Seeing Snow and Ice
Virginia is not California
First, a moment to acknowledge those who have lost so much, and those who have fought to save so much, in the state of California, where I spent most of my life. Here is one person’s story, entitled Surviving the Loss of Everything. If you are able to contribute to others in need, please do.
Annual, threatening fires there are now the norm. There have always been fires in California, but in the last couple of decades the number and size are up substantially, along with the damage. This image was captured from my bedroom window in San Jose 10 years ago. By then, tasting and inhaling smoke-filled air for long stretches each summer and fall was the new normal.
Virginia, where I now live, is not on fire. Frankly, that was one of the attractions of moving.
In many ways beyond the lack of fire, this is a quieter place. And recently my new home has been blanketed with soft, quiet snow. We had half a foot initially, and two more inches a few days later. Covered but not trapped, and out the door I went.
Snow and ice raise a variety of emotions for me, depending on how I view them. One response is to feel peace and serenity:
It’s a dynamic world out there, though.
I never know what I’ll find as I wind my way through the forest, and along the creek. When I take the time to look and feel, all kinds of different visions and emotions turn up.
It was a nice week. So much imagery tucked into the area, waiting for me, hoping to be found and made. And this is only a part of it. The images above might suggest a frozen and abandoned environment, where all the wild things have gone away, or at least deep into hiding.
But it’s not true.
Next week I’ll reveal the truth about that, maybe even including the party responsible for these tracks.
Until then,
Limited Edition Prints for Sale
This is an Extremely Limited Edition of prints for the series called Seas and Skies. I’ll make just five 16x24” archival, Numbered Prints (and two Artists Prints), each with associated certificate of authentication.
These are going fast and *Closing Curtain is Sold Out*
Bring peace and joy to someone’s 2025 with these. And yours, by the giving.
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What a tremendous portfolio Donn, Excellent!
Li
Lovely photographs. These are the types of images we will remember throughout our lives—the quiet moments that cause reflection. Wonderful stuff, Donn.