With January Comes Winter
after a mild beginning to the winter, it seems it has finally arrived
I hope you all had some calm moments over the holiday period and a gentle start to the new year. There are three parts to this post; three separate walks that highlight the quiet transition into the winter snow… finally. I hope you enjoy. ♡
I.
The new year dawned quiet, warm, and a little bit brown. Raindrops clung to exposed branches, catching the light and maintaining a constant glittering in the corner of my eye. Mild — the word of choice to describe the start of our winter this year. El Niño — another hint that this winter would be unlike years past.
Throughout December I had to readjust my expectations; I was ready for snow, excited to capture it, looking forward to a change in the scenery surrounding me. But it was not to be, not quite yet anyway. So mild were the temperatures, the spiders were still out and about, casting their lines from twig to branch to leaf. Buds were even beginning to form, the forest fooled into thinking it was time to grow instead of hibernate.
A beautiful swan had made this little lake his home for a while; twice now, we have caught his white form far from shore, gliding through the water all on his own. A timid fellow, he would quickly swim to the farthest shore from our location. But on our second encounter, he took to the air, circling his domain once, twice, before settling in once again.
With so much open water still unfrozen, I was surprised to not see more birds here. But perhaps, there were many lakes still available to them that they decided to stay elsewhere.
II.
A mere two days later, I woke to snow; just a dusting, but enough to catch my excitement. I did not hold out hope that it would linger — each time we have received snow this winter, it has melted within 24 hours. This being the trend, I knew I had to take advantage of what might not last long. So, out I went.
The contrast of green to white is one of my favourites; whether it’s snow dusting the green trees and moss, or white flowers adorning vibrant green leaves — it’s such a beautiful colour pairing.
Not long into our wander, it began to snow once again. Quickly, the trees became whiter, the world quieter, and the ground’s green hue began to fade.
The world turned grey and dim as the snow squall swirled around us.
Before slowing once again, the sky brightening. And later in the day, the rain poured once again to wash it all away.
III.
And finally, here we are after a big snowfall. Temperatures dropping into the minuses, keeping the snow with us for a little longer this time. The skiers and snowboarders rejoiced to finally have powder up on the mountains. As I did, to finally see those bluebird skies above the blindingly white, snow-covered hills.
For many, many years, I dreaded the months of winter in the mountains. I hated the dark, the wet, the cold. But now, I have learned to appreciate each season, each change I witness in nature. Maybe there are more days of hibernation, but I know now, there is so much magic to behold as well.
I am tired now, for walking in the snow takes much more energy than not, but pleased. Pleased to have such bright sunshine, deep blue skies, and crisp cold air. Pleased that winter has finally arrived — even if only for a short stay… we shall see.
Until next time, my friends.
♡ Whitney



Explore canvas wall art — bring a quiet moment of nature into your home.
Beautiful images! You have a great eye and an amazing control of light!
Lovely!