Let It Snow!

Where I live (Madison, WI), we've just smashed an all-time seasonal snow record. It was 72 inches, it's hovering right around 8o now, and we're expecting another 5-10 inches this week-end. Crazy! But somehow, I still love it. I wrote a little piece on it, published in my local paper, and I'll link it HERE

I've never really seen quite so much snow, but it offers a magical aspect to the winter. If you've never heard the story of the first man to start photographing snowflakes, I'd encourage you to read about him.

His name was Wilson Bentley. There is a beautiful children's book about him, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, which won the Caledecott Award in 1999. Even the cover is gorgeous!





Looking at snowflakes under a microscope, Bentley was stunned at their unique beauty. He wanted to photograph them, but no one could teach him how. His family thought he was crazy to want to try, but he persevered, and at the time of his death was considered the world's expert on snowflakes.

Another important reminder that following our instincts and interests often can blaze trails and offer us lives that fulfill us and help others. Who knows? If not for Wilson Bentley, the 2006 Christmas card season may not have been graced with those snowflake stamps. When we put energy into following our dreams, there are often long-term effects, events that help and inspire people far beyond the point of contact.

If you are lucky enough to have snow to enjoy this season, I hope you are. And perhaps explore a bit of the beauty and grace of the simple snowflake. You might be amazed!