Saturday, November 14, 2009





The first real snowfall of the year always takes me back to my childhood and the anticipation of waking up with everything transformed into shades of white. Ralph Gregory in his book referenced above reflects on a first snow of the season while growing up.

"Snowflakes"

I remember waking one Winter morning in that bed (his grandfather's bed...Dan's words) and looking out the small window and seeing the first snow of Winter. It was a big one. Evidently, in the night the snow fell long and light. The snow was several inches deep on tops of fence posts. Near and far a white white world it was.

A little patch of snow was on my bed. It was on the thick cover where my feet were under. It had come through a crack in the window frame. That the snow had not melted shows how cold the room was. I left the warm bed eager to get into the world of snow. I gathered my clothes in my arms and hurried downstairs to dress by the kitchen stove. Some of my cousins, younger than I, were excitedly talking and looking out the south window.

The memory now makes me think of Whittier's poem ""Snow Bound"". ""When the morning sunlight shown, We looked upon a world unknown, on nothing we could call our own."" Yet the poem was not true for us then. The fences and buildings, trees and fields, woodpile and wagon and more were ours, though wonderfully covered with the white stuff. The cows and horses and mules were in the barn. The hounds and chickens were in their houses. The hounds no doubt curled head to nose. The chickens could not get out. Their low door was blocked by the snow. "

In Southern Indiana we have not had our first substantial snow of the season as yet...but when that day comes you can count on me...outside in the quiet of the falling snow...listening and breathing deep the the winter chill. The excitement will keep me warm.

Tomorrow...a hot breakfast and then out to the snow for some fun.

18 comments:

septembermom said...

How I love those first snowfalls! I'm looking forward to our snow debut here in NY. Don't tell my hubby because he dreads shoveling. He does have 3 sons to help!

Lovely pictures Dan!

Heather said...

I love the first snow fall, as well. Very nice post, Dan...I could feel it.

Sunny said...

A reminder of what's to come! The only thing I love more than the first fall of snow...is the last.
I'm looking forward to seeing your winter pictures.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sunny :)

Cynthia L. H. said...

Dan, these photos are magical! Ralph's story is, as well --- he captures the feelings and describes them so well that it puts the reader in that snow-cold room!
Thank you.
;^)

HightonRidley said...

He Dan - I really like that top shot. Composition could do with a bit of attention I think... Straighten the perspective on the rhs a little (not all the way) and crop off that contrasting stuff at the lhs (the door frame and the small vertical shadow).

I've sent you an email with an edited version to show you what I mean.

All imho, of course :)

The Lly Dilettante said...

The snow is so beautiful and magical! I can't wait. I hope it snows in Turin this year.

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...I side with hubby! I love the snowfall but hate the shoveling! Tell hubby he is lucky...I only have one son and he doesn't live at home anymore...it is all on me!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...I would have thought that you may have already had the first snowfall?

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...HA! It sounds like your favorite season is not winter!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia...I liked that part best...the part about the snow being on his bed.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Mark,

Your suggestions are always welcome and I always learn something from your "tweaks"...thanks so much.

Dan

Jean said...

The excerpts you've given us are a treasure! Thank you so much, Dan.

Dan Felstead said...

Lly...is snow a rarity in Turin?

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Jean thanks for the comment and thanks for stopping by. Are you going to participate in the contest...you seem to be lucky in the contests!!

Dan

dianne said...

Beautiful photos Dan, I have never seen snow like that, only once when I went for a trip to the mountains but it was only a light fall.
Another lovely memory from Ralph's childhood and thanks for sharing these with us and your own thoughts as well.
I would love to be surrounded by sparkling snow and breathe in that cold, crisp air. ♡

Jean said...

oh, yes...I'll make sure to come back for the contest! I'd be thrilled to add to my Felstead Collection.

d:-)

Dan Felstead said...

Dianne...you may not have much snow in your country but to a foreigner like me...your country hods so many beautiful wonders...I guess the "grass is always greener"....

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Jean...If you win again...I will have to make sure that I post the reasons for the win! Otherwise folks will think we are in collusion!! Just kidding.

Dan