I am astounded by people who can take a massive block of packed snow and turn it into an “I gotta take a picture of this!” work of art.
Me and snow? The relationship is limited to enjoying watching it fall from the warmth of my home or being the photographer when my husband and youngest daughter build a snowman.
Snow + artist = things I never imagined
You’re never going to find me at the International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, CO as anything more than an appreciative spectator. No standing outside bundled in the cold and chipping away at a block of snow searching for the beauty hidden inside.
But I bet the sculptors loved transforming those white squares into a laughing boy or an evil Medusa or the book cover for White Fang by Jack London.
What about you? Would you be a spectator at an snow sculptor contest — or would you like to have a go at creating a piece of art that will melt within a few days?
In Your Words: So, let’s toss around a couple of questions today, just for the fun and the purpose of it. What makes you come alive? And what are you doing about it? And yes, I’m willing to bet your passion meets others’ needs!
Comments 27
Wow! Those are amazing. I’m pretty sure you already know what makes me come alive – photography. =)
Author
Yes, I do, Patricia.
And your photography invigorates me too!
Teaching, Writing (but not in a vacuum), close friends, interacting w/ grandchildren.
Imagine–time invested in snow to create beauty–that melts. Thankfully, so many other things, though often intangible, do not.
Author
I know … beauty out of snow–and it only lasts as long as the sun allows!
I’ve built this answer into most of my bios. Running. Reading. Writing. Time with loved ones. Speeding on a boat or being on the water. Encouraging women. Laughing with God. This list could go on and on and on!
Thankful for life!
Author
And I’ve said this before too: Laughter is one of my favorite sounds!
Love snow sculptures. Haven’t made anything that approaches these masterpieces, just a few six-foot bunny rabbit snow animals. 😉
What makes me come alive? The sharing…the communicating involved in the creative process. I’ve thought about this before, and I think at the bottom of it for artists, writers, and creative types is the need to be in communion with others and with our Maker. Share ideas, experiences, the journey, the joys & sorrows…try to figure it all out. 🙂
Author
Six-foot snow animals? I’m impressed!
And yes, there is something in art that allows us to share communion with the Creator and with others.
Love how you expressed that.
We don’t get enough snow here to have something like that 🙂 it looks increcible! I have seen a giant sand sculpture at the local kids museum that made me with I was more artistic in that sense. Its astounding what people can do!
Author
I’ve seen sand sculptures too, Amy. Even the basic sand castle eludes me.
Loved the pics, Beth. One of these years, I’m going to have to get my family up there to see those sculptures. 🙂
Let’s see, what makes me come alive? Definitely writing. There’s nothing like the excitement of crafting a good story to make my heart start racing. Laughing and talking below the surface with my family and close friends, that does it too. Hiking, climbing on rocks, trying new adventures, those make me come alive too.
I’m not doing all of these at the moment. Writing, yes. Spending time with family and friends, yes. Maybe it’s time to go find an adventure, though. 🙂
Author
I vote yes for going on an adventure, Jeanne!
🙂
Amazing photos! I’m blown away by them! Wow.
Author
It was fun to look at them again — and it’s time to go back to Breck for this year’s versions of snow sculptures.
Awesome works of art! Thanks for sharing the photos.
I’m passionate about helping women be better wives and moms. Stronger marriages = better, healthier families. I want to tell stories that exemplify happily ever after.
Thurman’s quote is one of my favorites. Quotes make me come alive.
I have a friend who rents a place in Breckenridge for a month during winter. Yep, she leaves temperatures in the 70s so she can play in the snow and ski. I didn’t know about these ice sculptures until she posted them on FB last year. They’re amazing. I’d only be a spectator and only for a little while. I get cold feet (literally).
Author
Understood, Kim, about the cold feet. And yes, I like being a spectator — and then going for hot chocolate or tea.
Wow. I’d love to see a time-lapse video of them working…. In other words, I’d be an (impatient) spectator! Ha! I love the snow, but only until the fingers and toes start to get wet. Then bring on the heater! And hot chocolate! And my snuggi! AND A GOOD BOOK – when is that book coming out??????
What makes me come alive? Change. I’m a change freak. It’s not because I can’t chill out, or be STILL, but because I love the idea of change, of fresh, of new, of another chance. I love when the seasons change – I don’t care what season it is. I’m one of those people who rearrange the furniture every time I clean my house. Or paint. I don’t weed, I excavate and move plants around (finally figured out the benefit of keeping things in pots….). Maybe that’s why I like reading and writing – I get a kick out of the change every time I pick up a new set of characters, whether I’m creating them or reading about someone else’s creations. Hmmmmm….. Any psychologists out there?
Blessings,
Becky
Author
What an intriguing answer, Becky … would love to weave that into a character in a novel …
What makes me come alive–stories, talking about stories, hanging out with other people who love stories. And what I’m doing about it is pretty obvious…pursuing a career as an author. 🙂 And I’ve discovered that I love, love, love talking with others about their stories…and recognizing the truths God is teaching each of us on our publication journey.
Author
And I loved reading your answer, Melissa!
Taught a workshop tonight and was able to tell others about your debut novel!
Laughter! Real live humor that makes me laugh until tears run down my cheeks. To partner with God and see/feel his answers to my prayers being revealed in the miracles of life. Meeting new friends brings me alive, especially sharing Jesus with everyone through a smile. I risk embarrassing my hubby everytime we’re in public and I start a conversation with complete strangers…..as well as smiling at anyone anytime! LOL Each day I cherish life, because I almost lost it a few times. Just figured that God isn’t through with me yet. I love praising him!!
In Christian Joy,
Barb Shelton
Author
Barb,
Laughter is my favorite sound … can’t you just hear the laughter in that snow sculpture?
Amazing sculptures! What makes me come alive is feeling like I’m writing something worthwhile.
Author
🙂
I understand, Sheila. I do.
UGH!! How did I miss this?!?!
These comments are awesome!
Re-finishing broken down antiques. Oh my WORD!! I love it.
And writing…
And nailing a very high ‘money note’.
And building my iris garden. I’ve got a collection of 14 different kinds and I’m still looking for more. 🙂
Author
Learned more about you in one blog comment …
How fun is this?