A huge snow storm had passed through during the night. We woke that next morning to a Narnian wonderland. Snow clung to the branches and piled high on every limb.

After breakfast, we all put on our snow gear and headed out into the woods. A snowball fight soon ensued. We played and laughed together, letting the snow transport us to favorite wintery places and memories.

I am not sure how much time had passed before one of us noticed that our youngest son was missing.

We called out for him. He didn’t answer. The snow was absorbing sound. We started heading in different directions to search. My heart began to race.

Once I got far enough from the others, I stood still, straining to listen. I heard a distant thump, thump. And again, thump. I moved toward it, as quickly as the deep snow would allow.

Then I saw him at a distance. I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding in. I relaxed. Knowing now he was safe, I stood and watched with curiosity.

In his arms he was holding a stick taller than himself. He looked up and back down again. He then positioned himself under a large, snow laden hemlock. And thump, thump, he hit the tree.

The snow slid off the branch in a whoosh and fell on top of him. He shook it off, reminding me of a chickadee fluffing his feathers. He was beaming and laughing. I continued watching his delight as he moved from tree to tree, repeating this method.

By now, we had all spotted him and were watching quietly. The other boys soon caught on. They each found sticks and went from tree to tree, laughing and shaking the snow off. They continued until they wore themselves out. We headed home with wet mittens, snowy hair and smiles to warm up with hot chocolate.

I love how Silas chased his curiosity that day in the snow. He experienced wonder and joy and helped us find it too.

There is so much beauty and wonder to be found in winter. And kids have a natural way of seeing it. And not only seeing it, but embracing it, digging in it, tasting it and rolling in it too. They play with snow until they are soaked through and discover all the joy it can give them. They let go of long summer days to embrace the gentle light of winter and the wonder of lights we string on trees and the beauty of candlelight too.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

— ALBERT EINSTEIN

This season, I want to embrace wonder like my kids do. That is why I created this collection. To spend time thinking about why I love winter. To capture the gentle beauty of the sunrise after a snowstorm. To reflect on the giver of all beauty and the wonder of “Emmanuel”, God with us.

To move into this season with hope. Giving us a taste of the goodness it holds and the cozy nights at home to look forward to. I hope you feel the invitation in these paintings too.

Winter journal entry…

Facing the rising sun, I feel its warmth and feel my need for it. This winter light feel nourishing and gentle. I stand still and it enfolds me.

Then I realize. It is all about the light. It has always been about the light.

I notice the last of the clinging beech leaves illumined and fluttering. The snow dampening sound and making the forest silent. There is only the sound of my boots and my breathing.

I let in the winter air and I let the light in too. It fills and refreshes me. And I keep moving toward the light.