snow

A String Around My Finger

| drawandshoot

I couldn’t let the first day of the year pass without marking it with a few thoughts and images. I am so grateful for the support of the amazing people who are in my life and excited for what the new year will bring. This is kind of like a little reminder to myself to be strong, to stay on the creative path I have chosen and to always be thankful for what I have. It’s like a string around my finger.

Strength, for whatever lies ahead

Reach, for your wildest dreams
 Reflect, on what you have and what you have learned
An adventure lies ahead. Thanks for joining me!

All images © Karen McRae

White Stuff

| drawandshoot

I confess that these images are from the archives but it is very much what it looks like out there right now. I will venture out later but as we woke up to -20° Celsius I’m waiting for the mercury to rise a little. Enjoy the last few days of 2011!
All images © Karen McRae

It’s A Wrap

| drawandshoot

Well Christmas is all wrapped up for this year. And it snowed! It snowed most of the day on the 25th and it was beautiful.  Today we managed to even get out for a short ski and more snow is on the way later this week.
It actually feels like Winter now.
A few days before the snow fell I came across these wrapped trees along the highway.  I found them a little haunting in their figure-like resemblance. The way they are mysteriously cloaked and how they gently bend. The way they are lined up in rows like… like what?… an audience for the passing cars?
They are whispering amongst themselves.
All images © Karen McRae

Grey is the New White…

| drawandshoot

rain is the new snow and warm is the new cold. Truly is doesn’t feel like winter when it’s 10° Celsius and you can walk around without a hat or gloves. Not a trace of snow. December, is this really you? I realize it could all change quickly but winter has been moving in at a snail’s pace.
All images © Karen McRae

A Favourite Place

| drawandshoot

I am fortunate to live just a short distance from a world class cross country ski area with over 200 km of ski trails. Gatineau Park in Quebec is a gorgeous hilly park with all levels of cross country skiing, you could never get bored there. Of course it doesn’t look like this just yet, but soon I hope! We spend quite a lot of time there skiing in the winter and a bit of time climbing in the summer. These pictures were taken during a previous ski season. I hope we turn white before the holidays!

The park which is 361 square km's is dotted with little cabins equipped with wood burning stoves, you can pop in and warm up or even bring a meal to warm up on the stove.

All images © Karen McRae

A Light Dusting

| drawandshoot

It’s December, I’m ready for more. I love how the snow softens the landscape and makes everything slow down. The sounds are a little bit muffled, the world is a little more still. I’m romancing the winter now.
Bring it on.

I’ve loved this poem since I was a child. Mom, Dad, if you’re wondering where your Robert Frost book is, I stole um, borrowed it years ago.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
By Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.


All images © Karen McRae