SCULPTING IN SNOW . and a Nature Book GIVEAWAY!

An abundance of wet snow is the perfect medium for SCULPTING!

Dressing in layers and armed with a garden shovel and wooden spoon, my "sweet birdie" came into fruition. And how appropriate that she keep watch over our Bird Haven.

Noone was available to join in the sculpting, but that didn't stop me. The child within took over and I was having so much fun. WE need as much creative play as the children!

After shoveling off the branches and bird feeders, I stood back and looked at the pile of snow and thought of the sweet Mourning doves out the kitchen window this morning waiting for sunflower seeds to drop from the birdfeeder. (They are ground feeders!)

They were my inspiration for the snow sculpture.

Notice how they puff their tummy, I mean their feathers? That's how they keep warm.

Air is an insulator, and the air that is trapped in the puffed up feathers of the bird is warmed by the birds own body heat and stays trapped close to the birds skin.

Had I glanced at a picture of the Mourning dove before sculpting, I would have made longer tail feathers, but this is my rendition and exactness and perfection do not matter. It's the process of creating and being in the elements and breathing in the fresh cold air that matters.

I carved out a small hideaway in front of the sculpture, just enough for a bird to get respite from the wind and partake of birdseed.

It wasn't long before the birds came, as soon as I got out of their way.

If you want YOUR sculpture to be included in my SNOW SCULPTURE SHOWCASE , an upcoming blog post: 

1) Go outside and create a snow sculpture. . .with or without your children

2) Take a picture of it 

3) Post it on your blog and send me the link to your blog picture in the comments.

                OR

4) If you don't have a blog, just email me the picture and I will include it .

THE GIVEWAY ( it has nothing to do with the snow sculpture)

In light of being passionate about connecting people with our earth and being in tune with Nature, and that my blog has reached 100 followers; followers who I am grateful for and with hope that I have inspired in some small way, I am offering up one of my favorite books. . . AND a sketchpad and drawing pens so you can get started drawing right away :) 

This book is full to the brim with inspiration and the know how to connect with nature by drawing what you see.  What better way to start your new year than beginning a nature journal recording the natural world around you. 

Start a nature journal yourself, encourage your children, or do one together! You will see an even deeper connection to our earth.

To enter the giveway, please 

1) LEAVE A COMMENT - why you are interested in the book.

2) FOLLOW this blog ( link on right sidebar)

The winner will be drawn next Thursday, January 20th.

happy day, happy snow!