Smallstone No 30

In this new & hushed calm after the raging storms of last night nothing audible stirs, andsomehow the sun seems to shine brighter #smallstone

Smallstone No 29

An opaque sky that’s lost its clarity defines my blank canvas, out of shape & shapeless with no focal point to draw my eye… the implausibility that there is anything beyond this white out, no stars, no galaxies, and no black holes lingers as I look harder #smallstone

Smallstone No 28

The horizon blushes its early morning glory with a serenity rarely seen as the rose-gold colour wash makes a welcome return #smallstone

Smallstone No 27

In this overcast light I crave the warmth of Spring sunshine, new lime-green buds, cherry blossom petals & birdsong #smallstone

Smallstone No 26

On the wettest of days lengthening runnels of rainwater course down the window pane making tracks as lost as tears #smallstone

Smallstone No 25

In this over stimulated world snow gathers quietly & as the day moults, & sheds it weariness. I breathe out #smallstone

Smallstone No 24

Resolute grey skies parked overhead…a little drizzle adds to the overall gloominess, obscuring the far-flung horizon #smallstone

Smallstone No 23

My day held in place, air caged by a heavy sky crammed full of foreboding snow waiting to fall #smallstone

Smallstone No 22

Fields wider than a super king size bed, layered in bright white sheeting... inviting as a plump feather eiderdown #smallstone

Smallstone No 21

Evening light glows soft & inviting, the cold whiteness of a snow carpet reflecting a brighter light of day than recent times #smallstone

Smallstone No 20

Soft deep snow lies in dense drifts layering the winter greys with tier upon tier, an immaculate sparkling white overcoat #smallstone

Smallstone No 19

A hawk sits atop an extended branch & surveys the tarmac below & from his vantage point he observes closely & loiters #smallstone

50 Eskimo words for snow?

Myth v Truth - Are there more than 50 words for ‘snow’ in Eskimo language?

Apparently the row rumbles on. The Washington Post ran an article five days ago: There really are 50 Eskimo words for ‘snow.’

During 1880’s a man called: Franz Boas recorded this information “Handbook of American Indian Languages,” and since then a great number of people have tried to declare his theory a hoax.

It seems now, that maybe… there was an element of truth in Boa’s findings especially as; Ole Henrik Magga, a Norwegian linguist has identified 180 words in her own language to describe snow & ice.

This article got me thinking - we have one word for snow… Or do we?

This is a random list of words I've complied this morning whilst sitting with my cup of tea looking out over the garden, at the lovely white soft power snow that hasn't yet melted.

Snow - Snowstorm - Snowfall - Snow Flurry - Blizzard - Whiteout - Snowflake - Snow-white - Snowball - Snowballing - Snowbound - Snowsquall - Snowy - Snowed in - Snowed up - Snowed under - Snowed - Sleet - Slush - Hail - Hailstones - Ice - Snow plough - Snow shovel - Snow slip - Avalanche - Hoary - Frost - Snowman - Snowmen - Snowdrifts - Snowbird - Snowboard - Snowscape - Snowiness - Ice up - Ice over - Frosty - Glacial - Icy

I’m absolutely certain this isn't a full list of possible ‘snow’ words and that there are many more words that haven’t yet come to mind so -

Perhaps the reason that the myth v truth dispute rumbles on is because we have lost ‘old languages’ as tribes move forward and adopt modern versions.

I’d love to hear your views and opinions on this matter as the old romantic in me would like the original article to be true…

For this mad notion I make no apology.

Smallstone No 18

Snow falls without stopping as delicate flakes, then transforms into icy cold rain, a freezing reminder that winter is here #smallstone

Smallstone No 17

Majestic trees elegantly framed & shown to fullest glory as dying embers of the burning golden orb glides below the horizon #smallstone

Smallstone No 16

Smudged & sinister charcoal grey images- a skeletal spine frames South Downs backbone, a perfect setting to end a splendid day #smallstone

Smallstone No 15

Intertwined branches & twiglets draped against a shining silver birch a purple haze tinted by reflected glow of a setting sun #smallstone

Smallstone No 14

Incandescent light bulbs slung through the woods make me wishful for jovial festive cheer, warm mulled wine & a roaring log fire #smallstone

Smallstone No 13

Clouds more Turneresque in look gloom laden & tinged with rose-gold edges stacked in sharp contrast to the setting fireball sun #smallstone

Smallstone No 12

Ponies gathered at the field’s edge, coats caked in a mocha mud glaze heavier & thicker than over-applied mascara #smallstone

Smallstone No 11

Countless tiny connections, emotional links & fragments of reminiscences gathered during a lifetime lived like a dream #smallstone

Smallstone No 10

Talking for more than an hour on the phone to a dear friend, who I don’t see anywhere near often enough- the very best medicine! #smallstone

Smallstone No 9

A solitary declaration of a birdsong, the sweetest tune that travels far, & on a dull & overcast day provides soulful sunshine #smallstone

Smallstone No 8

These dark dank January days drive me under cover with a good book & a perfect excuse to drift & dream #smallstone

Smallstone No 7

Waking up to house, devoid of festive clutter. The denuded rooms tug at my heart & as I stare outside my garden looks as bereft #smallstone

Smallstone No 6 - Twelfth night

Treasured decorations wrapped in tissue, laid to rest, bundled in boxes, the excitement of Christmas packed away until next time #smallstone

Smallstone No 5

This night feels as if it has tumbled into disorder, submerged itself beneath a pool so deep and wide it may not resurface #smallstone

Smallstone No 4

Longer nights mean lingering lie in’s under my duvet are permitted... on the pretext of keeping warm, until longer days arrive #smallstone

Smallstone No 3

A fearless kite swoops in heedful of roaring traffic yet undeterred to inspect a deer, lain prone on the road #smallstone

Smallstone No 2

The sound of heavy rain drowns out my thoughts, I stare through a smeared pane of glass & wonder- what next? #smallstone

What makes people tick?

Tonight I’m treating myself to a (kid’s) supper- fish fingers & mashed potatoes! And whilst I was cooking them I was reminded of a conversation with my friend last week. Let’s call her Rachel.

She had complained to her husband that there weren't enough fish fingers on her plate that evening for tea. The following time he cooked supper he cooked all the fish fingers in the freezer and served her with 40 fish fingers.

I thought this was hilarious.

Rachel said all she could see was fish fingers…

What made him cook 40? Was he being funny? Or was he being difficult? She had no idea and neither do I… but I’m fascinated by what makes people tick and I’m sure there’s the nub of a short story in this event.

Smallstone No 1 - Jan 2013

Generous blue skies offer a far more inviting day than those recent intermediate colourless landscape hues #smallstone