Me and Snowflakes....we go way back. Badger Pass at Yosemite sometime around 1956. I still remember the big 3-D snowflakes on the front of the lodge.
Here in Southern California the forecast for today is: 73 deg. Wishing we had a bit more of a typical winter here, I got to thinking about colder Christmases. My dad and I were recently reminiscing about the coldest skiing experience we could remember and we agreed that it was at Bridger Bowl, Montana. He was in his 80's at the time. We were riding the lift together and absolutely miserable. The wind was blowing right through our ski clothes. I don't remember my dad ever being cold. Growing up, he always tried to make my brother and I feel warm, and never complained about being cold himself. He used to let me put my hands on his coffee cup in the lodge to warm them up. One time when my brother and I were kids I remember crying as my toes thawed out at the end of a fun day of skiing. It was in Aspen, Colorado, and there were ice crystals in the air. It looked like glitter as I looked out the car window enjoying the heater. Even my painful toes didn't stop me from taking it in. I still remember how beautiful it was. When snowflakes drift down and land on your jacket, they truly are beautiful. Only in the really cold, do they last very long once they land. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see snow on the many ski trips we took. I gained a healthy respect for the cold too, and the powerful changes that come with winter.
These amazing macro photos of snowflakes will blow your mind. These beautiful creations require very cold temps. In fact, the photographer has to work fast to capture them before they begin to melt. For centuries, it's not been possible to see the detail. How wonderful that now we can see the intricacies. I was reminded of the passage in Job describing God's powerful hand in the weather and seasonal changes.
"God thunders with His voice wondrously, doing great things which we cannot comprehend. For to the snow He says, "Fall on the earth," and to the downpour and the rain, "Be strong." He seals the hand of every man, that all men may know His work."
"Then the beast goes into its lair and remains in its den. Out of the south comes the storm, and out of the north the cold. From the breath of God ice is made, and the expanse of the waters is frozen, also with moisture He loads the thick clout; He disperses the cloud of his lightning."
"It changes direction, turning around by His guidance, that it may do whatever He commands it on the face of the inhabited earth. Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen." Job 37:5-13
1977 Gary at June Mountain, California
As you can see...Gary's had a few encounters with the little flakes too. Most of them had melted into his mustache and we always laughed at this picture. Though we'll never be snow-skiing again, we're still enjoying some big snowflakes that decorate our room in this crazy warm weather. I had no idea that one day I'd be using an old college art project as a memory aid for my husband, whom I hadn't even met when I created it. I hang these seasonal banners in our room to remind Gary what time of year it is so the "Winter" sign is temporarily pinned on.
I never noticed it before today, but I think I must have been influenced by the blue snowflakes on the ski lodge as a little girl!
1972 College design project - 2 dimensional design for use in my home, constructed. This winter banner is one of four.
Hand appliqued felt snowflakes.
