New York Daily Photo Analytics

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Snow Play



A child provides one of the best excuses to play in snow, and I often wonder whether adults may be more excited by the prospect of building snowmen and sledding than their children. But it is of no matter, because no law is being broken by adults who want to partake in this perennial rite of winter and enjoy all things snowy in New York City.

As I wrote in White By Design 2, tracts of unadulterated snow are few and short lived here, so those wanting to reenact their play days of childhood must, unlike our country brethren, act quickly with no deliberation.
As I passed through Washington Square Park in the early morning after our recent heavy snowstorm, families had already been busy with their handiwork. Snowmen were everywhere to be found.

Growing up in New England, playing in snow was one of our favorite activities. As a child, I was bundled in a snowsuit and, thoroughly insulated, was sent out into that white winter wonderland for endless hours of frolicking. I would make snow men, snow angels and igloos, ride a sled, or I would just run, jump and throw myself with reckless abandon into nature's plush, deep, white cushion.

All my antics and creations were applauded by family members who remained indoors, watching behind windows in their cozy habitat, signaling with gestures of encouragement and approval over any small thing or act. As I grew older, I became an audience member for my younger sisters, enjoying their play from the warmth of our kitchen.

Certainly, snow is inconvenient and troublesome, particularly its removal in a large city such as New York. But I am going to put those practical thoughts aside for now, because as I write this, I am watching a parent pull his child in a sled through my window, from the cozy comfort of my home, as I secretly encourage them in all manner of snow play :)

9 comments:

NYfan said...

What a wonderful thing is NATURE!! Great photos!!

Unknown said...

The bottom picture...brought to mind "Walkin' in a winter wonderland" dare you not to sing it the rest of the day! ;=O) Much thanks as usual hope you are staying warm. Blessings to you!

Fashion Schlub said...

I will say that snow is far more inconvenient now, living in Brooklyn, than it was in the suburbs...but it is still beautiful when it's falling and freshly blanketing the earth. I appreciate anything that takes us out of the ordinary...

Tatiana said...

i loved the pictures you took. I miss NYC sooo much....

I wish I was there...

love you blog

Unknown said...

Love the bottom shot. Doesn't look like NY at all.

Anonymous said...

While it may be messy, distracing and cause some inconvenience, for one brief moment or two, a good snowfall always seems to bring out the best in people.
Must be that "kid in all" of us gene.

Art Courses said...

Nice Photos.. wonderful season..

California said...

I like the snow man. In California we don't have snow unless you visit the mountain.

TORR J W said...

now THIS.. is all i want! and why i want to move from Australia to new york <3 <3