Like a freight train, the February storm lumbered with force through Long Island, derailing outdoor plans. Snow upon snow blanketed earth. It glistened in white gowns of white lace. Meteorologists on high alert watched in amazement until the first blast quieted down for a winter nap but this was just the beginning.
With winter just a blurred memory away, I turned to my digital photo album to find a picturesque winter scene of Long Island. Through the magic of digital tools (PicMonkey and FotoJet), a winter wonderland of snow emerged as a piece of artwork. I remembered the lush, alluring whiteness after the storm. It was a time to be dazzled by the purity of the snow and its ethereal beauty.
robed in white
earth celebrates at nature's altar-
blessed awe
©CV, 2021
"I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again." Lewis Carroll captured the above scenes so beautifully that it made sense to pair his quote with my digital artwork. The end result made me feel as though I stepped away from the camera and into a winter's dream.
While Long Island snuggled with a long winter sleep, Maine also became part of the storm's travels. Molly Hogan captured a spectacular nature photograph that I coupled with an inspirational quote by Thomas Merton.
As wide-eyed wonderers of nature the contributors to Winter's Embrace 2021 Gallery capture the essence of childhood joy, the quintessential beauty of a quiet, snowy day, and the solitude of a reflective walk.
While life interrupted plans for an earlier unveiling, my hope is to share the majesty of winter's frozen charm before the heat of summer melts away the iced magic of winter's embrace.
Do you have a dazzling digital expression that you would like to share
at Winter's Embrace 2021 Gallery?
It is always a delight to see your photos and those you round up along with poetic wonder and wondering. It is the official first week of winter here, so I was feeling the cold as I gazed at your snow pics. Brrr.
ReplyDeleteSally, what does winter look like by you? If you have a photo and or image poem can you offer them for the gallery? I would love to showcase winter around the world as well as the states.
DeleteCarol, wow, what a lovely trip back to those snowy days when it the snowfall
ReplyDelete"kisses [the trees and fields] so gently"; "the iced magic of winter's embrace"; "blessed awe"; "curled up in nature's arms"
There are so many beautiful images here! Thank you for sharing.
Denise, what is winter like in Bahrain? If you have a winter photo please send it for the gallery. I am interested in sharing your thoughts and challenge you to write an accompanying poem. Thanks for joining me here today.
DeleteI'll need to come back to see the gallery, Carol. I'm working at the bookstore this afternoon. But I do love your marvelous creativity in your own picture poems/quotes! That recent snow we had certainly was gorgeous (along with a surprise)! Now, spring is here; my poppies just popped! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe full gallery is not up yet, Linda. This was the week for meeting new doctors and making appointments for tests. There always seems to be something new to do. Enjoy your poppies popping.
DeleteThank you for sharing images from your recent snowy past, Carol. Your 'nature's alter' haiku says so much in so few words. :)
ReplyDeleteBridget, we did enjoy our sinful treat of a donut and coffee thanks to you. Today, I finished my other passion, wreath making for my front and back doors. Bringing nature inside to sit at the altar of bliss!
DeleteOH, my! What beautiful images and quote pairings. The Thomas Merton quote with that photo is my favorite....just gorgeous. And, not a spectacular object in our world....but so spectacular as you show it.
ReplyDeleteWithin in the ordinary, splendor lies if we just look closely, Linda. Thanks for sharing my joy. Today, is a day to bring nature inside. Artificial flowers are adorning my house now. I brought my collection from Long Island to create new wreaths for my new house, Linda.
DeleteIt's good to look back at winter now that the temperatures are starting to well and truly steam up! Thank you for the gift of your seasonal galleries!
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, we can now feel the humidity as soon as we step outside so winter's bounty is a reminder to be thankful for all the seasons.
DeleteThanks for the reminder of winter's beauty, Carol. It's hot and humid today, so this was a nice respite.
ReplyDeleteI am inside the house with the air conditioning, Rose, so I feel the humidity too. My flowers in the garden feel it too. Thanks for taking a break with me.
DeleteIt was 90 degrees here today. I felt cooler just looking at those snowy images. Thank you for the Merton quote. He understood what it is to see the world as a poet.
ReplyDeleteLaura, I wonder why I often miss the ordinary pieces that make life splendid. I have been trying to capture the smallest details when outdoor but sometimes get intrigued by the grandeur of a scene. Have a great week.
DeleteAs we embark on our winter season down here in Australia, your words and images deliver a sense of nostalgia for me Carol. My six years in New York brought me into a snowy world. A world so much colder than the one I knew. Enjoy the warmer days ahead.
ReplyDeleteAlan, the warm days have turned to really hot and my poor plants are suffering so a bit of winter chill is good these days.
DeleteWhen we get into the throes of summer heat, it's hard to imagine the cold winter days. So white. So serene. Thanks for the refreshing feeling.
ReplyDeleteI could use a bit of winter chill right now. The heat and humidity were so high when we went strawberry picking today that my hair was wet under my hat. LOL Margaret.
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth, for stopping by. Have a great week.
DeleteYour poems capture the stillness of a landscape blanketed in snow. I particularly love the haiku with the image of the earth robed in white to worship at nature's altar. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in the escape to winter. I think looking at the imagepoems makes the temperature decrease in my imagination.
DeleteWell, despite the 93* here yesterday, I find I would not be ready to contemplate winter snows again so soon--and yet your digital dazzle is pretty enticing! Thanks for creating these opportunities for people to share their image poems, Carol. I do hope that you are BEGINning to feel comfortable in your new home.
ReplyDeleteHome is where the heart is, Heidi, and I definitely feel it here. My two little toddlers are visiting today because they have spring colds. We are definitely enjoying our time together in the cool house, all coxy with our books, crayons, and poems.
DeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteYour images are stunning, though it feels odd to look at them as we deal with 90 degree temperatures and drought. They're a lovely reminder that what we're going through here shall soon pass.
I love the "blessed awe" and how the whiteness "curls up in nature's arms."
Thanks for joining me to exclaim the beauty of winter, Carmela.
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