The First Snowman

Meet Bernie, the first Snoman I have ever crafted. When my Minnesota neighbors first moved in, I made a request: They must help me make a snowman - something I've never done. Last winter came and went but the weather, timing and our schedules did not cooperate.

Today, neighbor Tim IMs me: "Today's the Day." A layer of fresh snow and a sunny sky meant the conditions were perfect. First, I had no idea that snow could roll up like sod or carpeting. Trippy. Also, I didn't imagine snow being so heavy when compiled in a ball. The whole experience made me want to take up sculpting.

I realize that Bernie looks a bit demonic but he's just overly friendly. His arm-branches are holding Mardi Gras beads from last year and a scarf that my Grandma Bethel knitted. His nose is a big fat carrot and his eyes are gorgeous rocks from Utah, gathered from my geology trip last May.

We tried various items for a mouth, including glass beads, rocks and curved branches, but in the end, I used food coloring. (God, I hope that's not some bio-crime I'm not yet aware of.) Much like a deranged sno-cone, Bernie's features have bled a little; he looks like the 7-year-old boy at the birthday party who ate too much cake and ice cream and is now on a sugar-infused rampage.

Together, Tim and I agreed on a green heart - a hope that all this eco-mindedness will take hold and become a permanent way of thought. Also, I hope Bernie sticks around for awhile too.