture

A friend of mine and I walk together once a week to various scenic spots along the local Centennial Trail, around Lake Spokane, or in the suburban areas of town. We caught the last of the leaves.

textures autumn
Suburban Textures
Suburban Textures
textures clouds forest
Sky textures for Brian’s Last on the Card

Textured Creature Comforts

From outdoor excursions to the comforts of home, I’ve enjoyed seeing a variety of critters and birds, including my dog, Brodie, who loves to snuggle.

“Art is the colors and textures of your imagination.” – Meghan Trainor

eagle
Juvenile Bald Eagle

Thanksgiving Textures

Autumn decor allows for a cozy mix of textures.

throw pillows
My Sofa Pillows

“A subtle amount of texture attracts the eye.” – Clyde Aspevig

The Textures of Advent Season

Today, November 30th, marks the first day of Advent, celebrated by millions of people worldwide.

What is Advent?

A-I generated image for Advent

Advent is a four-week season dedicated to reflective preparation for the arrival, “advent”, of Jesus Christ’s Nativity at Christmas time. Each week of Advent focuses on a different theme – hope, peace, joy, and love. Christians from all denominations and backgrounds celebrate Advent in various ways, lighting a candle each week. Source

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Most of the churches I have attended over the years celebrate Advent during services with readings and music while each candle is lit. Each week, a new candle is lit. On the fourth and final Sunday, a fifth candle is lighted.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

Inspiring Photo Challenges This Week

Each week, I find additional inspiration from my fellow bloggers’ photo challenges. I enjoy incorporating these into my Sunday Stills weekly themes.

Becky B’s November Shadows, Brian’s Last on the Card, Dawn’s Festival of Leaves (Wrap), Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday, Sadje and Kym’s Wednesday Quotes: Celebrating Holidays, What’s Been On Your Calendar (Deb’s World)

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

The Sunday Stills weekly-themed photo challenge is easy to join. You have all week to share and link your post. Please use your own original images, whether new or from your archives.

  • Remember to title your blog post a little differently from mine.
  • Please create a new post for the theme or link to a recent one.
  • Entries for this theme can be posted all week.
  • Tag your post “Sunday Stills.”
  • Don’t forget to create a pingback to this post so that other participants can read your post.
  • I also recommend adding your post’s URL to the comments.

If you are participating in the photo challenge, I look forward to seeing how you interpret this week’s theme! Creativity is encouraged, so please share your own photographs (old or new), poems, original short stories, and music inspired by the theme. Join me next week as we explore the theme PEACE.

Whether you experienced the crisp and cozy textures of autumn or the soft, dreamy textures of spring and summer, share your ideas in photos and other creative formats.

Hope quote

For the planners, please visit my Sunday Stills Challenge page for the December schedule.

Have a great week!

graphic trees

© 2025 Copyright — Terri Webster Schrandt and secondwindleisure.com — All Rights Reserved

All content on this blog is copyrighted. Please do not repost or reblog without my permission.


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115 responses to “Sunday Stills: November’s #Textures and Beginning of Advent Season”

  1. […] topic for this week’s Sunday Stills is {November Textures and beginning of Advent […]

    Liked by 1 person

  2. A lovely textures post, Terri. This is a great idea for a photograph challenge. I will have a look and see if I have anything suitable even if it will be a little late.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Robbie! Its never too late!

      Like

  3. I’ve never previously thought about this time of year being one for textures but I can see what you mean. Winter clothes as well as scenes in nature, as your photos have shown. You have some lovely autumn colours in your trees still, but the photo that really caught my eye was the one of the juvenile bald eagle – he’s gorgeous!

    And I know I’m a bit late (it’s nearly time for the next challenge!) but I do have some textures for you for this challenge: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-the-textures-in-trees/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Sarah, thank you. I’m so glad you hopped into Sunday Stills. Textures are all around us this time of year!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. […] Posted for Sunday Stills: Textures […]

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  5. […] Sunday Stills: textures of advent season […]

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  6. I love your cozy texture pictures! Makes me want to snuggle up with some hot chocolate! I finally came up with my textures post. Textures in Nature and Art – Cats and Trails and Garden Tales

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Susanne! Hot cocoa sounds perfect right now!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. […] Sharing for this week’s Sunday Stills, #Textures. […]

    Liked by 1 person

  8. A gorgeous autumn color and texture post, Terri. Your Brian’s last card photo was my favorite, but I’m always amazed by your bird photos too. Lovely quotes, and a beautiful start to the coming holiday season. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hugs back to you, Diana! Thank you! We had some great light, but now the gray has settled in.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. So pretty Terri…..I love these. Fall and winter are some of my favorites even though I don’t enjoy the rain, I enjoy the colors, and “textures”. A few years ago I started doing Advent readings and have loved that practice.

    Taking a bit of a break since I have so many underfoot at my house, I can’t seem to find focused, quiet time to sit and blog. I’ll attempt to do some blogging if I find a window, but I decided to just not worry so much and let go of FOMO, haha!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Kirstin! No worries, we all need a break! Enjoy your household full of fun, you are lucky! My step-son and his daughters will spend Christmas week with us, and that will be a two week break for me!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Perfect photos for cozy autumn/winter nights. The neighborhood street views were stunning. 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debby! Driving through them was fun and very colorful this autumn.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I can surely see that. Same here. 😍

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Colorful and comfy, like a lovely welcome to your world

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Ritva! Now that 3 more inches of snow have fallen here, being comfortable indoors is a requirement 😁❄️

      Like

  12. […] contrasts have been inspiring, your collections delightful and your silhouettes […]

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Gorgeous autumn colors, Terri! Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Debra, and we had a lovely Thanksgiving. Autumn put on a huge show this year. Snow all day today…winter is here.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. […] Join me in and Adventure in Texture and Advent for Sunday Stills […]

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Cindy, Happy Holidays!

      Like

  15. Fantastic shot of the eagle Terri!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Wayne, such a lucky catch a from a few years back!

      Like

  16. You certainly pack a lot into your week, Terri. Walking is something I do a lot of. Not only good for your health, but also good for our well-being. Plus, I sleep much better when I’ve had a walk that day.

    Your Autumn colours have been amazing. I’m glad you caught the last of the leaves. What a difference those leaves are from when they fall off the tree to a few days later when it’s been very wet.

    Your cosy textures also look great for the time of the year. Do you have an assortment of seasonal cushions? It sounds like a great idea to bring some change to the rooms in our homes as the seasons change.

    Happy Advent. I opened my first window on my Advent Calendar. This year, I could not resist and got myself 4 to open (including one that contains Belgian chocolates).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I would like to walk more Hugh, but im fortunate to have a gym close by and take workout classes 3 days a week. Autumn was thrilling this year, and now we’re expecting snow.
      Yes, you guessed correctly, I have more throw pillows than I really need but the two I shared, my SIL gave me. I finally got smart and try to buy seasonal pillow covers. Saves space 😁
      I’m glad I remembered advent began yesterday. It gave me the idea to incorporate the advent season into my next few posts! Happy advent and enjoy opening the calendar dates for treats!

      Like

      1. I love the idea of buying covers rather than the whole cushion, Terri. Why didn’t I think of that?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It took me a while too, Hugh! Pillows come in different sizes, so best to measure them. I bought a 4-pack of Christmas-themed ones a few years ago, smaller ones, and just fold the covers in a drawer when not using them. Amazon has a great selection of sizes.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. What a beautiful display of colors, and textures, Terri. I love your sofa pillows. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Eugi! I just pulled some Christmas pillows out to start decorating!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Terri.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. […] I am joining Terri’s Sunday Stills Challenge:  Textures. […]

    Liked by 2 people

  19. Ah Terri, this post felt like flipping through a November scrapbook…
    All those textures you mentioned — the ones hiding in leaves, jackets, even the quiet moments between appointments — they really do shape how the month felt, not just how it looked.

    It’s funny… the way you linked photography with touch. I swear, sometimes a single leaf with rough veins tells a deeper story than a wide landscape. Jeff Guyer’s line about “beauty in the details” hit home — that’s honestly where November lives, right? In those tiny corners.

    And your routine — the walks, the gym days, the Toyota repaint runs, the doctor rounds — it reads like the real texture of life. Soft, chaotic, warm, patterned.
    Some months aren’t about big events… they’re about staying in motion while the light changes around us.

    Kinda makes me wonder:
    Which texture stood out to you most this month — something you saw, or something you felt?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for your kind words!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Terri, those bright orange leaves littering the cement, like a huge orange tapestry rug are so colorful. Brodie looks very comfy and does not wish to be disturbed. I really like the Juvenile Bald Eagle and the colors in the background – those browns and other muted jewel tones of Fall are my favorite colors. You had a busy agenda for November. I was busy with some errands to finish up everything before the snow began to fly, but mostly walking my socks off to try and reach my walking goal. This week we had three days of winds 35-40 mph all day, then a snowstorm yesterday, which ended up as rain early today and back with the 40 mph winds again all day The wet roads and sidewalks will ice over tomorrow morning as we’re going to the “teens”, then more snow tomorrow. Not a fan of this weather and we are still Fall, three weeks away from Winter but you wouldn’t know it! I have signed up for a Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar which begins tomorrow.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Linda! I love snapping the leafy carpets when I can. Funny, even retired, we are both busy! Wow you sure have some wild weather! We got all the way to 32 today with sunshine…no complaints. Meteorological winter begins tomorrow and I believe it! My hubby has a beer advent calendar 😁🎄🍺

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The leafy carpets are beautiful. We didn’t even get to 30 today and we’re still getting snow tonight. Meteorological Winter started off with a bang! I also bought an advent puzzle and forgot to mention that. I started it this morning. It is 24 small puzzles, one for each day through December 24th. I am going to post about it as it gets closer to Christmas. It is fun, something different. I’ve never heard of a beer advent calendar, but have heard of tea advent calendars.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It’s more of a beer collection calendar, rather than advent. Must have been for Oktoberfest. Your puzzles sound fun.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Okay, I see – it still sounds like fun. Well the puzzles I am doing are a collection too – they are very cute and I did the second one today. If I had more room, I could do larger puzzles, as there are many 1,000-piece and some 500-piece, brand-new puzzles and also puzzles my mom finished years ago, all here at the house. Room and TIME too … I have six or seven long walks I took in the Fall that I’ve not even looked at the photos yet, let alone sort through them. So where to find the time? I am still in Duo, although I let my subscription lapse in October – old habits never die as I still practice daily since I did not want to go down in flames. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I saw your 400 day streak in Duo, Linda! Keep it up. We’re on the family plan subscription. I never had much patience with puzzles but admire those who enjoy them!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I would have gladly kept learning vocabulary words and sentences, but I hated the grammar when it became a chore. They do take a lot of patience Terri. I do various online puzzles too.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. It helps me to be around German speakers.

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Yes, that would be helpful and practical to learning a foreign language. The last two years of French in college was speaking no English in the classroom, only French, yet, after graduation, with no one to speak with, those skills failed. I bought French newspapers occasionally, but eventually stopped even that. The internet would not come along for decades.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. beautiful picture 👌

    Liked by 2 people

  22. What a variation of textures and places Terri.
    That ominous sky and orange tinted trees are wonderful last photos.
    Thanks for joining in 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Brian! When we get a good sunset in the west, the Eastern sky and mountains shine with alpenglow. All from my front door! I’ll add the link ASAP!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That is a great front door. Don’t forget the Northern Lights.
        Thanks for adding to Last on the Card 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thanks, Brian! Oh yeah those! LOL!

        Liked by 1 person

  23. I smiled when you talked about Advent. Indeed, we started yesterday for the first candle of hope. The bible verse is so enlightening and I enjoyed your autumn photos and your deer pillow.😍 Happy Monday, Terri!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m heartened so many of my blogger friends celebrate advent. A blessed Monday to you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, Terri. It’s so nice to meet some Christians here.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. […] Sunday Stills: November’s #Textures and Beginning of Advent Season […]

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Terri,

    Love the colors. My favorite pic this week is the leaves scattered over the sidewalk, and Brodie in your lap. Our church has a young family with children read the devotional and light the Advent candle during the season. This morning, a family of four lit the candle. The youngest, a little boy about four, was given one line. With great gusto, he said “Amen!” Everyone loved it. Have a great week. Joe

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Joe! Brodie makes everything special, just like Mortimer I’m sure! I wish our church brought up a family to read the advent. Our old church did that and it was heartwarming. Amen indeed!

      Liked by 2 people

  26. I enjoyed the cozy textures, but I also enjoyed the reminder that today was the first day of Advent. Thank you! While recuperating from hip surgery, I pretty much forget what is happening around me.
    Happy new week to you!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Nancy! I almost forgot, too! I already have “Peace” theme scheduled for Dec 7th, looked up advent dates and voila! Nov 30th. You keep recuperating and it will all be worth the wait!

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Fantastic textures Terri!

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Beautiful photographs, Terri. I’ve always been drawn to fall colors. 🧡💛❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Colleen! Me too, and I miss them already!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We have about 5 or 6 inches of snow. Brrr. 🥶

        Liked by 2 people

  29. beautiful colours and textures

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Hi Terri – lovely textures of autumn – and enjoyed your post

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much, Yvette, I always appreciate your comments 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Those larches are fabulous, aren’t they? Nice to have somebody to walk with. I’m not good at staying at home xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jo! Our walks may be curtailed for now with our low temps. But it is sunny today and that’s a win!

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Beautiful post, Terri. That John Muir’s ending quote is powerful.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Egidio, I don’t know if I’ve ever read any weak Muir posts 😉 He was quite the writer!

      Like

  33. Terri, beautiful post and textures. I never tire of seeing your gorgeous fall colors. I really like the Suburban Textures with the yellow trees. Great capture of the juvenile bald eagle.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Beth! Fall has finally fallen away as winter chill is here! Enjoy your warmth!

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Thank you for a beautiful post. My daughter and I are celebrating the first of Advent today.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Maria! I hope its a beautiful day for you.

      Like

  35. ‘The beauty is in the details.’ This is the perfect quote for explaining texture in photography. Beautiful gallery. Have a beautiful week.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Suzanne! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and a blessed week ahead!

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Beautiful photos Terri.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Sadje, and thanks for hosting WQ!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My pleasure 😇

        Liked by 1 person

  37. What a great collection of pictures and textures. Hope you have a wonderful week

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much, Lisa, to you as well!

      Like

  38. Thank you, Terri, for the great photos and inspiring quotes. I love your tip about textures in photography; I had not thought of that. I have difficulty choosing a favorite from your great gallery here, Terri. However, I do love the Juvenile Bald Eagle…all the shades of brown I can think of are there in the frame…superb.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Suzette! I love when I get a great eagle shot. I want to go back the Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho to see the eagle congregation again.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Outstanding! Thank you Terri for your inspiring photography!

        Liked by 2 people

  39. Beautiful fall colors, Terri!

    Liked by 2 people

  40. Lovely fall colors and the eagle is fabulous. Have a great week. Here’s mine today: https://grahamsisland.com/2025/11/30/textured/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Graham! The colors are long gone, but at least we have cold, blue skies today. Hoping to drive to Lake Coeur d’Alene soon to see the eagles.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I do like Eastern Washington’s blue skies in the winter, even if the days are short.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I like the drier climate all year round. Sunny and cold is OK!

        Liked by 1 person

  41. Such a wonderful post, Terri… from the cozy autumn and holiday textures indoors, to lovely outdoorsy one, all photos are wonderful! I love the very first photo in this post, and your sofa pillows, they are so beautiful! 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  42. […] This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Textures.’ See more responses here. […]

    Liked by 2 people

  43. I never tire of seeing the autumn colours and animals in your area, Terri. A wonderful selection. Wishing you a great week ahead.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Cathy! The textures were amazing this season.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Gosh I love all these. I don’t know which way to go with mine. I’ll give it a think.
    Thanks again for all your support.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much, Dawn! You have all week to think 😉 I love your Fall and Spring Festivals. How about a festival of snow ❄️

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Such beautiful colors, Terri! God is good! 🙏🏻✝️☺️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. God is good indeed, thank you, John! ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Have a wonderful new week, you two. 😎

        Liked by 2 people

  46. That fence–I hope whoever owns it never refinishes it. The John Muir quote–I just finished a book about an adventurous soul who hiked the John Muir trail. What fun.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Jacqui! That old fence is sure to be around for a while. The area to our north east is rolling hills with pines and larches, large properties with snowy mountains behind. God’s country. And I love everything about John Muir!

      Liked by 1 person

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About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

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