The deep freeze has given way to milder weather and every slope, every frozen creek and pond, is merry with the sound of young voices.
"Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone", wrote Christina Rosetti. The older ones have been busy with snow clearance, making smooth places for skating on the ice and preparing snow jumps on the hills.
"Up and down, up and down, I will lead them up and down"
(Puck, quoted Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, but isn't it always true)
(Puck, quoted Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, but isn't it always true)
When the short afternoon turns to dusk the younger ones go home to warm up and enjoy hot chocolate in a mug, but the boys always stay out for longer, playing the age-old game.
I must spend the coming beautiful weekend indoors, armed with paints, brushes and determination, with the merry voices outside for inspiration.Robbie Burns day is coming up, an occasion for some singing and dancing. To quote,
"O wad some Power
the giftie gie us,
To see oursels
as others see us",
and here is just such a glimpse, a few words from the Green Man Review .
After ten days of snow I much prefer seeing it in your lovely paintings! A deservedly lovely review and good luck with your weekend of painting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful glimpse of the frozen elements in your home site. I could almost feel the breeze on my face as I skated across the frozen pond. It was so very discriptive that all I had to do was close my eyes and I was there. Very nice walk though over the snow covered hillside and sliding across the pond.
ReplyDeleteI just noticed Tippy in the chair next to the comment box. We just got a little yellow lab and Australian mix puppy. Her photo is on my blog. I hope that she grows up to be as pretty as Tippy. My little girls name is Phoebe.
ReplyDeleteLike PG I am rather glad to see the back of our recent snowfall. Congratulations on your review, I can also add my name to the list of mortals who is fortunate enough to own your fairy Gazettes, they are a true delight. Happy painting and don't go skating on thin ice!
ReplyDeleteThe photos of tobogganing take me back to my own childhood and to some of my fondest times with my own two daughters.
ReplyDeleteNow I just have to wait for my grandchildren to get old enough.
What cheerful photos, and well chosen words, Frances. You make even the cold look appealing.
ReplyDeleteOh Robbie Burns, I have a bone to pick with him. Well, not him, with the Burns Supper my mother helps organize every year. Long, long tales, none of the particularly interesting, about the various mishaps with the dreaded organization of the supper.
Just saying, I was doubly grateful for the good cheer of the pictures, when I stumbled across the dreaded Burns! But then, then I remembered, thanks to you, that it's now over! Yahoo! It's safe to call my mother again ;-)