~
arctic winds howling
a bold winter safari
hunting frozen prize
~
~
My words might seem like a contradiction, but I like icy cold weather in small amounts. Thankfully, in NW Arkansas, we have brief periods of cold with overall mild winters. During January’s arctic cold spell, I was even cold indoors, but still braved some fresh air and photo opportunities most days. I’ve learned the key to handling cold is to dress well with layers and weather-appropriate clothes. During my hunts, I wore thermal underwear, two shirts, a fleece jacket, hat, gloves, and winter coat. I’ve also learned that mental attitude plays a part. If I’m resistant to the cold, it is much harder to handle. Of course, being active helps too.
Anyway, I had fun during my brief spells outdoors during the week-long arctic blast. I hope you enjoyed sampling my ice cold treats!
Caution: stay safe and beware early signs of spring.
writing to freedom 
Great haiku! Glad you had fun with your cold snap ❄️
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Thank you, and now I’m glad it’s warm!
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I agree. Layers can be very helpful. And I love your last two photographs in particular. Weather in Boston area is still brisk, but green shoots are pushing up from the earth where it is very sunny… One more month of winter?
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Thank you Will. We have sprouts popping up and warmer weather. It might be spring here. 🙂
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Yippee!!!!
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🌷
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Wonderful photographs – I felt cold just looking at them:)
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Thanks Janet. Hopefully cold but not frozen! 😋
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You’re pictures are stunning the way the colors bleed into each other Brad. Loved your poems too❣️
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Thank you Cindy. I’m grateful that you and other enjoy them. 💖
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Fabulous photos and haiku, Brad!
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Thank you Colleen!
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You’re so welcome.
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You are brave dressing up like a snowman to go on your hunt for nature’s treasure! AND what a treasure of photos and words you give us all❤️🙏 Thankyou for your nonresistance and getting yourself out there! AND now to thaw and enjoy the warmer weather of spring❤️ much love
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Ha, ha. I aim to please! No worries Barbara, it’s is warm now with signs of spring. Hugs..❤️
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Wonderful photos! I love seeing winter snow through your eyes. I’m not fond of being cold at all, so it’s probably best I live in California, but I love the look of snow covered trees and landscapes and frosted windows and icicles—brings back memories of being a child when I lived in the midwest.
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Thanks Deborah. Truthfully, I don’t love cold either, but enjoy the seasons and can embrace small bits of cold.
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Brr! Your photos are indeed icy treats, Brad…and yes, spring is on its way so I’m enjoying as many winter walks as I can (our winter days are very mild at the moment with no snow!). We are blessed with a lot of early bloomers to brighten our days…
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I’m glad you enjoyed the icy treats Kim. We’ve had a mild winter also except for that arctic blast. And thankfully, I see signs of spring here as well.
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I’m noticing snowdrops, purple and gold crocuses and some lovely purple mini irises with cascading camellia blossoms in red, white and pink!
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Wonderful! I need to get out exploring.
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It’s worth it!
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I like your approach to dealing with cold weather, Brad. Very sensible. Great photos.
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Thanks Anneli. I can enjoy the cold for brief spells.
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LOL Me too, Brad – for about ten seconds!
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😋
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A cold blast can be refreshing, yes. Layering is a life-saver! 😅 Concrete fungi – nature is resilient. Lovely photos, Brad. The last is gorgeously artistic!
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Thanks Michele. I’m glad you enjoyed my photo safari. It’s the only hunting I do. 🙂
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Of course! My treat. 😁 I am with you. Maybe some vintage hunting from time to time. Like albums, for example. 👍🏻
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Classic vinyl.
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Yes!
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I always find those ice crystals to be very enchanting. Nice shot!
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Icy treats are fun in small bites! 🙂
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It’s true. It’s good you were so bundled up. I would have needed to do the same thing!
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I also love the poem, like i love warm weather. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you Michael. I only enjoy the cold for brief spells. 🙂
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🙂
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ooo, the hunter or hunted photo is curious. Guess we will never know. And the ice crystals are so pretty. I am with you. I actually do like the cold too, in small amounts. It is truly about being prepared so you can get out there and enjoy it.
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Exactly Donna. Being prepared is the key for handling cold. I’m glad you enjoyed my hunting adventure! 🙂
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Great photos, Brad. I especially liked the mysterious lights.
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Thank you Egidio.
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Lovely poem and pictures. Dressing for cold certainly helps. I find I get colder and colder when I sit working 🥶
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Thanks Robbie. Yes, I have that challenge too. 🥶
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Brad, I’m glad you donned all the layers and headed out for your winter safari – your poem is a joy and I love the photos! Nature at its best. I found myself gathering my fleece around me as I viewed the icy sun! So true about watching out for the fickle seasons – after days of relative warmth frost is due here at the weekend! See if I grab a few photos too. A treat of a post, Brad!
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Ha, ha. You must have a strong imagination Annika to share in the cold via an online walk with me! Yes, it’s a fickle time of year. We hit 77 yesterday!
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Well, I think it partly was that I hadn’t’ put the heating on in my office – I was wrapped under my blanket, coat on! 😀
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😁
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Loving the snow photos, Brad. We don’t see much of the white stuff in South Texas. By the way, I found some of your comments in my spam. What are you doing there? I’m having trouble responding at the moment and trying to figure that out. Thanks for visiting and hope you’re having a good week!
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Thanks Crystal. I’ve had other’s tell me I’m in the spam and noticed more trouble commenting lately. I imagine snow is very rare in south Texas!
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Beautiful pictures and great poem
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Thank you Lynn. Enjoy your week!
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Brad I loved all the pictures and your wonderful poem too. Nice winter.
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Thank you Kamal. Winter is fun in small doses. 😊
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Yes I completely agree with you Brad though we never see winter in Mumbai. Always welcome. Happy Sunday 😊😊😊
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Good approach to the cold, Brad. Because you bundled up and faced it head-on, you took some great shots! I used to live in Yellowknife, NWT. It’s wayyyy up north in Canada, and one winter, it was -65 Celsius. My attitude was very bad 😂 and it was the coldest air I have ever breathed in. I wish I had taken some photos because it was beautiful, despite the pain it inflicted on all of us. Here’s to Spring being around the corner 🥂🌸
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Wow Tanya. I would probably be grumpy and resistant in that cold too. We do what we can. To spring and friends. 🌷😊
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Oo, loving the way the sunlight makes the shadows and shape of the snow and ice come to light! ❤
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Wonderful perspective Layla. To dancing with the light! 😊🌟
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I enjoyed your verse & photos, Brad! ☀️
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Thank you Lisa. 🙂
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Great pics and poem Brad!! I got chilled just looking at the pictures!! I love the uniqueness of the ice crystal capture!!
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Ha, ha. It seems I chilled a few folks with this post! Thanks Kirt.
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And today we woke up to about 5 inches of wet fluffy snow….and brrrrr. It’s almost all melted as it turned to rain, but still brrrr!!
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There has been wild weather lately.
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You came back from your hunting with a great haul Brad 🙂
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Indeed! Thanks Andrea. 🙂
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Man, these are some beautiful shots! I love the last one of the ice-crystals It is so delicate and crisp, and it gives the cold of winter a perfect description. It also makes me happy to know spring is just around the corner :-)!
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Thank you Randall. Your comments are most appreciated, empowering, and heartwarming. May spring find you soon! 🌷
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