Jeanette Winterson
I have no doubt that somewhere in science somebody has done the research about whether or not this can be true, but it is most definitely something that we have grown up understanding.
When Ms Winterson puts it like this I agree entirely - it is too, too much to consider, think about or hold onto really. The scale of design innovations and variations. I start to turn my mind to it and wonder surely not every snowflake EVER? Maybe just snowflakes that are snowing at the same time?
The more I think about it the less I can imagine the possibility of their uniqueness, and yet it does seem that science suggests that in fact each and every snowflake is unique.
My utter delight and enthralment whenever it snows most definitely makes me want to believe. It is awe-inspiring to think that amongst that beauty and joy, each snowflake is different...
Page from Snow falling in daylight, part of BookArtOBject 2012.
as I thought about snowflakes, my mind moved on to leaves and flowers, shells and creatures, sunsets and moonrises ... not even identical twins are absolutely alike ... indeed, all things in nature are infinitely variable ... it is only the things human-made, the factory assembled clones of material goods, that can be considered invariable ... or so it seems to me ... and so I figuratively get on my knees in gratitude for art in its own infinite variety
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that Jeanette Winterson wrote these words, because they truly bring into focus that awe and wonder. As one's mind goes a'wandering across all the marvels of nature it does become mind boggling and joyous. 'Tis good to stop and ponder the marvels sometime; and to notice the small ones as we go along. Go well.
DeleteIt is quite an astounding thought... having lived with snow my whole life, I never cease to wonder at it. I loved playing in it in the dark, and to this day I prefer shoveling it in the dark as well. The other day when the crust on it had hardened after a few warmer days, the morning was cold and bright and the surface of the snow shone like thousands of diamonds had been scattered across it... it was absolutely magical.
ReplyDeleteOh Yes, astounding is such a good description! I love that you have lived with snow always, and yet are still delighted and in wonder of it. I am now intrigued by the notion of snow in the dark (the book was snow falling in daylight) and am sat here in the swelter quietly imagining those dazzling diamonds atop the crust of snow - stunning!
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