See the snowflake?Like most people with a camera I took my share of White Christmas photos and splashed them up on Facebook. For a long time this weekend it was simply enough to sit and watch in wonder at the beauty and rarity of the occasion. It has been a long, long, long, long, long time since we have had a White Christmas in Alabama. My childhood memories contain many snowy winter times. We built snowmen, went sledding on the sloped road up the hill, made snow cream and dried our wet gloves on the warm air vents. Once, snow was measured in feet and our little dog would have to tunnel through to do her business. Over time snow became rare and our winters became more temperate.
Same flake, a little closer and different angleBut I digress. Yesterday the sun came out and the winds began kicking the fluffy snow about. I'd not yet got out the macro to see what it looks like. Last year we had a light snow at the lake, and through the macro I discovered the snow to be shards like crystals. Not "flakes," as we see on Christmas cards. This year, this snow, I found actual flakes. Hurrying was essential for the sun was beginning to melt the snow into icy, frosty bundles.
Once a real snowflake was spotted it became a mission to find more. Along the way there was lots of beauty to record. Bronze leaves with sugar on top.
Another snowflake about to become part of the icy frost coating a boxwood leaf.
The trees held special treasures nestled among the lichens and tendrils.
This snowflake glinted in the sun, grabbing my attention and delight.
Little pockets of snow were tucked into deep crevasses of a maple tree's bark.
Then, I found ice coating the roses.
Ice coating the azalea. If you enlarge the photo you can see the imprint of snowflakes.
I enjoy very much grand, sweeping landscape photographs of snowy fields, mountains with snow-topped trees, streams with snowy banks, old mills and lighthouses decked with snow and all those similarly stunning images that beg to front a Christmas card. However, there's something about getting in close, seeing snow up close and personal, that makes me smile. Happy Holidays, ya'll, from the frozen South.
13 comments:
Frozen south, hmm? Sounds cold, but sure is beautiful. Love those ice encased roses. Thawing will be fun to watch too!
Hope your holidays were happy!
Awesome pictures Debi! That little snowflake is beyond amazing! It is just enchanting, I feel as though it has a life of it's own :)
These are beautiful Debi...even for someone who's seen enough snowflakes to last a life time!
Oooohhh...LOVE your header! And, I enjoyed your frosty photos!
These macros are Awesome! Nice to have the snowy memories. I'm thinking we'll be getting some of the white stuff this week.
Happy New Year!
It is so true Debbi . . . to look closely upon snowflakes can be magical. There you have one perfect flake! Beautiful in your first and second shots. The patterns are so amazing. Lovely piles of clusters with the lichen and moss too. This is all a novelty for the south and I hope your more tender plants are OK. Happy Holidays to you too! Best Wishes for the New Year . . . from the far more frigid North. ;>)
Such amazing photos. Just wonderful
Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. It's a pain to be sick at Xmas, tis true. So many things I wanted to accomplish just had to fall away. But, in a way it's a good lesson in accepting what comes.
I hope you had a lovely holiday and that your husband is feeling better, stronger, everyday.
Love, Rachel.
Find you through Bern and his timeless invitation to walk in stillness. My goddaughter has a particular affinity for giraffes. During her early childhood, I sent her diverse postcards, images and other forms of giraffes. The postman in Paris (France) was amused by the 3 foot stuffed animal that arrived for her one holiday season. Children are such blessings who remind us to nurture the child within. Your photos also invite us to value subtle nuances and all gestures as invitations to love. Peace, laughter and joy wherever you go
I certainly enjoyed those photos. The new header photo is delightful.
Unfortunately, no camera upgrade here this Christmas.
Beautiful photos as always, Debi. I love the perfection of the single snowflake amidst the jumble of other frozenness. Here's wishing you a very happy 2011, and many more blogging adventures.
Stunning photographs! You have an amazing eye to capture the snowflakes. We enjoyed the snowfall here in Georgia too. Unfortunately the wind and warmer temps blew it all away the next day. We didn't get any ice though. Love you ice photos too.
You're oh so right...there is something special about getting really up close, seeing the beauty and perfection of design...really understanding that every single thing is precious beyond belief. I wish you all the best for the new year...from Eastern Canada to Alabama!
Those are fabulous pictures and you captured the rare Alabama snow event beautifully!
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