"So, like a forgotten fire, a childhood can always flare up again within us."
- Gaston Bachelard -
It’s been snowing since last night, and my beautiful city looks like a winter wonderland today.
When I was a kid, the first snowfall was one of the most anticipated moments of the year. And if it was a result of a snowstorm, it meant school cancellations, which meant a whole day of playtime!
Kids didn’t spend much time indoors back then, and winter was no exception. As long as it wasn’t dangerously cold, we bundled up and got outside where, amongst other creative fun, we built snow forts as defensive structures for the major snowball fights we planned.
Oh, the fun we had! Snow was our friend, and in addition to snowball fights, there was sledding and snow angels and snow ice cream and the catching of snowflakes with your tongue and igloo building and, of course, the building of snowmen!
What’s not to love about a snowman? It’s been years since I created one. And I think I’m way overdue. This year, I’m going to awaken that snow-loving child in me and get out there and build a snowman.
Because just like you’re never too old to play on the swings, you’re never too old to build a snowman!
Oh, the enormous snow forts that the boys would create at school for epic snowball fights! Probably wouldn't be allowed today.
ReplyDeleteSadly, you are right, Debra! Schools have been banning just about everything these days to avoid playground injuries; this includes just about everything we did when we were kids...like sports. There's no end to this madness. I read about a school out in B.C that has decided to ban kindergarten kids from touching. No tag, no hugging, no touching at all...zip. Can you imagine? Children will grow up to be robots. Sad.
DeleteLove the "fire eating" snowman ~~ duh!!
ReplyDeleteSo very cute and so VERY TRUE!!
Always threw on my snow pants/jacket/hat/mitts/scarf ~~ grabbed my sled and ran to the hill at the university to slide all day long. Loved it. So cold and wet upon return with a hot meal waiting. Oh childhood.
I made a snowman for Sophie a couple winters ago ~~ it actually lasted all February because the friggin' cold that year.
So YES, go out a make one in the front yard so people can stare at you!
LOL
Ron
That is exactly how I grew up! And it was a blast. Kids these days are missing out. I truly believe that. Sitting around on their butts with all those electronics. And so many restrictions at school, so many bans. What a sad state it's become for them. Yes, I will definitely build a snowman this year. I'm WAY overdue!
DeleteThanks for the laughs. I very much miss playing in the snow. We'd build forts and snowmen and have snowball fights--and I loved when the snow got crispy and you could walk on top of it if you were light enough and stepped gingerly. Heck, I even liked shoveling the dark stuff. Alas, with a husband who has respiratory issues, we've been relegated to warmer climates. Beach culture. Strange thing, that.
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved that, too...that crunchy snow. I loved the sounds it made under my boots when I stepped on it. So many wonderful memories.
DeleteWell, I must admit that I am a little envious of that beach culture, though. I know I'd miss seeing that snow but I don't need it for long periods...haha...
Thanks for stopping by, Crystal, and for leaving a comment.
Martha, did this post ever bring back a lot of great snow memories! That's right, we all went outside for hours and had a ball!
ReplyDeleteI feel inspired and when we get a good snowman snow, I will be outside making one! And will take photos! And you will too, right!?
You guys in Ontario and Quebec are having snow I see....while we are getting a lot of rain here in the Nova Scotia.
You got it, Jim! When that snowman goes up, I will definitely take photos and share them. I've been thinking a lot about my childhood these days, and building snowmen was one of the things that brought me so much joy.
DeleteI agree--you're never too old! A few years ago, I tried to build a snow cat. I thought it looked pretty good. But my husband said it looked more like a snow squirrel. :-)
ReplyDeleteHahaha...that is funny! Well, at least you could recognize that it was a particular animal instead of just a blob of snow!
DeleteBeing a southerner ... we would look and look and look ... was that a snowflake??? naw.. just a wish. THEN and THEN and THEN ... yay! a snowflake... what excitement ... everything closed ... no school
ReplyDeleteOur snows are beautiful for about 12 minutes ... run run run and make a snowman or snow ice cream.... then it would turn to slush and overnight become black ice and dangerous... it's beautiful while falling and floating ... soooo pretty but it doesn't last long roun heah
I can remember snowy seasons but they are few and far between ... I remember ice every year! hiss
Carolyn, I have oodles of snow lying around up here every year. I'd be happy to send you as much as you'd like. Right off my property...hahaha... I've seen snow year after year after year after year. Tons and tons of it!
DeleteAnd we do get ice, as well; the worst thing about winter! I'll take a snowstorm any time over freezing rain. That stuff is very dangerous.
So true, so true, but mine looks more like the one to the minus the two first balls...hum!!! ah memories...
ReplyDeleteYes, so many memories; wonderful memories!
DeleteLove your snow man images, think I will try making one this year too!
ReplyDeleteGo for it! You'll undoubtedly have a lot of fun!
DeleteWe were outside most of the time because we didn't have that devil TV to keep us inside. We were much better to be outside. You remind me of the real fun we had. I don't think kids get that from TV.
ReplyDeleteYou got that right, Red. The television keeps up prisoners outdoors. When we were kids, we played outside all day, and got lots of fresh air and exercise!
Deletenice to see that someone loves her snow!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't go that far...hahaha... I like it for a very short period...like around the holidays. Then I want it gone!
DeleteLove the snow, but can't remember the last time I built a snowman?
ReplyDeleteIf you can't remember, it's been too long, so you're due! :)
Deletelast one is so true
ReplyDeleteYou bet!
DeleteI can't remember the last snowman I made. Maybe I should make one too! ;)
ReplyDeleteGot for it, Alice! And we should all post photos of our fun.
DeleteMy favorite is the second one. Very cute and clever.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your winter wonderland, Martha.
xoRobyn
I'll try, Robyn! As long as it doesn't stick around till April, I'm good ;)
DeleteLove the second one. The way it shows it's innocence..
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
DeleteHi
DeleteI love snowmen and miss them here in Phoenix. I was born in Rome, New York and, as a child, snow was my friend also! Now I have a collection of snowmen to remind me of those wonderful early days.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful way to keep those memories alive, Nancy!
DeleteI love playing in the snow but saying that I I don't see snow like I used to .
ReplyDeleteSame here. I remember a lot of snow around when I was a kid. Either there was or it just seems that way!
Delete