- Spring Forward -
If you live in the same hemisphere as I do, you're no doubt very tired of winter at this point, as it has indeed been a winter for the ages. With damaging ice storms, tens of feet of snow in places, record low temperatures, power outages, and even the Great Lakes almost completely freezing over though they have not done so in years, this frigid season has certainly tested even the most hardy of us winter folk. Yet the unusual cold and snowfall have also brought awe-inspiring beauty, unique phenomenon, and good old-fashioned winter fun. My husband built a system of snow tunnels and curving sled tracks in our front yard... it's been decades since there's been enough snow to play like that. In my photographing journeys I've come across "frost flowers" (hoar frost) and "snow bales" (rolls of blown snow), the Northern Lights, and even "thunder snow" and lightning.
Frost Bonsai
Blizzards that obscured vision in front of your hands later left winter wonderlands with trees, houses, and landscapes covered in pristine white. Before freezing over completely, the relatively warm lake would send plumes of billowing steam into the much-colder air above, creating an ethereal view at sunset. This bitter season has been harsh, but it has also allowed us a glimpse of interesting and almost-forgotten cold weather phenomenon, and I'm surprisingly grateful for the little pleasures I've been granted during this seemingly endless winter. Thanks, winter. Great job.
But I'm bored now. I've seen it. Next, please.
Despite recent temperatures being the coldest in over one hundred years in some places, spring is on its way. Really. The lake is thawing. The birds are returning, and singing their praises and hopes. Although more flakes fall almost every day, the snow piles... okay, snow dunes... okay, okay... mountains, are shrinking. Slow, quiet, almost undetectable, but definitely there... spring.
Winter's Dripping Fangs
Most people have a few projects in mind for when the warmer temperatures arrive; cabin fever and a lack of options usually have most of us dreaming of the great things we can accomplish just as soon as spring unleashes its glory, thus unleashing our energy and creativity. Or something like that. I am itching to get out on the area trails and also to discover new ones. I love walking in the woods in spring, it really heals the soul after a long winter's night, so to speak. Those more familiar with my work will know I'm drawn to trees and woodlands and forest paths and the fantastical sense they evoke within me, so I have a mind to create new fairytale-esque images, perhaps even "branching out" into portraiture and employing models. I also intend to add quite a few photographs and digital paintings of various homes and dwellings around Kincardine and area to my growing collection. I started this project mid-winter but am having trouble with "curb appeal" at this point due to the six-foot snowbanks lining the streets and hiding front yards and friendly facades.
Frozen Front Yard
Mind you, that hasn't stopped me, but rather challenged me. And during these wintery blues kind of days, it's refreshing to challenge yourself creatively!
Look forward to spring and the wonderful activities planned, but don't spend the rest of winter in a slump... rise to the challenge(s)! That way, when spring gets here, you won't greet it like a lamb... you'll already be roaring like a lion and ready to pounce on opportunity.
