Jack Frost

How did frost end up with the name, Jack? Being curious about this tradition in our culture, I decided to do some investigative reporting. This may be in part because we've been enduring a week of frosty temps and decor in our region. Here's what I found out, compliments of Wikipedia:

Jack Frost is an elfish creature who stemmed from English folklore. His job titles include: Father Winter, or Old Man Winter, which doesn't sound very complimentary, but maybe that's just me. ;) According to tradition, Jack Frost may also represent the Norse god Ullr (good luck pronouncing that), god of winter and snow. Jack came from the Norse name, Jokul, which means "icicle" and Frost originated from that same language, a word referred to as "Frosti," which basically means: frost. =D Go figure.

Jack Frost has appeared in a myriad of stories, including L. Frank Baum's work entitled: "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus." He has also taken part in numerous cartoons and movies like: "The Santa Clause 3," starring Martin Short. Don't hold this against him. =D Though he is often portrayed as a grumpy individual, I think he has a few redeeming qualities. Give me a minute or two to think of a couple . . .

I personally like Jack Frost, if only from an artistic point of view. He does do an impressive job of decorating during a time of year that can be rather bleak. Here are some pictures I've taken this past week that will hopefully illustrate my point:



This is a picture of my famed apple tree from the front yard, the one that kept me entertained with regard to canning this past fall. Jack Frost did a great job of highlighting its graceful boughs.

Here is my small orchard of mixed apple trees from the backyard. Jack Frost made them look positively elegant. And yes, those are foothills you see behind them. That's how close we live to the mountains.



And here are my lilacs, painted with Mr. Frost's pallet. True, he seems to stick with one basic color, but doesn't it make things look crisp and clean?


Because of the chilly temperatures that Mr. Frost has inspired lately, we've endured a bit of fog, which can make its appearance at any time of the day or night. I shot this particular picture during an afternoon last week, as my husband and I were snowshoeing about near our home. Our entire town was blanketed by this loving glaze. Good times. ;) And hurray for warm fleece blankets.


Our youngest son is currently serving a mission up in the northern realm of Edmonton, Canada. This is a recent picture he sent us, showing us how he is staying warm. With temperatures that plummet down toward -46 degrees, bundling up is crucial.

This is a picture of the moon rising above a mountain behind our home. Can you see the frosted look of the trees on the hillside? Quite picturesque.

Though Jack Frost may not be the warmest individual in the world, one must admit that he does a great job of making winter appear lovely. So maybe instead of complaining when he chooses to do things, like totally frost over the windows of my car when it sits in the church house parking lot for a mere two hours, I'll try to keep in mind how boring winter would be without him. =)

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