The Great Frost of 2019 and The Book Awards Finalist 2018

We are in the midst of a big snowstorm here in the Pacific Northwest which is so very unusual for this part of the world. We got the first snow a few days ago, then a large new portion last Friday, more on Sunday, and even much more on Monday! Snow here pretty much always causes delaying and cancelling activities: schools and offices get closed or open for fewer hours, and those who can opt for working from home on snow days to watch their kids who are out of school, as well as simply to avoid unpredictable driving situations. Needless to say, snow is the biggest topic of conversation these days, and even I (being from Siberia and knowing possibly everything there is to know about snow) find snow irresistible and take photos and videos of snow which amuses my friends and family back home. While I can't really surprise my folks with the snow, it is surprising around here, especially in such amounts - last time, I believe, we got so much snow during The Great Snow of 2012, and before that The Great Drifts of 2008. (Do you love The Vicar of Dibley as much as I love it?) With the snow, arrived wind and colder temperatures, and all together it of course brings back some memories.

But I thought that snowfall is a particularly good reason to get a new photo session and a perfect occasion to honor my fake fur coat (shown in DECEMBER 2018). I thought I'd play with the 1960s lines of this cobalt blue coat and wear it with my genuine 1960s carpet bag and stylized velvet boots with clear heels (these are strictly fashion boots, there is nothing practical about them). 

It was getting darker, and a new snowfall started as we were getting ready to leave (hence the very last couple of pictures)... I picked a location which is unusual for me. It is the grounds of the Methodist Church built in 1961 - unfortunately, I did not find the information about the architects, but I do admire their vision. The building and landscape around it is reminiscent of a Japanese house and garden, the simple lines of which were a major influence for architects back then, as I understand. Only now when I read a little bit about the history of this church (HERE), I realized that I intuitively (not consciously)  picked the environment of the same era as my outfit! 

It happens often with me - things come together without any detailed planning, and it goes not only for my photo sessions. I do believe that if we stay out of our own way, life gets so much easier. This time, we were just driving back home trying to find a spot for photos before the snowfall, and I remembered about the church where our friends neighbors invited Anya to a virtually free Bible camp one summer, when we were so broke we couldn't pay for tuition anyway, so we took the opportunity. It wasn't the first or last time when our friends helped us in tough times, and we always remember their remarkable kindness. It's not always possible to pay back to those who helped us, but it is always a good idea to pay forward so to speak - to pass your kindness onto someone who needs it most: a person or a group of people whom you can help.

On another note, I am so happy to share great news with you! If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you were the first to know that my book ANYA AND HER WINGS is a finalist in THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS 2018! It is a fantastic indie book award organized by a popular children's book author from London, UK, in which children themselves evaluate the books by criteria: Editing, Theme, Style, Cover, and Illustrations. You can check out the whole list of FINALISTS 2018 HERE to see what British students as well as two groups of adult readers from London, UK and Stockholm, Sweden enjoyed reading. The winners will be announced later this Spring, but Andrei and I are so honored that our work is loved BY KIDS THEMSELVES!!! That's our audience, and really, their opinion is what matters most. 

Source 

I was also honored to learn that my dear blogging friend IVANA selected our books for her list of BEST BOOKS & FAV WRITERS OF 2018! I was thrilled to know that her niece and nephew love my books, and just recently she told me that she used ANYA AND HER WINGS in curriculum teaching her students at school in Bosnia and Herzegovina where she lives, and one of her pupils borrowed it to read at home. Many of you know Ivana as a stylish young woman, kind supportive friend, and talented hobby artist - I showcased her portraits of me on numerous occasions (see images on the right panel of my blog). But Ivana also truly is a passionate reader and expert on literature, and I value her support very much! She writes in-depth book reviews and shares her recommendations on her BOOK BLOG and INSTAGRAM. 

Back to our snowy days. I know I told you that I don't miss snow, and it is true - I don't. Yet when it rarely snows here, I feel happy. As soon as it was time to head back home, we were showered with snow, and just like it was long ago, in my childhood, it felt like magic. Mr. Toucan agreed!

Faux fur coat - Eloquii

Wool beret - ModCloth

Boots - Ashley Stewart (old)

Purse - vintage

Dress - Melissa McCarthy (last shown in SEPT 2018)

Necklace - Talbots (old)

Mr Toucan - brooch by Chico's (shown in JULY 2018)

Linking with Patti's Visible Monday