oh, such wonder...

where to begin with the rest of my story of this snow?  needless to say, i've been socked in, out here on firefly road where snowplows haven't come.  but the power has miraculously stayed on this time around (i've been without it three times in the past six weeks, for eight hours at a stretch) and walter and i have beautiful places to explore.

five years ago, just after i had moved out here in the country from the little town i'd been in for ten years, developers began clearing an area far up the steep winding road that begins its sharpest ascent just past my house.  roads were made, lots were cleared; it broke my heart, but not as much as the hearts of those who've lived here for dozens of years.  this is a remote area, and firefly road, even more remote since this is a dead end route.  no traffic, at all - and no cars whatsoever right now.  i love it out here, even when i question just what the hell i am doing living alone, a single woman, out in the middle of what feels like wilderness.  the housing market crashed just as the development up the way was completed; thankfully, not one single house has been built.  roads are empty, little wooden bridges lead to nowhere in particular; a stone bridge leads, it seems, to the sky.

and so (i'm rambling, i see - you'll have to forgive me) yesterday, mid afternoon, walter and i set out to walk up that very steep road, one small slow step at a time (on my part), something that wasn't easy to do when the snow was actually higher than my cold weather boots.  snow shoes would have been lovely; i haven't any, should perhaps purchase some. i love the photograph below for the simple fact that it shows my fairly straight, deep path, and walter's zig zig one that crossed my own steps over and over (and over) again.  poor walter - the snow was halfway up his legs, and after two hours, he began to chew at snow that had gathered in clumps on his feet, his stomach, his legs. it was an absolutely glorious time, one that seemed suspended for a couple of hours, while we wandered quietly way up there in the untouched snow.  the weight of my world, which has seemed especially heavy of late, was lifted from these bundled shoulders of mine.  i haven't wanted to share any self portraits for the past few months, i've felt so weathered and wrinkled and worried and old; but i'm going to share this one of me in that wide open space, taking a photograph for myself, of myself, to document this place in that sweet, slowed-down time.  i look into the camera, flecks of snow on my brow, to show myself some tender love.  hello there, self.  hello. down the mountain we went from there, slowly so slowly, tired and wet and flushed all rosy from the cold. i sat on the sofa for the rest of the afternoon and evening with a work tray in my lap, stitching quietly away, deeply inspired by the beauty that has draped itself around me.  and this morning, the sun is out, full force, which makes every thing - each branch, each print in the snow - that much more breathtaking in its stark bright clarity. such light!  such light. it is shining through the little snowy things i continue working on today. 

shine on, sweet light; make all things beautiful, make all things shimmer and glow.

xo

Comments

[connie]

oh my=beautiful!!
your work just amazes me-always Fresh
like the snow.-Merry Christmas

[susan]

Nina, it seems the snowy days are exactly what you needed to renew your spirit -
quiet hours making jewelry and long walks in winterwonderland.
Your jewelry pieces are just beautiful - and so is this post. Thank you.

xo dusan

[mary]

Wow! Those are absolutely gorgeous necklaces you are creating.

I can just feel the crisp, cold air coming out of the photos. Beautiful... Living here in NJ, I forget there are still places like this in our big, wide country...

[Andea]

wow, it's so beautiful where you live! glad to hear you're safe and with power (crossing my fingers). take care!

[Vickie]

you and Walter and firefly road are breathtaking and beautiful. would you like to make a snowman to share the view with, there out on the hill ? I hear snowmen(women) love to wear small bits of ornament every now and then. they also make good listeners and share burdens that they will help melt away. actually, I need a snowman about now, too.

[sandra]

Now girlfriend you just need to stop this worried, old , wrinkle weathered stuff. You are as beautiful as the scenes around you.

[Barbara]

Listen to Sandra, Estrella Nina! Listen to her. And I consider that last photo to be a self-portrait as well, if you catch my ... errr ... drift ;0 I can hear the quiet in these photos. So lovely.

[missy bendiksen]

if the power goes out again just make it a "One Dog Night". (North Carolian term)

The name "Three Dog Night" refers to an expression meaning a night so cold that one needs to sleep while embracing three dogs. It's unclear whether the term originated with Inuit or with Indigenous Australians.

missy

[hhb]

Sigh.....
Beautiful words and images. I envy you that snow, although the weather here has been quite balmy for this tme of the year. This morning hound and I were buffetted by wind and watched flocks of pink and grey parrots sitting in a purple Jaccaranda tree!

[missy bendiksen]

how do you spell North Carolinian?
missy

[Nancy]

I love the snow on the trees- highlighting each branch. We haven't gotten too much snow yet here in Michigan but it is COLD! Thanks for the lovely photographs.

[Jamie V]

Nina - these are beautiful pictures - oh, my! I say get the snowshoes! You will really enjoy using them - trust me! The best times I've had alone out traipsing through the snowy woodsis when I'm on snowshoes... I have purple ones (not the wood kind). Just when I starting cursing the snow here in Montana, I read a post of yours and I see the joy in it! Thank you! I have to say that the wonderful pieces of art you have created here are some of the most inspiring I have seen! Lovely - lovely! Jamie V in MT

[Corrine]

Beautiful, soulful snow posts both yesterday and today. They infuse your work with light. xox Corrine

[Whosyergurl]

Beautiful snow, beautiful you.

The same thing happened very near here. They put in roads, gas lines, the whole bit and only three houses were built. We enjoy walking where there are no houses.
Warm hugs from Indina, Cheryl

[D Smith Kaich Jones]

this is breathtaking. i am not a cold weather girl but the silence i feel in these images beckons me, tempts me. and those rosy cheeks! what beauty. and those crisscrossing snow paths, walter all over the place - what joy. i have to laugh, though - i can just hear my mother: "but it's so far away from the hospitals!!". :)

[Patty M]

It's only a mirage when we see we're alone.
The snowflakes, dog prints, all of these only
estimate the many benevolent beings along for
the wonderful ride! We have legs to carry them
all. So they come and illuminate our way.

[red or gray art]

oh goodness the snow white and birds..what more can there be ....

[Diana B]

Missy, you spell it "Tarheel." ;)

Lovely to see your powder-dusted environs, Nina. That's the only way I like snow: in photos! Clearly you and Walter are cut out for it, though, so enjoy it, m'dears.

[Kathryn Stripling Byer]

Nina, how I wish I could have been home when the snow descended instead of here in SW Georgia. Walter, I want to hug him. What a great guy he is. I'm eager to get back to my dogs tomorrow. The fields down here in winter are haunting; I thought I saw my Scarecrow Woman standing out in one of them this morning. An eagle flew overhead as I drove to the farm. Buzzards, of course, and a couple of hawks. The ancient oaks still stand guard around the house. The green gods.
Hope to see you one of these days.

[Sharon]

*looks like Heaven on Earth and a beautiful rosey cheeked angel....*

[Denise S.]

All I see is a beautiful smiling face with a very flirty blush. The jewelry is just exceptional as always my sweet.

[Denise Morrison]

oh my what a beautiful post and your rosy cold cheeks are so pretty. I lost my breath for a moment scrolling down to your jewelry. so lovely, like a story of something I new but had forgotten.
Happy Christmas Nina.

[Linda]

how absolutely gorgeous, all of that snow and winter wonderland. And you look beautiful! xxoo

[Teri Mahl]

We just gave our twins snow shoes for their BD on Sunday. But, no snow...only lots of rain. I am envious how happy you are to be totally alone there. Sometimes, after being in the city and returning home, I get sad that I have to return here where it is so quiet and lonesome. I am perplexed about feeling so isolated; so far from everything. What is it about me that makes me so uneasy after living here for 37 years now? I will have to start thinking more like you and appreciate what I have and figure out just what it is contributing to me now, at this time in my life.

[julie]

you have created a magical place on firefly road - so much to smile at in this post. and, the picture that finally got me: looking down the snow covered driveway and seeing the blue, blue sky. wow. x

[oldflowers4me]

oooooohhhhh ..your world is covered in snow...how divine.

[lizzie]

Calling in briefly to tell you there are many, many craftworking, solitude seeking, lone walking with a dog creative women blogging worldwide! Well, of course you knew that already... Yours just happens to be the most lovely blog and you don't look wrinkled and weathered to me, but then I feel like I went from maiden to matron over night aswell ;-)

[Lee]

Hi Nina! Lucky you, it's been cold here, but not much snow yet. I love the hush of snow, when you go out and it is still and crisp and clean. My dog loves snow too, to bad you and Walter can't come to play. Your new pieces are gorgeous, and always so inspiring. HUGS

[Dinahsoar]

When I saw your face I didn't see weathered, wrinkled, old and worried...I saw grace, beauty, kindness and acceptance--all lovely and worthy jewels. The inner woman adorns the outer woman and the beauty inside always gloriously transcends any outer wear and tear.

I visit your blog and enjoy seeing the beautiful things you create and know that I will find inspiration, comfort, joy in what you share here. Thank you--your offering here enriches my life and the lives of many others.

[Kathryn]

There's something magical about leaving footprints in fresh snow. I loved how Walters criss crossed over yours. The photos are beautiful.

[Ally]

Gorgeous post Nina.

And yes! Get yourself some snowshoes! They really make winter walking so much more enjoyable! I received some a few years ago as a Christmas gift and I absolutely LOVE them.

:-) Ally

[Lori Burek]

Nina, What a wonderful day it sounds like you had. Wish I could find that inner peace you have. Your new little pieces look wonderful, there a peace about them too. I guess you made me realize we can all have those wonderful days -- it's in us but we must choose to view our world. Thanks for reminding me...I try to have more days of peace.
Lori B.

[Tina in McLeansville]

oh how i sat, completely enthralled with the words, the photos, until i came to the one...THAT one, that made me gasp...the little cabin in the snow. oh my, the pictures of things that went through my head...when i close my eyes do you know what i see?! :) and you...you, my dear...look not one bit weathered nor wrinkled, wrapped in your winter blanket of glittery sparkly white....no, not one bit. hugs...xo

[Michelle]

The snow agrees with you...it's a very pretty picture of you. xox

And I can't stop gazing at the second to last photo...the light shining through that mini collage...the birds and the beads...it is beautiful. Gorgeous...

And I have to say...I'm envious of the quiet and solitude...I'm such a homebody...and I am not one who's afraid to be alone. I actually like it... The snow and the quiet...it all sounds so...rejuvenating.

[Chris Kerr]

Nina, You look so beautiful. Simply beautiful. I pray that your load lightens and you feel your eyes sparkle with joy~~

I'm 53 and I relate to disliking my photos more and more. But I know my kids wouldn't want me to shrink from them. Ten years from now I'll think I looked great now!

Of course, every bit of your work just sings honesty, love, giving. Thank you!

[sperlygirl]

bella!! sending you wishes of love and peace this holiday season, nina. xx s

[Jill]

You know, for me anyway, I would never choose the snow and the cold. I would never wake up and ask for it then go out in it. But, I do go out in it, begrudgingly. Even if it's for fun, it's because of my kids not because I choose it. And, I enjoy it a bit in spite of myself. When I have to go out and move snow or scoop, sitting on the tractor or pausing from the shoveling, I stop and look around and the still frozen silence is miraculous. Such peace in a quite unpleasant situation. Your photos and narrative make me ready for it again this year. And, you my dear, are beautiful.

[lori]

I adore your blog - I have been reading it for awhile now. You bring me a beautiful peacefulness with your pictures and descriptions.

[Zorana]

Beauty and magic in your world, your words and your work. Thank you.

[samm]

twinkling light and twinkling beauty in each and every image and especially in the one of you dear nina...
merry christmas to you xoxo

[Adrienne Berry]

You look radiant!

[lorraine]

Hi Nina,
I love the pic of you, and of course all your beautiful surroundings you treat us with in your posts!

Merry Christmas !!
xoxo
Lorraine

[Janet McDonald]

Snow when it snows alot there are indeed so many places to wander and explore! For in the snow its so different and all a new! When you are alone you always have Walter and you have your friends here and we I send you alot of love that waifts up to Ninas home in the Woods...oxo

[Peggy]

You look so pretty in the snow!

[Jessica W.]

Visiting your blog is always like venturing into another world (like the mention of narnia in a more recent of your posts), and it's a beautiful, magical and soothing place, that world. Thank you for sharing. i always feel better for having visited.

[anna maria]

Beautiful photos, beautiful work, beautiful you and beautiful pup!
When I think I will never be brave enough to live alone in a large house surrounded by trees in southern Italy, a 12 minute walk to town, neighbors just across the street and down the road, and an occasional snowflake on alternate years, I think of you on Firefly road. Really, I'm not joking. I can wake up in the middle of the night in Ceglie Messapica, thinking I can't do it, and then I remember Nina.
Just thought I'd let you know.
Hope your holidays were as good as possible without the boys there with you.
Love,
Anna Maria