Wednesday, December 23, 2009

22. Chicago Christmas Lights


It is said that in early November, the veil between the the living and the dead is the thinnest. It is in that part of the year that summer is passing, the nights are lengthening, and many cold days lay ahead. What then can we expect of these early winter days? We have just passed the darkest day of the year. The winter solstice represents the last day of waning light.

In Chicago, these December days are typically marked by the initial shock of the crisp, cold air. The bare trees and low winter sun can make the world feel stark and clear. Into to those days comes the twinkle of Christmas lights mingling with the glimmer of the Chicago skyline and snowflakes fluttering gracefully to the ground. Fresh snow coats the trees, each branch left glistening white. The snow reflects light and the newness of the season on gray winter days. Unlike the bleakness of the days which come after several months of icey coldness, on these days I feel refreshed in this new season, sentimental about winters past, and hopeful.
 

Merry Christmas!
Pin It!

2 comments:

  1. I love this, Jane! So beautiful!

    If you make copies, I would like to buy one!

    Hope to see you soon. :) Thanks for helping out with Alix!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JANE!! I just looked at your christmas card and realized you painted it! AWESOME. you are so ridiculously talented! Also I still have the watercolor of the dome that you painted for us when we graduated. It's framed and on my dresser. I show it to people all the time. PS this is Danica

    ReplyDelete