Winter Popsicles

Snowboarders 'paradice'
Ah, short wintry days - what's not to like?  It's 1 degree celsius outside, there's frost on the ground, roof, car, hound... in fact its everywhere and yet that great glittering orb of sunshine still sparkles down on us.  If I rotate my desk 90 degrees across the room every hour or so.  Hibernation is the name of the game, I am pretending to be a very old lady - worn cashmere cardigan, tartan blanket draped over shoulders and yes, head-of-hoofed-beasts-slippers on my feet.  Not that many old dears wear novelty slippers but heigh-ho.  Also, I am enjoying a raspberry popsicle.  Yes, yes I am.  Thats me, sticking two fingers up at Mother Nature for being so cold.  Wait, can I say that? Hush, you!

This weekend, despite the icicles on the end of my nose, I ponied up to the London Ice Sculpting Festival in East London.  The glass towers of Canary Wharf, our own mini Manhattan, provided a spectacular backdrop for the competition. Under the watchful eye of officials, rugged-beanie-wearing-demi-god-sculptor-with- chainsaws 'chiselled' away at the giant slabs of ice whilst a plethora of SLR enthusiasts shot indiscriminately from all angles.  At times, ice flew furiously as the sculptors carved and the crowds stood entranced.  It was a scene from a horror movie sans opera music and with beautiful results.  I don't know who won in the end because it was freezing and I sought refuge in the nearest well-heated bookstore - but I did vote for Team France, whose talented chap bore an uncanny resemblance to one of the mafia dudes from Goodfellas.  Yes, he did.  Here's a few snaps from the day, please enjoy!


Favourite image of the day
You lookin' at me? 




Judges, hard at work... 
Just hanging
Photo courtesy: via yours truly, please do not copy without written consent.


A/N: Hello friends, I hope everyone has been productive on the writing front and enjoying the new year thus far.  It's already half-way through January!  I've continued edits on my main manuscript and started to outline another story.  I know, I know.  Glutton for punishment?  Start as you mean to go on though, right? Happy Writing this week!   Talei x    













Comments

Bish Denham said…
I admire people who can make beauty out of a block of ice, or a pile of sand, knowing that it will not last. It reminds us of the ephemeralness of life.
A said…
It's been cold here too, but since you're in England and I am in Florida, I think I should shut up :-)
Loving the ice sculptures!
Talei said…
Haha. Well now that you mention it! At least you can build some love sandcastles in Florida? Thank you so much, I loved taking the pictures. x
Talei said…
Ah, moments of fleeting beauty. Life. Thank you Bish! ;-)
Nicole said…
Those are gorgeous! So pretty :)
Damsel in a Dirty Dress
I agree, so cool! No pun intended.
Danette said…
That looks like a fun event to go to although I am not as hardy as you are and doubt that I would actually attempt it as I rarely step outside for more than a run to the car when it's that cold *brrr* I'm not enjoying winter at all.

Lovely pics I am glad you braved frost bitten toes to give us a peak into the nutcases who dig the cold enough to sculpt artwork!
Time for a warm adult beverage don't you think, my dear? *clink, clink*
Talei said…
HI Nicole thanks! There were both gorgeous and pretty! And tres cool. ;)
Talei said…
Haha! Cheers Jessie, very cool indeed. ;)
Talei said…
Oh, you know, I like to hang out with nutcases who carve pretty things from ice. ;-) It was no trouble at all.

And yes, indeed freezing here too but suspect not as chilly as where you are. Trays of hot toddies in order * clink clink* my dear. x
Meredith said…
That is so cool! What a fun thing to see. Good luck with edits! I may have to adopt your old lady outfit--sounds wonderfully cozy to me!
Talei said…
Thanks lovely! Was like, 'way' cool. Old lady outfit comes with teacups. Enjoy! ;-)
Johanna Garth said…
Beautiful work! I love those kinds of things (or maybe anything that gets me out of the house in the dead of winter). Really more of a summer/spring kind of person and tend to hibernate until March.
Jemi Fraser said…
Those are absolutely gorgeous! :)
Talei said…
Beautiful indeed! I happened to stumble across it the morning before so glad I ventured back. Love hibernating too but there's something wonderful about wandering about in the cold when you are all bundled up. ;)
Talei said…
Like great big diamond gems... sculpted just so. I love them! ;)
Danette said…
Back again! (Sent an email perhaps it got in the spam???)Anyway, wanted to know if you would share how you got the reply feature on your comments! You can email me directly, if you don't mind sharing your secrets :)

Popular Posts