Exactly one week after I forced myself to go for a photo stroll in thick fog, this morning I forced myself to get out of bed, put on three layers, and slog through a mile of snow to take some more pictures.
“WHY??” you might ask, as my husband did. “Because otherwise I’ll get depressed,” I might reply.
Last year’s cold and darkness took their toll, as did my constant pining to be elsewhere. I’ve not yet succeeded in moving to Paris (or Tahiti), so I recently realized I had two choices: either (a) curl up in a ball and wish the next six months away, or (b) get out there and make the best of it.
This morning I chose option “b.”
At first, my only companions were the sound of my own footsteps and the wind. The landscape felt desolate and barren.
But the woods seemed more welcoming, dressed in snowy-white lace.
Once my eyes got acclimated, I started to notice bits of color everywhere.
And by the time I was headed back home, I also started to notice other humans.
This morning I was reminded of an old Zen lesson: You can fight the way things are, or you can accept the way things are. Am I thrilled about being in Minnesota for yet another long, dark, cold winter? Nope. But I am here — and I’ll make the best of it, you betcha.
HeideBlog 
Seems like we’re sharing the same weather today. Stay warm.
My condolences, David! 🙂 You stay warm, as well — and hang in there!
When I opened your blog I found that it was snowing there too. OMG! Where’s my camera? 🙂
🙂
Nice. I remember when I was so dedicated to getting those shots. Way to go!
I’m not sure if I’m a dedicated photographer, or a dedicated walker who happens to carry a camera. Either way, at least I got off my duff today. And now … more shoveling! Yay!
Thank you for choosing option ‘b’! Great story and fabulous photos! And a help for when I face the same choices in Paris!!!!
Can you *imagine* what would happen if Paris got a foot of snow, Brad? Total chaos! Pandemonium! A general strike!! Still, I’m very glad if I’m able to provide some inspiration to grab your camera. (Not that you need any inspiration to shoot videos, of course …)
See you in a few weeks! 🙂
Nice collection of photos!
Thank you, Mimi! And thanks for stopping by, too!
Rain, fog, and 55 degrees at 8:45 pm in Indianapolis. I don’t miss the snow of my Lake Michigan childhood, nosiree.
How sad that rain and fog sound blissful to me right now, as I dress to go battle a snowdrift. *Sigh.*
Thank you for sharing!!! We are missing snow here in Indiana a lot!!! So beautiful, peaceful, magial and quiet!!!
I hope rush hour is also beautiful, peaceful, magical and quiet. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by … wonderful to hear from you!
Wow, amazing! I really like this post, and photo #4 is absolutely STUNNING…like, I want to eat it. So glad you decided to go out that morning.
I know it’s all in the eye of the beholder, but personally I think you’re crazy lucky to have scenes like this all to yourself; for me this is one of those happy place settings that just screams serenity, peace, reflection, and good ol’ fashioned universe-telling-me-it’s-gonna-be-alright kinda vibes. So much so that I imagine you out there and can enjoy it vicariously like a little black and white movie in my mind.
Hooray for option b, I say.
Wow, Corey! Thanks for your kind words! This post seems to have really made an impression on you, eh? And you’re right: There really *is* something quite magical about being in a landscape like this, and having it to yourself. I’ll try to remember that this morning as I brave the rush-hour traffic in below-zero temps. Eeeek.
Way to go ! 🙂
Beautiful pictures, and I love your colour catches. 🙂
Thank you, Sallyann! I loved spotting some color here and there, too. It made me realize that most of the time I don’t even *notice* color — until it’s gone. I suppose the same could be said of many things in life, eh? 🙂
Brrrr, thanks for braving the cold & snow to capture these beautiful photographs for us! I did some snowy tree shots a few years ago and took a bag of bright red ornaments with me to hand on the tree branches. The photo’s looked black and white, except for the pop of color from the ornament. I, of course, left the bulbs hanging in the trees so the next person would smile when they found them. I think we might be getting some of that snow this week, and I’ve got my new winter boots ready! 🙂
You are my favorite tree photographer! 🙂 Love, your tree-crazy pal, Pam
One of these day’s I’ll do an all-tree post, just for you. 🙂