10 - COZY IN THE WHITENESS

COZY IN THE WHITENESS

10 ½ x 17 ½ inches

(c. early 1900’s—Young family home—Arizona Bottom near Tekamah, Nebraska)

Surrounded by trees laden with freshly fallen snow, this ornate two-story family house cozily nestles in a blanket of snow. Four generations of Youngs lived in this home built by my great-grandparents. Passed down to my grandparents—it eventually became my parents’ first home.

The annual arrival of the smooth, deep snow marked the time for family to draw close together inside, gather by the fire, and take quiet comfort in the contentment of being with one another. Winter was also the perfect time to make preparations for the next season.

Cycles of change defined noteworthy contrast.Quietness of winter was juxtaposed by the energetic pace of spring. Young families found a sense of peaceful balance between the Light and dark.