Hello Dear Readers, Welcome to 2021 !

I wanted to write a nice inspirational quote about the New year here. But nothing is coming to me, so I suggest you listen to this great song by the White Buffalo instead ( the song starts around 6 min )

A few times over the last few weeks, I was blessed to receive one of my favoutie things.

SNOW !!!!

It has magical powers. I really think so. It turns all that was brown and grey, white and blue. It is pure, fresh, and lifts me to a place I can go only in the Winter. It represents so much more than cold days and nights. I even feel it has a positive ripple effect between people! Exactly at the right time in darker colder months when we need more of a boost to get outdoors and stay healthy. When I go for my daily walks, I see dogs frolicking and running enjoying its fluffy texture. I see children building snow-people and play forts. And families sledding down icy white hills until they turn brown with wear. This all in return gives smiles to elderly passer-byers and walkers such as myself.

A recent article in the Southern German Newspaper stats that we absorb 10 times more light into our brain and body ( approximately 150 000 Lux ) when we go for a walk outside in the snow. A grey day gives us 15 000 Lux, a sunny day about 100 000 Lux, and in a well lit room indoors we only have a maximum of 400 Lux. No wonder we receive ( because we need! ) the gift of snow in the Northern Hemisphere. Without it, we would all be lost. If this isn’t a good reason to go out for a walk, I don’t know what is. There is no such thing as bad weather, just falsely clothed bodies. So bundle up, and get moving.

When I go out I see sparkles next to the cold rushing water. I see icy reflections and beautiful droplets as sunlight glistens through pines. I see the snow pile onto many natural and unnatural objects, forming jolly cotton ball like spheres wherever it has decided to land. The rooftops of homes I walk by all get a new small layer of fluffy insulation to them. Their colourful walls seem to glow brighter and more vibrant against the soft sky, their windows lit up with golden lamps, stars and lights in the evening. This image reminds me of fictional drawings from children’s books or fairytale dreams. When the flakes fall on my face, or I here the crunching of the snow under my boots, I feel at home and at peace.

Below are some images I have taken over the last weeks while going out for walks under old large trees. These moments fill my lungs with fresh air and frosty feelings. I get so excited while out, that I sometimes forget to be quite and still. Bringing my camera with me helps me achieve this. It makes me stop, pause, and reflect on what I see and feel. And I sleep better too, having filed my lungs with fresh air. A big thanks to my photographer friend Sophia for taking the 3 images of me in my Winter Wonderland glory as well as letting me post her beautiful smile and portraits here.

If you are looking for more Winter inspiration. I suggest listening to the fairylike voice of Norwegian singer Aurora or browsing through the Swedish Jona Jinton’s photography, art, videos or ice sounds. Or even watching american Hannah in this Youtube vlog will give you some snow and ice if you do no have any close to you.

Don’t forget to get out and enjoy the fresh air while it lasts! Your body and mind will thank you. Happy Winter Days dear Friends!

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Kind to one Another.

With Love, Andrea