Chaos

Grey Gold

 A theme often touched upon in this blog is learning to accept giving ourselves some slack in our lives. When there are so many details in your world that seem to need tending, a loss of enjoyment of your life can follow.

So, while allowing the little things slide so as indulge ourselves in the bigger and better aspects of our lives is tricky, learning to deal with the onslaught of chaos is an entirely different situation. And, much more difficult to tame.

Chaos can be induced by something as minor as a head cold, or as major as losing a job. The hassle of rearranging a week of activities and obligations can be overwhelming; fortunately, the possible off-putting of events for a week can help us to avoid having to do too much maneuvering immediately. Chaos can be ignored sometimes and, often, we are better to just do so.

But, when it is something as encompassing as loss of a job, a career, an income, the chaos that ensues can be overwhelming. A reevaluation of an entire lifestyle doesn’t come simply, nor is it something that can be pushed away in the hope that delay will make the chaos disappear.

The idea of just offering it up to the Universe begs the issue of bringing our lives back into a livable state. The tricky part of chaos descending is that it is like a violent, churning ocean storm in which you are caught without a usable vessel: you are not only treading water to stay afloat, but know that you need to be swimming toward shore before the waves overtake you. The shore is order, land under our feet the necessary control. The Universe may wash you onto the sand, but without your contribution of effort, the odds decrease significantly.

There are times when it seems like an entire front of chaos blows across your shoreline, tossing a new storm over your haven constantly, ripping the plywood you’ve just affixed for safety, off, in a single puff.

Other Side of the Door

Yep.

Been that way for a while now. Still have no system to bring chaos into line; still dealing with each crisis, unexpected expense, loss, illness, etc., at a time. Sometimes it’s relatively clear what needs to be done to move out of the storm. Other times, there is no obvious solution; or worse, any solution that you can implement as others hold the power, if you will.

Maybe it is as straightforward as letting the Universe decide for you. Maybe it is forgiving yourself for not having the ability to solve a situation brought about by chaos. Maybe it just is what it is and it’s okay to accept that. Maybe it is taking a lot of deep breaths, closing your eyes, opening them again and refocusing your energies.

It seems to most likely be the last one. And, that’s okay if that's what it has to be.

Expanse at Sunset
 

 

IF "New"

A New Position
6x6 Permanent Marker on Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel
 

Yes, it’s time for the dread New Year’s Resolution fiasco! Time to try something new, to stretch your boundaries, to turn your life around! Yay.

Oh, I mean, “Yay!!”.

One of the most stubborn tendencies we all struggle with is negativity. It’s a very easy trap to get caught in. Being weighed down by day-to-day details and frustrations, it’s easy to just throw your hands up and say, “It’ll never happen”.

Been there, too?

I know you have just by the support and encouragement I’ve received from this blogging/art community. Empathy and shared experiences help to keep the negativity at bay. Especially while learning to navigate the world of art and marketing! Not an easy challenge for certain.

That’s my goal this upcoming year: to bring a consistent thread of positive thought and action into other avenues of life. I wish I could say that this is the first year I’ve attempted this, but, it isn’t.

As we all know, though, it often takes several attempts to succeed. Sometimes, success never comes. But, yes, as we’ve all been taught, if you don’t try, success will never happen.

So, here’s to “new” (or not so new) efforts in the New Year! And, with some persistence, here’s to achieving success in all those efforts!

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For our neighbors, our friends, our heroes.

 

IF Puzzle

Man's Greatest Puzzle
Graphite on 6x9 60# Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is "Puzzle". It strikes a nerve for me this week: the puzzle of human nature is a neverending challenge.

So many people throw away a good situation reaching for the recreation of a glorified past relationship. A lot of us take for granted a wonderful person in our lives because "something" is "missing". As for men and women, well, John Gray's made a fortune trying to reconcile the male/female conundrum! And, many more authors will continue to make money this way.

But, the puzzle will never be solved.

Because, people always want more than they perceive that they possess. This is an important and positive trait that has made man alter his environment, always looking to improve his lot. It's a destructive and negative tendency in that it blinds us to what we do possess that does make us happy.

I guess all I really want to say today is this: Take a look at your life and do whatever you can to enhance the presence of the good things in your world and expand on them. Don't toss them in pursuit of something different; work to make your life better with what you already have.

You have the pieces to the puzzle. Just take the time and effort to put them in the right places!

IF Suspense

Watercolor Paint on 4x6 Cold Press Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

Illustration Friday's topic this week is "Suspense". This illustration may look more like "Peek-a-Boo", but it really represents suspense and mystery for me.

The suspense is, "How will my hair behave today?" and the mystery often is, "What did I do to make it look this good and how will I do it again?".

In my lifetime, I don't know that I've ever known a woman who's been consistently happy about her hair. This phenomenon can be demonstrated simply by wandering the hair care aisle in any store. Between the cleaning, conditioning and coloring products available to the sprays, styling gels and mousses, it takes an entire aisle to hold it all. And if you want a tool to curl your hair, you can choose from small, medium or large curls, spiral curls, crimped waves, etc. Straightening tools offer broad irons for longer needs and 1" or less irons for just a light, wispy effect. It's a great business in which to have stock! Go Conair!

I'm no different in regards to being dissatisfied with my hair. I have 3 things working against me: thin, wavy hair, allergies to stay-in hair products and, mostly, that I'm just plain lazy when it comes to working with it. I've had wonderful hair stylists do great cuts to no avail. It's too fickle to try to anticipate what momentous steps I'll have to take to tame it on any given day.

However, one advantage to age, or, preferably, aging with a certain amount of grace, is that it seems to matter less and less. I don't like the days when my hair goes completely and wildly bad, but the normal, mediocre days are fine.

Think I'll try to avoid the suspense and mystery and just let it go. I'd rather be doing a lot of other things with my time anyway!

And the Winner Is....

You've caught me in an incredibly indecisive mood, ladies! I cannot decide who wins the Sweetheart Love in a Small Container Giveaway!

So, that being said, ALL 3 of you- Joanne, Chris and Carol, have won! 

Contact me at my email, bronsonhillarts@gmail.com, with information on where to send your prizes and if you prefer grapes or flowers, bud vases or candle holders! But, first to contact me gets first choice!

Thank you so much for participating in the giveaway. It's been wonderful reading about your love for your sweethearts and for life, too.

Have a fantastic Valentine's Day, ladies!

IF Grounded

Grounded on a Rubber Sole
4x6 Watersoluble Pencil on 120# Paper
©2012 BE Deuel Bronson Hill Arts

“Grounded“. It’s one of those words that can mean so many different things.

In the mundane aspect, it can refer to the design of an electrical plug or the purpose of a lightning rod. In a child’s/teenager’s life, it can mean the end of the world; at least in the short run, which can seem like forever for them. In relation to the metaphysical, it can mean being well-adjusted and able to deal with reality.

Do I consider myself a grounded person? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

I’ve worked relatively steadily since I was 16, keep a decent home, support and love my family and friends. I can be so insanely realistic at times that I can irritate others with my apparent “negativity”. There is quite a bit of evidence that I am well-grounded.

But, even at that, I still dream dreams that aren’t practical. I would love to have an animal foster home and a fulltime art business. I have always wanted to write a book. It would be incredible to spend 6 months in an RV with my husband exploring the U.S. with cameras and canvas in hand!

On a smaller scale, I would be thrilled to have enough time to sleep and read in the hammock every spring, summer and fall day. Oh, actually, that would include the dream of being able to afford to hire someone to clean my house and weed my gardens! I would enjoy sampling a meal in every restaurant and diner in this area that we live in and anywhere else we‘d fancy.

I suppose what makes me a “grounded” person is that I know that the odds are that these dreams are, most likely, not going to happen in this incarnation. But what makes me happy, is still be able to enjoy those dreams and the reaching for those goals.

Yes, grounded is good, but happy is better.

IF Highlight(s) In 2012!

Highlight(s) for IF
6x6 Permanent Marker on Smooth Bristol
©2012BEDeuel

Recently, I was feeling like I was in a deep funk. Life's been ridiculously chaotic and full of petty annoyances from petty people. It was definitely getting to me.

While I'm not usually a cosmetic person, the thought of dying my hair again was appealing. Maybe it was just that I needed a different view when I looked in the mirror. My face showed every stress very clearly. I thought maybe a little color framing it would give it the perk up that my emotions couldn't.

And, honestly, I'm glad I've done it.

Has it changed the existence of the problems in my world? No. Does it really take years away from my appearance? No. Has it made the world a nicer place? No, not at all.

But I think I look brighter (physically, that is!) and I do feel lighter. Maybe even a little bit sparkly!

So, here's to a little thing that's made the start of the 2012 a little nicer for me.

Hopefully, you're doing something nice for yourself to start the new year and continue to do it throughout the year!

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I was going through a very old portfolio and came across a couple of pieces that I just love.

The Bette Davis portrait I did, as I remember, in my senior year of high school, back, well, a few decades ago. It's done in a pointillism style with ink. You can actually see where it was damaged at one time across the upper lip. But, I just couldn't part with it.

The other piece was a "doodle" of sorts. About 3 years out of high school, I had the luxury of having a ton of time to experiment with all sorts of artwork styles and designs. This picture of the Enchanted Crone is done in ballpoint pen, both black and blue. It was something that had flowed very easily and, again, I was thrilled with the results.

These pictures are reminders that every pursuit will have successful moments.

But that the time has to be invested in those pursuits to achieve those successes.

Like all new years past, I'm sure you've made your resolutions, which as we all know, are easy to keep for the first couple of weeks. It's the later weeks when it gets tough to keep your promises to yourself.

Don't overwhelm yourself with trying to succeed unendingly. Work at it patiently and success will happen, maybe in a small way to start, but all the same!

Enjoy everything you choose to undertake in 2012! This month, next month, and every month that follows!

IF Hibernate



Hi-BRRR-Nate
4x6 Water Soluble Pencil on 140# Coldpress Paper
©2011 BEDeuel

With the topic at Illustration Friday being "Hibernation" this week, it was too easy to think of cold and lots of protection in which to hide from it. And with the thought of cold, as well as the arrival this week of actual cold weather, it was bound to make me realize something:

It's official: the shortest summer (that I can remember) is over.

In some ways, it's good. In other ways, it's not.

Let me start with the "not" list.

The days are short. The temperature is very fickle, making it difficult to decide how much to wear at any given minute. The gardens and trees are fading. And, the worst, winter is coming up fast and furious. Indoor confinement and difficult travel lay ahead.

The good?

The shorter days make it easier to settle in earlier in the day. It feels good to put on some clothing that is soft and comfy, instead of trying to strip down to the bare basics without being arrested. Once the gardens are done, the workload is cut in half with only the house needing to be tended. The trees will turn gorgeous with vibrant colors to fill the heart with wonder and an urgency to appreciate the quick passing of time.

Winter, though, how can that be good? Unless you're a skier, snowmobiler, or general winter-sports fanatic, what fun is winter?

The fun is the excuse to use the fireplace and snuggle with whatever pleases you, be it a fuzzy blanket, a loving pet, or your best friend and lover. The fun is making sinfully indulgent comfort foods and drinking hot chocolate on a daily basis. The fun is watching the first flakes land and change the world before your eyes. The fun is knowing that there will be another spring in which to enjoy so many other pleasures of living.

With the change of the seasons coming around again, make some fun with it. Take a moment to realize it can all be good.

Here's hoping it is and will be all good for you!

IF Shadows: Stepping Out

:

Dancing in the Shadows (B&W)
8x10 Permanent Marker
©BEDeuel 2010

A few years back, the middle daughter discovered the art of the Sharpie. She took any image that she liked, copied it and colored it in Sharpie, or permanent marker. She would (and still will) illustrate anything, including canvas shoes.

It was not, per se, something that I thought I'd enjoy doing myself. Until I saw an intriguing magazine cover.

The motion and colors of the dancers in the heavy shadows drew me into the scene. The intensity was there to be captured again, in a different medium.

So, I tried: Sharpies!



Dancers In the Shadows (Original)
©BEDeuel 2010

The uneven application of color detracts from the effect I was attempting to recreate. It was done on a mediocre paper and it shows.  I also, at that time, had a limited palette to work from so some of the coloring had to be improvised to a degree.

When the topic of "Shadow" was presented this week for Illo Friday, I had half-a-dozen different ideas, but stumbled across this picture in it's original form and decided to try it in a B&W effect.

And, I like it. Almost better than the original. Funny how that can happen at times, isn't it?

Since I did this sketch, I've done a great deal more with permanent markers. I've decided I like those, too. And, in working with markers, I started expanding into several different mediums I'd never thought I'd be interested in trying.

It's a series of links, like so many things in life. You're introduced to something different from the rest of your everyday world. You decide you like it, you decide to pursue it. It can lead to other new and interesting things. Some of those things you might like, others, not so much. Usually the positives outweigh the negatives, though, so the flow of new things into your world can be so exciting and energizing.

Embrace it, follow the flow wherever it goes and enjoy the results! Some of the most beautiful, yet unexpected, things can emerge from the shadows if you let them.

IF: (Amazing Technicolor) Journey

The Amazing Technicolor Journey
6x9 Watercolor on 140# Watercolor Paper
©2011 BEDeuel 

As the proverbial road of life often does, it turns. Sometimes sharply, sometimes subtly.
I’ve encountered a sharp, defining turn in that road as of late.

An opportunity came upon me make a job change. It’s with a newer, growing practice, run by a young, dynamic doctor who is also a very nice person. And it’s incredibly close to home. With the unbelievable increase in the cost of gasoline today, and continuing to increase at an unbelievable rate, the opportunity couldn’t have been more perfect.

The unfortunate aspects of the change are that I will miss the boss and people I worked with, as well as my patients, and I won’t have as much free time to devote to the blog and the artwork as I‘ve had the last 7 or so months.

And now with spring (hopefully) upon us, I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time outdoors. So where does that leave Bronson Hill Arts?

At this point, the energy and time I can devote to BHA will have to be more focused. I want to do more involved pieces of artwork and do more with printing and selling Mike’s images. We’ve been invited to participate in a couple of shows and will submit to a local art show over the summer at a state college gallery. These steps are just the beginnings of what we want to accomplish with Bronson Hill Arts.

As for the blog, I want to keep writing it. And I want to try to tie it in with showcases such as Illustration Friday and Cactus Monday. The Twenty Minute Challenge also intrigues me. The blog will be for connecting with all of you, which was not the original purpose. That was to promote the artwork, not for the fun of it. And it has been so much fun joining the blogging community. The support and shared joy of life and art has been fabulous!

So in taking this new turn in the road, the new road has narrowed. The path is more and differently defined than the first road was. The goals have changed, too. Which brings us back to the journey. The journey has had to be altered as well.

The journey has started. Again. Isn’t it fun?
　
　
　

Lend Me Your Ear

“Is it a full moon?”

This was a question that was posed every month. And, we did not have to look at a calendar to know that it was on its way. With the exception of the not-so-jolly Christmas season, anyone who works with large numbers of people can nail the week of the full moon. The reason Christmas doesn’t count is that too many people take on too much and are, well, crabby all season. But the rest of the year, there’s rarely any confusion as to the phases of that old moon.

In case you’ve been completely isolated from the media this last week, we’ve just experienced what has been called a “Super Moon”. The moon was the closest to the earth it had been for a couple of decades and will be for a couple of more. So, knowing how strong an influence the moon normally has during its not-so-super full phase, can you imagine how tense things can become with a “Super Moon”?

What Influences What?
©2010 Grand Canyon #1 by Michael Deuel

For more than a decade, I’d worked in what one might consider a very particularly demanding market. You could tell the moon was waxing to full. Even the calmest of clients could be cranky. Everyone, clients and staff, would become edgy, possibly in anticipation of everyone else being cranky and edgy.

I’ve been somewhat insulated from that situation the last year. I’ve been working a new business so that the traffic has been slow enough to avoid that building tension. And, it’s been in a small town, where, overall, the people are easy-going and not as rushed.  It’s been so very nice, to say the least! Nary a crank! I have been spoiled!

So, though I shouldn’t be, I’ve been surprised to sense a great deal of tension in my life this week.  I know part of it is dealing with quite a few changes again. Part of it is dealing with the same situations over and over again, without resolution. But, is it the “Super Moon”? Or just the “cycle” of living?

I do believe that the moon can affect mood and behavior. I’m not talking werewolves and lunatics being affected. I’m thinking that just as any other force in the universe, there is a physical impact which in turn creates an emotional wave for everyone. This wave can skewer perceptions which can cause serious communication problems between parties.

Force & Spirit
©2010 Blue Skies & Water & a Rainbow by Michael Deuel

There was a technique that was taught in many of the business classes I’ve taken over the years that works. You let the disgruntled individual state their case uninterrupted. When they are done, you repeat back to them what you heard them say: “What I hear you saying is….Is this correct?” They can then correct you or agree with you. And, 98% of the time, this works to facilitate effective communication so that any problem can be discussed. The other 2%, well, what are you going to do? Some people don’t really want to be satisfied and there is nothing you’re ever going to be able to do to fix that.

Talk, Talk, Talk! Don't You Ever Listen?
©2010 Love Birds #2 by Michael Deuel

This method can work on the personal level also. I found that, with the oldest daughter, it was very useful. Oddly enough, I think she actually initiated our using it to get to the root of a problem. I know I was pretty impressed with her at that point. But, I meander…

It is so hard, though, at times to keep your head clear of the smoke that arises in the middle of a, ahem, “discussion” with someone you care about. But it is so crucial to implement some system that allows all parties to speak and to be heard. Or else, you’ll be “dealing with the same situations over and over again, without resolution”, if I may quote myself.

It’s something everyone needs to work at: listening, really listening, and speaking without contempt or derision. If we could all remember that, not only would the world be so much better, but, there’d be nothing to dread about dealing with each other. We could all just enjoy the peace on earth and the beauty of the skies.

Fate



Boy Optician Meets...

Have I mentioned that I believe in Fate? That most of the time there is a reason that something happens the way it happens?

My favorite example is meeting my husband, Mike. We met at work, which being opticians wouldn’t be all that extraordinary. It was the timing that was, well, fortuitous.
 
I had started working for, shall we say, Company G in July. I was acquainted with one of the opticians and he had helped me get the job. Now, I had worked at a lot of optical offices, but had never worked at one that was so disorganized and petty. I was miserable. And, I’d only been there 3 weeks.

Luckily, another job offer came my way with a former employer and I jumped on it. I gave my 2-week notice to Company G. What a relief for me, not so much for the owner of the company. He was starting another office and needed to keep my position filled. Oh, well…such is life!
He had worked with Mike before and had brought Mike back to start the new office. But, in being overly-optimistic, he had brought Mike in 2 weeks earlier than he had needed. You see where this is going, right? Yep. It was love at first sight for me and Mike talked me into staying. I think he could’ve talked me into jumping off the proverbial bridge then!



...Girl Optician!

So, the timing was everything. Two weeks later and we might not have met. That’s a thought that saddens me, so I try not to think it.

I’ve felt the push of Fate working again as of late. I took the job I have now just hours before I was called for a busier, higher-paying job. Am I sorry? No, I’m not. If I had that job, I’d be under tremendous stress. I wouldn’t have the time or the energy to pursue these new and exciting avenues of blogging and trying to market my love of art.

I truly think that this is where I need to be at this point in my life. I’ve been re-introduced to friendships and talents that have lain dormant much too long. I’ve learned more about the internet and computers in the last 5 months than I had ever known prior. I’ve been exploring new media and techniques with artwork. I’m starting to love what I do at work again. I’ve found my zen for this moment in the universe.

The tendency we all have, the mentality that is pounded into all of our brains, is we always need to have more. More money, more time, more youth, more adoration, etc. And we rail against Fate when we don’t get it.

Go with the Flow and You May Land in a Beautiful Place!

But if you were to honestly evaluate what you do have, what would you change? And, if you changed it, what would you lose?



In the big picture, Fate has most likely given you what you need. Now, just take it and use it to create the life you want.

Happy New Year? I Sure Hope So!

Resolutions.

Yes, yes, it’s that time of year again. I’m not sure how this torture developed, this need to evaluate every bit of your life, pull it apart and make a half-hearted resolve to reassemble it so that it’s perfect in every way. Throw in the guilt that follows when you fail within the first 2 weeks and the torture is complete.

A Painting Every Week?!?

Yet, I do it, too. Every year. I put the diet together along with the schedule that includes every detail that I feel I need to include in my life to be whole. Time set aside to exercise every day, clean the house thoroughly every week, do a full painting each week, reorganize the basement, etc., etc. And, yes, every year, I fail.

I’m 99% sure that the failure rate is so high is because we believe the stuff with which the media crams our brains. We can be perfect. We can have the perfect body, the perfect house and yard, the perfect romance with our spouse, perfect children, the perfect job, the perfect fulfillment of your every dream and ambition. And you’ll still find time to sleep that 7 hours a night to maintain your perfectly youthful complexion and waistline!



...and Sing!

 Not gonna happen. And, this year, I’ve decided, that for me, that’s okay.

Take some time to Dance...

I am going to make resolutions, but not the usual ones. I’m going to resolve to accept reality and rebuff the nonsense of the world inside the tube. I’m not saying that I’m not going to do the things that need to be done. I am saying that I’m going to try to approach all of it with the right attitude.



 Instead of whining about how “fat” I’ve gotten the last 18 months, especially in front of the daughters, I’m going to try to get them and maybe some my friends involved with my exercise plans. It won’t be every day, but when I (or we) can make the time. And, I am not expecting the same body I had 10+ years ago.  I just want to feel better, not compete with a 30-year-old, or even a 40-year-old.

I want to spend more time with family, friends and neighbors, not the vacuum, not the weeds, not at work. I need to figure out what garden will be “sacrificed” this year to make that time. I want to spend more time in the kitchen learning some new dishes and techniques, not parked in front of the television watching another rehash or rerun.

I want to look at the rainbow and ignore the clouds as often as possible. If I gripe, I want to be able to laugh at myself for being such an Eeyore. If someone else gripes, I want to be their Tigger, and bounce them to the positive side.

I’ve got a good job, a nice “boss”, a pretty house, a decent car, really wonderful friends, great parents and other family, and the best husband. I’ll never win any beauty pageants, but I’ve never scared anyone either (I think!). I don’t want to tear my life to bits and create a new one. I just want to enjoy the one I have now a bit more.

Sweetie resolves to never leave white laundry white.

And, that’s my resolution for 2011.



Jaq resolves to never sleep in a boring position.

What's yours?


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This past week, our family lost our oldest brother, Bob. Under the circumstances, he went peacefully. There was enough of an age difference between Mike and Bob that we never spent as much time with him and his lady, Jayne, as we would have liked. But he was always our brother, and we will always miss him. We just hope he's enjoying that toboggan run he wanted. We love you, Bob.


Santa's Bow Holder and Helper

Another reason to live well:  In the world we occupy now, there is too little time to waste on the wrong things. Dive into 2011 and dance every wave you can catch!

Plus Vs. Minus

Almost all things in life require a trade-off, one option to be selected over the other to gain something positive.



Some dawns you don't want to miss...

 Some are not difficult. You might want to choose between getting out of bed an hour earlier to do that entire exercise routine or to sleep. Since there is a lot of evidence, as of late, that indicates that both of these options are good for the waistline, it becomes a choice that befits your personality. Me? Oh, sleep, for certain!

Other decisions are not so easy. One of the hardest any pet owner has ever had to make is whether to euthanize a beloved furry friend or to hold out for that miracle you’ve been praying for to come through. Since a pet can’t communicate to you verbally, you’re assuming full responsibility for either choice. And, it’s rarely a black-or-white choice, but you’re trying to find the option that will be positive in result.  The trade-off is your loss versus a loved one’s comfort. Never simple, never easy.

Fortunately, most trade-offs just happen. They’re incidental to other choices made as life occurs. This point was brought to my consciousness by an innocuous exchange with a friend. She was teasing me, that where we grew up, we didn’t have to deal with that annoying winter snow-stuff. If I’d stayed there I wouldn’t have it to deal with this white stuff.

Living in upstate New York, you know it’s a toss-up which season is longer: winter or construction. No matter that the “construction season” covers almost two-thirds of the year, winter wins without contest.

Dealing with this fact-of-living was not an intentional choice. Through years of convolution, I became a “native” Upstater. The only part of the choice that was intentional was that I chose to marry a man whose life was centered in this part of the world. That was the trade-off: love won over the dread of winter. It wasn't a deliberate choice as there was nothing that would've stopped my marrying the love of my life. Winter-here I am!



Long Winter Ahead

 It is an entire season of plusses and minuses. There is a process to adapting to the wintertime. It just happens. You just have to look for the trade-offs.

• The first “significant snow events” (as they are referred to by our local weatherpeople) are a royal pain. The road crews never seem to be near any road you’re driving along. The people, who have lived under these conditions for a lifetime, seem to be lost as if they had never seen snow before and have no clue how to navigate through it.

The trade-off here is that it is so incredibly beautiful. The shapes and consistencies of the snow can shift from one stretch of land to another. The way the ultra-white crystals take the form of anything they alight on is, very simply, breath-taking.

• Slowly, people relearn their winter skills. They have to do that. Because, it never ends! It truly seems that the clouds just park overhead and won’t let any other weather pattern drive through our neighborhood. For about 3 months. Luckily, the third month is February, so it’s short. Yes, I realize that this is strictly a psych as the weather really has no obligation to follow the calendar. But, indulge me.

The Snowman designed for the Indoor Type: Small and Tidy

What’s the plus of this? You really have to look carefully, but it’s there. If you’re an outdoorsy person, there is so much to do. Skiing- downhill and cross-country-, sledding, snow-shoeing, or just wandering. If you’re more sedentary, there’s always hot chocolate by the gallon, fireplaces, books, and, time. Lots of time, which is itself a wonderful commodity.

• And, the best, and final stage of adaption is when we quietly anticipate winter's starting to hesitantly move out. The green starts to peep from beneath it’s now-whitish cover. The temperature soars to over 40 and it’s time to pull out the spring coat and let your winter boots dry thoroughly. A silent wave of relief comes over our shivering souls.

And the trade-off is, well, none! Except maybe a greater appreciation of all things becoming new again, of being alive another year.

So, as I watch my car get covered in another layer of the stuff, I can hold onto the positives. Maybe this upstate snow-stuff, like most things in life, really isn’t so bad after all.

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Lost Robin

I want to give a special thank you to my brother-in-law, Lou,aka, L.R. Deuel, for sharing some of his wonderful images with us. I'm thinking that the photographic talent runs in the family. What do you think?