Vladimir Kireev - The Winter

The Winter 2014 by Vladimir Kireev

One of my fellow bloggers who lives in the Netherlands posted this beautiful painting, by Vladimir Kireev, and so I had to share it. His work looks to me like that of an old master, though he is a young man. This painting drew me in as soon as I saw it, and immediately gave me the feeling of Winter Solstice.

It would be strange for me to say I love this time of year, with the impending Winter. I must admit there are many things I do appreciate, not to mention being so grateful I no longer have to travel on bad highways in snowy weather, or even snow storms. It's become easier for me to embrace Winter, and I always look forward to the Winter Solstice, and the weatherman is predicting milder weather compared to last years record snowfall which was brutal.

 I lost count of how many times I went off the long country road during my many years of travel, to and from work, and school, a two hour drive one way.  I count my blessings for all the kind neighbours that rescued and assisted me when I was stranded in one way or another.

I'm also very grateful for all those that read my blog from all over the world, who comment, and who take the time to read my ramblings and sometimes my rantings. Thank you to all, and I want to wish you blessings of the season.

The Mirror - Vladimir Kireev

How To Embrace Winter-Don't Eat The Yellow Snow

Ice Church: In The Glade
David Andrén, Johan Andrén, Tjåsa Gusfors, Sweden

This Winter really got started here in the Maritimes in February, and we've have a huge amount of snow. It gets to a lot of people, and those who love it, I often hear them parrot, "You just have to learn how to embrace it." I'll never do that. I have tried. Even as a kid I never much liked Winter. The cold, ice and all that snow never impressed me much, and I have some not so great memories of Winter as a kid, and even worse ones as an adult.

I got thinking today, there are artists who do beautiful snow sculpture and I like that. But I wouldn't ever do it. Then the thought of the Ice Hotel in Sweden came to mind. I think I could embrace Winter there...as a guest of course. Oh ya, definitely could do that. A person can even apply to work there. Only thing is you must be fluent in Swedish. Well I'm not about to learn Swedish, and I wouldn't want to work there, but be a guest? Oh ya, I'd embrace that!

"ICEHOTEL is the world’s first and largest hotel built of snow and ice and it is situated in Jukkasjärvi, a small village in Northern Sweden with 1,100 residents and 1,000 dogs."

There are artists that come from all over the world to the Ice Hotel that create amazing art and design art suites. If you have never seen the Ice Hotel it is just amazing! No I've never been, just virtual visit. I can't imagine how beautiful it must be is in reality. It changes ever year.

Stay warm and don't eat the yellow snow!