July 22, 2010

Winter In Summer - And - The Future.

I am combining a few challenges bestowed upon me by my blog friends, in this one post. I have been tagged in the past, but I have also inflicted the tags upon myself voluntarily, as they seem as inspiring as any theme posts can be. I actually enjoy doing tags and memes, in fact, I once wrote a post on the origins of tags, as I find the whole subject somewhat intriguing.

Enough of that, now let me offer an explanation as to the arctic winter pictures here to the left and below.
You see, my very good friend Kat at Kat's Corner posted a challenge about six month ago, as some of you might recall. She urged us to post our favorite summer pictures in mid winter. Obviously at that time everyone was longing and dreaming of summer and we all happily shared pictures captured during the warm time of the year, me included.
This time around, she did the reverse; cooling us down with some fairy-tale like snow pictures in the midst of this vibrant, hot and sunny season.

Now, I am not greatly fond of winter at all, but considering that the summer has been hot and sunny all across the whole Northern hemisphere this year, I decide to join in and share with you some pristine and chilly pictures from our past winter, which was the coldest one in 15 years.
Do you recall our Arctic Beach? Icy cold wind and subzero temperatures for weeks at a time caused our sea to freeze over, a very rare phenomenon. When I took these photographs here this past February, I felt that the winter would NEVER end. I stood on this deserted beach, completely alone, my fingers numb, as the summer felt distant and surreal. Yesterday, trying to take a picture of the same spot on my way home from work, I could barely get to the shore, as the beach even in the evening at eight was filled to the bursting point with people. Everyone kept staring at me as I looked somewhat silly (and suspicious) walking around fully clothed with a camera.

I was surprised at the outcome. In a certain way, the winter picture appears so much more enigmatic and enticing (please see images below). Thus, I felt that these pictures were worth sharing here again; stressing the point that summer, however lovely and beautiful, does not always produce better images.

As for the award here to the right; my thanks and appreciation goes to sprinkles at Wyldechylde, who passed it onto me recently. I am always flattered by this attention.
This wonderful prize comes with a question:

Where do you think you will be in 10 years?

That is an intriguing one to ponder. I truly do not know. If anyone asked me ten years ago where I will be today, I would have never given the answer of my current status. My life was heading in a completely different direction then and changed suddenly just a few years back. Thus, when that time comes, I am hoping I am in good health and that I will be with someone who I love and who loves me.
The rest truly doesn't matter and in a way; not knowing - and not pondering it - is the allure of living in the present.

Anyone who is up for any of these challenges, please feel free to be tagged.



23 comments:

S. Susan Deborah said...

Honoured to be the first one here. Zuzana, how I love your pictures and as I always say, no one can be better aware of the slightest changes in the location like you. Congrats on the tags. I enjoyed reading your answers and perceptions. I sincerely wish that not only ten years from now but every second you be in good health surrounded by people whom you love and cherish.

Have a lovely remainder of the day and week :)

Susan

Kath said...

Wow! a snowy beach, I have never seen a snowy beach here in England.But then living so far from the coast I seldom see the sea. One of the things I am looking forward to in our new house, is being just 40 mins drive from a beach :D

Mimi said...

"not knowing - and not pondering it - is the allure of living in the present."

Wise words, Zuzana.

Life is such an adventure, somewhat like a playground, and we don't know what the next ride will be like- maybe a rollercoaster that will scare the hell out of us (or thrill us to bits?), or maybe a magic teacup that we can relax and enjoy.
But living it is the important bit, isn't it? In its good and its bad times.

I love your two beach pictures, both beautiful in their own right...bit like the rollercoaster and the teacup, each has their own time!
I might do that meme.

tony said...

Zuzana
you Photos Sent A Shiver Down My Spine!!!!
Personally, I think it better not to imagine the future.It's never what we expect.Which is a Nice Thing (i think!)
XoXo

Anonymous said...

The photos taken from the same location are a wonderful comparison between the two seasons. I'll take winter rather than summer, at least THIS summer which has been completely unenjoyable with too hot weather, too many mosquitos, just too uncomfortable.

As for the ten year from now, hmmm, just hoping for my health.

Di

Brian Miller said...

oh nice pictures..zuzana....where will i be in 10 years...at one point in y life i probably could have told you, but life is not so rigid anymore...in 10 years i will be...hopefully. smiles.

Anonymous said...

I love these images, Zuzana! You have an artist's eye, did you know that? Inspiring! :)

I have no idea where I'll be in ten years. Ten years ago I thought I'd probably be dead or at least in a gutter. Yeah, I know, I'm being a bit melodramatic with my answer! :P

Seriously though, like you, I'm just going to have to wait and find out... and not forget to live life in the meantime. :)

Keith said...

I don't think I've ever seen a snowy beach before. That's really cool to see. I hope you've had a wonderful week. Take care.

Claus said...

I like the pictures!! both of them; they each have a special something. I like seasons, and when there are pictures of the same place, at different times in the year, I'm simply amazed :-)

In ten years...who knows! alive I hope! :-) and in good health. Anything else unknown, even to the best of magicians.

have a great day!

sprinkles said...

I always love your comparison photos, especially from one season to the next.

"Not knowing - and not pondering it - is the allure of living in the present."

^^ So true! You're very wise. Maybe that's my problem, I'm always looking at the past and towards the future and missing out on the present.

'Tsuki said...

I love this effect before/after in the presentation of your pictures... It is quite a shock, indeed !

steviewren said...

Both beach scenes have beauty to offer the viewer, but I bet the beach yesterday was way more inviting. It seems strange to see big boulders on the beach. That is something you won't see around here anywhere.

Blogaire said...

What an amazing contrast between the two beach photos Zuzana. I am not a Winter person either but I have to say the snow covered beach looks really er ...cool. But give me the warm sunny Summer's evening beach any time. Magical! (Denmark's beauty continues to amaze me.)

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Very good technique and ideas! Have a wonderful weekend my dear Zuzana!

Unknown said...

wonderful contrast! I would like to be in the same place as you in ten years, healthy, in love with the one that loves me. sounds fantastic!!

jean luc said...

amazing shot of snowy beach, i had see that one time in Russia, in winter, and i will never forget that beauty.
Im' just back from Iceland , and i didnt see snowy beaches there , but black beaches with iceberg...Outstanding view too ;)
Great great pics , Zuzana, thanks for sharing !
Enjoy your week end

Avo said...

Lovely antipodal post. : j

SandyCarlson said...

Thank you for this beautiful post. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Wow.

Unknown said...

Congrats on getting tagged. Love these pictures. So much can change in just four months.
I wonder where I will be in ten years. Even though I am out of an answer, I can just say living a life.

Beautiful post, Zuzana...:)

Kat_RN said...

Loved the post! Thank you! I have linked to you once again. What a pretty place and a great post, I would have to agree with your wish for the future too.
Kat

Hilary said...

I gotta say that I love the summer view MUCH more.. but you knew I'd say that. ;)

Pip said...

Hi we came by from Kat's Corner to see your winter/summer pictures. Awesome blog!

Zuzana said...

I am so delighted to know you all enjoyed seeing winter pictures in the midst of the summer.;) And enjoyed my views of the future as well.;))

Here the summer has taken a short brake as of now but I hope it will return soon; it is way to early to part with this lovely season.

As always, all your wonderful visits and words are very much appreciated.

xoxo
Zuzana