Lens-Artists Photo Challenge 107: Winter

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.

Anton Chekhov

Since we’re not accustomed to dealing with harsh winters — after all, we live in the South — we find cold weather (especially if snow is involved) to be novel enough to make us happy. Our contributions to the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #107 this week are three winter scenes that brought us joy even in the dead of winter.

December 2015 found us in New York City: plays on Broadway, people buying Christmas trees from makeshift sidewalk venues, skaters in Bryant Park, and magical department store windows. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t just winter attire that got our attention but the reflections of other buildings superimposed on this haute couture scene that did.

A mannequin in white fur and winter finery poses in the Christmas 2015 windows at Saks with a cityscape reflection in the background.
A mannequin in white fur and winter finery poses in the Christmas 2015 windows at Saks with a cityscape reflection in the background.

In McCall, Idaho, we caught the last couple of days of the 2014 Winter Carnival, an event known for some pretty amazing ice sculptures scattered about town. (Like the dinosaur at the top of this post as well as a giant cupcake with a cherry on top!)

MCCall Idaho Winter Carnival 2014 ice sculpture
Winner of the Winter Carnival First Timers’ Award in 2014 is this icy cupcake at Stacey Cakes.

And who wouldn’t smile at this photo of a grandpa and his sweet granddaughter taking a winter walk together? This kind of magic just doesn’t last long enough.

Snowy walk in Knoxville, TN
A very wintry nature walk in Knoxville, Tennessee — once upon a time.

And so we agree with Anton Chekhov: “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” Weather and seasons may be a frame of mind, after all.

Stay safe out there,

Rusha and Bert

For more entries into Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #107: Winter, head to the site of this week’s host, Ann-Christine, where you’ll see her beautiful, somewhat nostalgic photos as well as links to other entries.

30 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge 107: Winter

  1. pattimoed

    Hi, Rusha. I often tell myself the same thing–it’s just a frame of mind–but some time around February it stops working!! Great shots of cold places. I especially like the one of New York. Great reflections.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks, Patti. I wonder if even NYC will put on those lavish windows this year. ( But I hope they do. We need a bit of frivolity and excess every now and then!). Appreciate your comment.

      1. pattimoed

        I wonder if they will? But then again they had a large fireworks display for July 4th…which is a good sign!

      2. Oh, the Places We See

        I may have been confused and then confusing to you. I am wondering just how extravagant even NYC will be this fall leading up to Christmas. I’ve heard that department stores are not doing all that well, so I don’t know about their budgets for window dressing. Or maybe I’m wrong all together. We need a bit of color and extravagance, but the pandemic isn’t over, as I see it.

      3. pattimoed

        Yes, we do need to celebrate when it’s completely over. A huge celebration, in fact!!

  2. Anonymous

    With all of the hot weather, those snow sculptures provide a breath of cool weather, Rusha. –Curt

  3. Abrie Joubert

    A snowy cupcake – probably food for the dinosaur

    Interesting the patterns left by the grandpa an daughter – she leaves none. He a solid line. He must be struggling to walk and his shuffles kicks open the snow.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      How observant of you. He does shuffle at times, especially now after his knee replacement surgery. I’m not sure that will ever cease!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. I don’t hate winter. It’s just not my favorite season. But there’s something positive to be said about any time on the planet, I guess.

      1. JohnRH

        I’m a spring and autumn guy, though winter can be fun if you bundle, and ski!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Great! I’m not a fan of winter, but there are always things that make me smile!

  4. Amy

    These ice sculptures are stung! Love the last photo is so sweet. Thank you, Rusha for sharing your precious moment. 💗

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We ha fun at the ice sculpture part of Winter Carnival. And that’s my little granddaughter at the end, holding hands with her grandfather. Good times.

  5. Ankur Yadav

    Really Really good post. Actually the most i like in your post is your Blog name. It’s really appealing.

  6. WanderingCanadians

    That snow cupcake looks absolutely adorable. I like that some cities have embraced winter and are now featuring winter decorations, like ice or snow sculptures to encourage people to visit and spend time outdoors. Besides, hot chocolate just tastes so much better when coming in from the cold.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      There was also a frozen lake in McCall — first one we had seen or stood on. We’d only seen that in movies!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I was kinda cold myself, looking through my photos! Thanks for freezing along with me!

  7. Tina Schell

    Truly loved this post Rusha. The ice sculptures are amazing and really made me smile as did your final image. You’re right, such moments don’t last long and I suppose that’s a good thing but how lovely that as a photographer you can keep the memories alive! Thanks for this morning’s happy moments!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Even winter can be a happy time, but I agree with you: winter is not my favorite season!! Thanks for your comments!

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