Criss-Cross Applesauce, Missoula, Montana

If you jiggle your PC screen gently, this pattern could mesmerize almost as much as a larger-scale herringbone plaid coat on a person  walking down the street in front of you. Today, for some random reason, these winter patterns sparked memory of school bus rides spent creating "baby footprints" with our hands across the scenery Jack Frost painted on the bus windows. It's kinda crazy what kept us entertained, but we managed to never be bored!

Pinhole Style Snowy Tree, Missoula, Montana

Experimenting with the arty retro settings on my camera results in some interesting images. The pinhole camera effect yields dramatic mood. While there's nothing quite like the original processes to produce warmth and texture, digital mimics sure make it easy to spark your creativity.

Curvy Snow Branches, Missoula, Montana

A few years back, our neighbor planted this stunted tree with curly branches - I'm pretty sure it's a corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’). Branches from the curvy varieties of hazel or willow can pump up the interest level of a flower arrangement, but they also add texture and varied shape to lingering snow.

Basket Weave, Missoula, Montana

One swoosh would change this scene...but it would take a hard-core fan of cul de sac basketball to be out practising in freezing weather.

Outlined Branches, Missoula, Montana

Upon arriving at Friday night's Tree Lighting, I observed the green grass around the tree base and thought, "That's just wrong - a Christmas tree lighting sans snow."  Without even a rub of the genie lamp, the next hour found us in our own little swirling snowglobe - hurrah for a white Christmas! 
So, I tromped about in the snow this weekend, finding patterns hiding in plain sight, just waiting for snow to reveal contrasts of form and light. Welcome to my winter world.

More Decor from MissWhoLaVille, Montana

Because it's so fabulous, I had to share a wider perspective of the local MissWhoLaVille decor. Be inspired to create, eat some roast beast, and feel free to sing the song!  And if you're in Missoula tonight, stop by the East Missoula Tree Lighting for cookies and carols and photos with Monte and Santa!

Miss-Who-La-Ville, Montana

My feelings on arriving at work got escalated from "happy " to "wheeeee!" earlier this week; our excessively talented events coordinator spent a festive chunk of last weekend creating what I call MissWhoLaVille in the company lobby. Out of all the things merry and bright, my favourite is this little orange tree. In addition to unflagging cheer, this winter wonderland has propelled me back to a favourite childhood Christmas pasttime:  hiding in the corner behind the tree. Only now I'm not avoiding work, but rather busily compiling my blog.

These Boots Were Made For Riding, Missoula, Montana

Last night, before band practice at our friends’ ranch, we walked down the little hill to their mum’s house via a well-worn path, in the dark, through the tall grass and apple trees. Talk about happy throwback to childhood - following the leader through the almost-dark, the clean, just-rained smell clinging to the grass, and a VHS player so we could watch a recently unearthed band video. Coming in the back door, I noticed extra Carhartt insulated coveralls hanging neatly in the closet, and knew there also would be extra boots, scarves, mittens, and hats. This is a commonality in the homes of varied ranching families we’re privileged to know. Besides keeping you warm on the outside, they furnish a warm, fuzzy feeling inside - the kind that comes from knowing you’re always welcome and won’t be left out.
While there's a lot to be said for paring down the contents of your life, this mindset should coexist with the practical complement of having enough to spare. As a dear friend is fond of saying, “Come on over - we can always water down the soup.”