Winter Shimmer

For the third time today, I donned my heavy coat, muck boots and ear-flap cap. This trip would be to fetch the mail, but earlier I had been out to photograph the glaze of ice that coated the landscape. How can one stay indoors when the outdoors presents such a magical, shimmering wonderland? The first trip out only lasted fifteen minutes before the rain began to pour down again, adding another layer to the already ice-laden trees. My second venture out lasted about thirty minutes, as this time I braved only misty conditions, with occasional sputters of rain drops. I protected my camera and zoom with an old rain jacket while I was out and, finally, with my fingers and feet frozen, I headed back inside.

Frozen Sage

Long Frozen Fingers of Ice

Frozen Droplets On A Weed

Crepe Myrtle In Ice

Reaching my destination for this third trip, I had to duck under heavily ice-laden cedar tree branches at the driveway entry in order to open the mailbox. After bending down to retrieve the mail, I raised up only to bump a branch, which sent a cascade of tiny ice pieces to shatter on the driveway… and me.  Thankfully, it was just a little shower of ice – nothing that could harm a soul. I turned to walk the long distance back to the house, flipping through the mail as I walked. There was nothing interesting to note there, just three envelopes of junk advertisements and my Vogue magazine. I ripped open the plastic protective wrap on the January issue while I wondered what crazy fashion lay in store for spring. I could tell by the cover that I would not likely be enthralled by anything inside.

Pecans Drenched In Ice

Maple Leaves Encrusted In Ice

Sycamore Seed Ball

Frozen Woodland Shrub

Sure enough, as I flipped through the pages, I came across the spring “freak show”. Models slumping in odd postures, strange makeup that made the 70’s look fabulous, and bizarre clothes that made a statement for sure. I noted haircuts on a couple of specimens that would certainly be the talk of this town should anyone be daring enough to wear such a style. The part of me that loved fashion magazines was drawn to the advertisements, the glamour, the poses and the color. But this was mostly about photography for me, although I did see some clothing in the December issue that I would definitely wear. Oh, not here… not in this little burg in the Bible belt. No siree!! I was thinking more along the lines of Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, or some other metropolitan area that FD and I sometimes visited on his business trips. In those large cities, I did not have to worry about wagging tongues, judgemental looks, or shrewd critiquing.

The canopy of limbs and branches lay low on the path into the woods.

The Path To Daisy Deer’s Woods

As I heard another limb shed itself of the weight of frozen crystal, my attention turned to the shower of shimmering ice. I marveled at the crisp sound of the crackling, shattering and tinkling. How could any fashion magazine ever compete with the beauty of Mother Nature? Who could top her classic beauty, her simplicity and elegance? Each day she presented a new look, and each day set a new tone. And try as they might, the fashion police never could quite predict what the next day or season would bring. Mother Nature could be soft as spring petals, wild as a storm, bright as the sun, or wrathful with rage. We love her and we hate her. But each day we wonder and we anticipate… what will she be wearing?

Red Maple Frozen In Time

This frozen leaf appeared as a pewter dipper to me.

At the burn pile I found this lovely lace pattern in the ash.

Today’s issue spotlighted Mother Nature draped in crystal jewelry, diamonds, and glitter. The fabrics she chose were muted and monochrome.  With great confidence, she strolled along the pathway in her long sweeping robes of lace and shimmering sequins. Her appearance was elegant and timeless. I photographed her extensively, and she did not seem to tire. Patiently she posed for me, time after time, and all through the woodlands. Her beauty was unparalleled and, without question, this was her runway… this was her show.

Frozen Summer Flowers

© Day by Day the Farm Girl Way…