Category: Spring

Spring break is a much-anticipated time for students across the country, offering a much-needed break from the rigors of academic life and a chance to explore new places and experiences. Whether it’s a trip to a tropical paradise, a visit to a new city, or simply a chance to relax at home, spring break is a time for adventure, exploration, and discovery. 

In this essay, I will share some of the most exciting and memorable moments of my spring break vacation, reflecting on the experiences that significantly impacted me. By sharing my own experiences, I hope to inspire others to embark on their spring break adventures and make the most of this exciting and transformative time.

How it started

We started our journey by driving down to Florida, which was a long and tiring. However, the excitement of exploring new places and spending time together kept us going. Our first stop was the city of Orlando, which is famous for its theme parks. We visited renowned theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios for three days. By the way, we went on thrilling rides, watched shows and parades, and met some of our favorite characters from movies and cartoons.

The main destination

After our theme park adventure, we drove to the coast and spent the rest of our vacation at the beach. The weather was perfect, and the ocean was warm and inviting. We spent our days lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and building sandcastles. Moreover, we took a boat tour and saw some dolphins swimming in the wild. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us. In the evenings, our company would try different local restaurants and enjoy some delicious seafood. We also played board games, watched movies, and just enjoyed each other’s company. It was a great way to disconnect from our daily routines and bond as a family.

Different activities

To my mind, the most exciting thing I did was go to a party on the beach. Many people were there, and they were all dancing on the sand to loud music from speakers. It was an enjoyable time that I spent with my family!

We decided to spend the evening at a local cinema theater, as we’d been shopping all day and were in need of some entertainment. Watching television at home wasn’t an option as there was nothing particularly interesting on the various channels. The theater was conveniently close by and had many different options for us to watch.

Another exciting thing was when I went out for dinner at a restaurant on the pier. We had great food and drinks while watching boats go by in front of us as we ate our meal outside under an umbrella so we wouldn’t get sunburned if it got too hot outside later that evening (which actually happened). It was pretty cool because there weren’t many other restaurants around where we could see boats like this one from ours – so it felt like being somewhere special even though everyone else had access to this same view too!

Insights

The trip was truly unforgettable. We got to enjoy so much fun and great food and drinks on the beach while being surrounded by beautiful sunshine throughout the entire day. Every day we went down to the beach, and we were also able to throw a fantastic party on the last night of our vacation.

As our vacation came to an end, we all felt sad to leave but grateful for the time we had together. Our family trip was not only about having fun, but also about creating lasting memories and strengthening our family ties. We returned home feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and closer as a family.

Traveling with my family during Spring Break was one of the best choices that I have ever made. Even though traveling can be stressful, it was completely worth it because we got to see so many new things and experience so many different things as a family that we would not have been able to do otherwise. During this trip, we were able to bond with each other while also learning more about each other as individuals. 

I, personally, learned a lot about my family members and what makes them tick during our trip. For example, my sister is very competitive and competitively-minded when it comes to playing games such as basketball or baseball. However, she doesn’t like playing other sports, such as football, because she cannot compete against others in those sports. After all, there are too many people involved in each team compared to basketball or baseball, where there are only two players per team.

Conclusion

To sum up, my spring break vacation was a truly unforgettable experience, filled with exciting adventures, new discoveries, and valuable insights into different cultures and ways of life. From trying fresh foods to exploring new places, I greatly appreciated the richness and diversity of the world around us. 

Hope that by sharing my own experiences, I have inspired others to embrace the spirit of adventure and exploration, and make the most of their own spring break vacations. Whether it’s visiting a new city, trying new foods, or simply spending time with loved ones, spring break offers a unique opportunity to break out of our routines, step outside our comfort zones, and discover the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

Spring has arrived! The bottom is thawing and it’s a good time to begin excited about recent, homegrown meals, specifically early-spring herbs. Recent herbs are a house lawn staple that uploads numerous tastes and diets in your foods, whilst additionally taking over little or no house. A spring herb lawn most effectively wishes a small quantity of room to flourish, and there are lots of forms of herb that may develop nicely in spring.

Early spring is obviously a time of climactic flux. With heat days and chilly nights, it may be an excessively tricky rising season for plenty of crops. A spring lawn, alternatively, may also be ready for the season or even permit positive herbs to develop.

Some herbs, and lots of different greens, are much less likely to live outdoors in the course of the season and wish to be planted when issues heat up. However, that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to experience some indoor spring herb gardening whilst getting your lawn able for the total rising season.

Spring Herbs for a Lawn

For those who’re having a look to get an early get started on your planting season, spend the following few days getting ready your lawn, after which planting some weather-resistant herbs is one of the simplest ways to get issues rolling. Listed below are some flavorful, wholesome herbs that may get up to the fickle temperatures in early spring:

1. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Cilantro is the very best herb for an early spring lawn since the seeds will tolerate chilly temperatures and may even take care of the occasional spring dusting of snow. And when temperatures start to upward push, they’ll get started rising briefly. To develop cilantro for your spring lawn, sow seeds within the early spring, 1/4-inch deep in rows about 12 inches aside.

Also referred to as coriander, cilantro is an annual herb from the Apiaceae circle of relatives, making it a relative of carrots, celery, parsley, and over 3,600 different crops. In the US, the seeds are most often known as coriander and the leaves are cilantro. All portions of the plant are fit for human consumption, however, the dried seeds and leaves are maximum usually used to add taste to dishes. Cilantro leaves seem like flattened parsley and feature an excessively robust aroma. They’re a very talked-about addition to numerous meals. Cilantro leaves are used frequently in Mexican marinades, and as a garnish to offer added taste and freshness. Coriander, alternatively, is frequently utilized in East Asian and Indian dishes.

Plant-based meals are identified to supply a lot of well-being advantages, whilst herbs themselves are a really perfect method to add taste to meals without sugary, salty, or fatty sauces. Extra plant-based meals and less processed meals for your nutrition may decrease the chance of weight problems, middle illness, diabetes, and higher power and general well-being.

2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

It’s true that basil is a herb that loves the warmth and is most suitable for summertime enlargement, however, that doesn’t imply it’s too early to begin getting ready for it. Now not most effective are able to prep your lawn in early spring, however basil most often does the highest if seeds are begun indoors, then transplanted outdoors when it will get hotter. So it is smart to get a head get started on warm-weather basil throughout the spring!

Sow your basil seeds close to a sunny window or in a greenhouse throughout early spring. In early summertime, transplant them into your vegetable/herb lawn. There is more than one form of basil, together with Thai basil, Holy basil, and candy basil, which is maximum usually utilized in Italian delicacies. It is a part of the mint circle of relatives and is often referred to as Saint Joseph’s wort.

In most cases, basil has a heat, highly spiced taste that serves as the bottom for pesto, and generally is a nice garnish for soups and chili. It is going nice on eggs, fish, poultry, and meat, too, (as does its cousin, tarragon [Artemisia dracunculus]).

3. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill is a smart herb for early- to mid-spring enlargement. It grows in no time in cooler temperatures and will lend a hand to fulfill your yearning for recent flavors previous within the season than many different herbs. Dill reseeds itself as soon as it’s been trimmed again a couple of instances, so planting within the spring and proceeding to take action will be sure to be given masses to remaining thru summer time, permitting it for use on planked salmon, potato salads, and different seasonal specialties. Sow your dill seeds in early spring, 1/4-inch deep within the soil, spaced 9 inches aside.

4. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

You’ll get started rising rosemary in past due spring, even though it most often responds highest to heat, humid stipulations the place it will possibly experience between six and 8 hours of daylight in line with the day. As result temperatures below 30 levels F (or -1 level Celsius) can kill the plant, and they are probably not protected from the weather throughout early spring.

As mentioned, the crops may also be seeded and planted indoors prior to shifting outdoors when the temperatures climb. Rosemary is a gorgeous herb that has needle-like leaves and a stress-free piney smell and taste. Rising rosemary is quite simple, simply be sure to use well-drained soil and permit them ok daylight.

Sow seeds indoors in early spring and transplant them outdoors when summer time arrives. Then again, you’ll be able to develop rosemary from a reduction by way of clipping off four-inch items from an already-thriving rosemary plant.

After stripping the leaves from the decreased inch of the stem, position each and every reduction right into a pot full of coarse soil and peat moss. Roots must develop in about 3 weeks.

5. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives are shut family members to garlic, shallot, leek, scallions, and Chinese language onion as a part of the Allium circle of relatives. Their taste is most simply described as mild onion, and they’re a perfect addition for infusing taste into never-ending commonplace meals.

They are able to be sliced and stirred into mashed potatoes or added to salads, cream cheese, eggs, sauces, and extra.

Chives seem like thin inexperienced onions, and seeds may also be sowed in spring or fall. Position them in holes 1/2-inch deep and 12 inches aside. When the seedlings are established, skinny your rows to 6 inches aside.

Like all of the different herbs in this checklist, chives are very nutrient-dense and superb participants in a nutritious diet. Even one tablespoon provides an excellent serving of nutrients A, C, and Okay, in addition to minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

As a result, spring is most probably the primary time you’re going to have noticed your lawn in months, it’s smart to devote time to getting ready it for the rising season. The important thing steps for this time of 12 months come with:

• Survey and service: Search for broken branches that can have fallen onto your lawn and filter the distance. Additionally ensure your pathways are protected and the wintry weather has no longer led to injury to steps, walkways, and many others. Lower down the remaining 12 months’ foliage and rake mulch.
• Blank up your gear: Wash and read about your gear so they’re able to head when you want them.
• Prune shrubs: Clip the lifeless or weakened branches from shrubs to inspire new enlargement.
• Get ready new beds: Get soil able for planting by way of putting off particles, digging the soil so as to add oxygen, and composting so it’s able to head.
• Fertilize: You should definitely use a balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8).

Herb gardens are nice as a result they’re quite simple to deal with and will upload numerous tastes and diets to numerous foods. Get began as quickly because the temperatures permit and you’ll be able to get down into the filth to plant your seeds!

Assets:

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Though it lives for the short duration, it bewitches people in such a way that they sing songs in its praise throughout the year.

In this season there is neither too cold nor too hot. That’s why the nature wears a kind look. It is at its best with greenery everywhere. All the trees and plants are in bloom. The crops get ripen and the fields look golden.

We see new and tender leaves which come out in the branches of the trees. The birds remain silent throughout the winter season. But as soon as the spring comes, they break their silence and start singing sweet songs. They look so gay that it seems as if they are thanking to God with their thousands of notes.

People wait for this season for outing as the climate becomes mild, they ejoy picnics during this season. Nature gives a grand feast to our hungry eyes. Buds of flowers peep to see its beautiful sight. Flowers bloom and spread their sweet fragrance all around.

They make us feel healthy and active. We do much work during this season because we never get tired. We feel fresh all the time and this is the main attraction of the spring.

The villages present even more beautiful sight. There we find nature in its full bloom. The green and yellow fields fill our hearts with hope. The farmers look very happy because their crops are ripe and they would soon reap the reward of their months of long labour.

They feel a feeling of plenty in the air. The spring revels reach a climax during the Holi festival in March. There is nothing but colour everywhere. Colours denote energy-the vivid, passionate pulse of life. Colour signifies the vitality that makes the human race unique in the universal scheme. Thus, the festival of colours i.e., Holi is a beautiful gift of spring.

People turn to be creative during the spring season. The poets have written so much in its praise. They also express their gratitude to God through their poems. Spring is also a season of marriages and feasts. People enjoy these occasions their absolute zeal.

It is this season when the earth was honoured by the birth of Shri Ram Chandra. It was again in spring that the coronation of Ram actually took place.

Spring is the symbol of life. It brings richness and rashness eveiywhere. The air and the earth is filled with new life, giving us new hopes and aspirations. The sight of mountain isn’t less beautiful. There we can see the nature in its true colour.

There is no one who does not praise the beauty of the spring. In summer we have intense heat, in winter we have too much cold, and in rainy season we face suffering related to excess rain or scanty rain. It is only spring season when we have no complaining at all.

We have only pleasure all around and we never get tired of it. It is therefore said that spring is the queen of all seasons. It is really true. It is a matchless season and therefore all welcome it with full heart.

The Spring Festival is a well known event in the Chinese culture through which its citizens get the opportunity to learn how China as a country is viewed both locally and by other states. Traditionally meant for Han Chinese people, the Spring Festival has now been transformed into a national holiday by the government and it is now celebrated by all Chinese ethnic groups (Real 1999).

The festival has ensured that Chinese traditions have been handed down from the ancient times to the modern generation. The traditions have also undergone constant reinvention as well as being turned into various cultural practices and products. The practices and products include the ‘Spring Festival eve gala’ that appears on the China Central Television (CCTV).

The gala event has since then achieved a lot in trying to retain the Chinese traditional culture and enhance the Chinese identity of students in foreign countries like England.

The media has actively build China’s political practices, as well as its cultural and social practices. This has been achieved by the role played by the gala in educating the Chinese citizens. The festival has led to massive public awareness on the Chinese culture (Bell 2008)

The culture movement led to the realization of the importance of the support received from the mass media and the role the popular culture played in reaching the nationalists. New culture forms like the stage dramas, films, and carton magazines have become common in the urban centres.

The CCTV among the other forms of mass media dominates the China Waves as it is designed to unify the nation through entertainment that is culturally appreciated, informative, has official news presentation and is for official dialect use (Benton 1998)

The CCTV debut broadcasting live the Spring Eve gala changed the family togetherness traditional festival making it a distinctive national character. (Zhao 1998). The influence of the festive greatly expanded and spread the traditional Chinese culture in the entire nation and beyond.

According to Zhao (1998, p. 46), the gala has enhanced the traditional Chinese culture which was known for being oriented on family basis as well as merging the image of the Chinese nation to be one community.

The Chinese culture is no longer bounded by its physical territory according to Tu (1994). The image of an inter-national family has spread globally through the gala. The result is a Chinese ethnic Han nation which is at the center while the other outer layers spread globally (CCTV 1984-2007).

The stretch was from the 56 Chinese ethnic groups found in the mainland of China, to the Chinese nationalists found in Macao, Taiwan, and Hong Kong and later overseas to the Chinese diasporas all over the world. By the year 2001, the television gala had come up with a cultural space that become popular and subtle so as to create a ‘greater China’ in the minds of the audience.

The CCTV gala objective since its establishment has remained to be the mobilization of views that are popular and patriotic to the Chinese culture. This resulted to the solidification of the China’s 56 ethnic groups found within its physical territory to extended the Chinese family across its geographic boundaries to Chinese communities (Zhao 1998)

The festive was out to represent the cultures of the minority groups. These minority cultures get the chance to show their traditions during gala occasions in different exploitation such as cultural, commercial and political. In relation to politics, the gala preached its concern about unity and harmony promoting a harmonic ethnic myth in modern China.

The minority people and cultures through the gala have now stood out as the main selling tools of the Chinese culture both within the country and internationally. The culture of the minority groups has since then been familiarized regarding its cultural fabrication in modern China (Tang & Parish 2000)

Despite civilization and the cultures of the minority, the gala has ensured there is an increasing interest in Chinese culture in an effort to keep Chinese minority culture intact and unique for its artistic popularity, tourism, and the way its markets its culture.

Dancing and singing are the main ways in which the gala enhances the Chinese culture of both the minority and majority groups. During the festive, several programs like minority performances were included. Such programs are used as cultural platform of Chinese performers from different ethics who are always dressed in the festive costumes (Smith 1995)

Although the minority cultural groups are found in different locations due to the geographical distances and cultural diversity, the CCTV gala assembles the groups to be one common piece. The gala festive has also ensured that performers from the minority groups use their own languages during performances but have Chinese it translated into the national language below the.

The festival has also enhanced the academic culture especially to those students in foreign countries. This has been made possible by the broadcasts via the Internet ensuring students in foreign countries like England are able to follow the gala programs. This has led to intercultural interaction between the Chinese students and students from the western countries (Real1999).

This culture made it possible for the western educational tradition to be passed down to the daily Chinese culture, both contemporary and traditional. More than eight thousands diasporic students in United Kingdom view the Spring Eve gala every year so as to interact with people from their homeland and continue to learn more about their culture.

This ensures the students are not influenced by the western culture to the extent of forgetting their own. The students in foreign countries also follow the political situation keenly and pay much attention to the cultural citizenship or their complex identity formation. A large number of Chinese students are neither concerned with their political issues in relation to diaporac Chinese nor diaoporic subjects (Lull 1991)

Both the traditional cultural and social imagination of the Chinese people has been ubiquitous in both ethnoscapes and mediascapes during the Spring Festival. The festival since its introduction has remained a unique festival in China and is regarded as the most exploited phenomena in terms of culture. The festival is out to advocate for the Chinese culture.

It has been endorsed officially as the vision of multi-ethic and international festive but still unites Chinese families. The Chinese culture is considered to be an imagined community that is deterritorialised and mobile. China is no longer bound by its physical boundaries but its cultures.

The foreign students are now updated on the current developments in their countries as well as having the chance to learn more about their culture through this gala event. (Hong 1999)

The unexpectedly warm spring break of 2015 brought on one of the most exciting, rewarding, and adventurous trips that I could have been a part of. While conversing with my friend over a cold beer about my spring break plans of doing nothing but relaxing during that lazy week in March, when the weather would be surprisingly ideal, I was told shortly in advance of a trip that the adventure club at UWSP would be taking to Florida. I had yet to go on a spring break trip to anywhere, and finding out that this opportunity would only cost me approximately $40 dollars made it more than possible for me to go! On top of the low price, the club wouldn’t only be going to Florida, but would also be making stops at Red River Gorge in Kentucky for outdoor rock climbing, the Great Smoky Mountains for intense backpacking up a mountain, and then to Florida where they would get to camp on the sandy, crab-filled beaches of Perdido Key. Even then the adventure wouldn’t be finished, the clubs last stop on the way back home would be at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky

I was shaking with anticipation waiting for the club meeting where I would find out if I could go or not. This trip was limited of course, but was by far the best deal for any student. Luckily my competition was a slim amount than what it could have been if the trip had been advertised throughout the entire university. I couldn’t believe how anxious I was when the meeting eventually started, even my face was starting to feel hot. I didn’t know a single student in the room, except for my friend who had invited me. While it seemed like everyone else was conversing, I kept quiet, after all I was too shy in front of people I don’t know. I unquestionably felt like an outcast at this meeting, but in the end I only cared about taking this trip of a lifetime. I didn’t need to make friends, I just HAD to go.

The first question asked by the club president was how we thought students should fairly be chosen. He brought up seniority and my face instantly felt like it was on fire because I knew if it was done that way, I wouldn’t be chosen since I was only a third year sophomore. I was so relieved when the rest of the club members, even the seniors, decided against this. The decision was to give everyone a number and then pick those numbers from a hat. The first fourteen fortunate students chosen would get to go. Tension was as high as it could be, we all were exchanging glances as number started getting pulled. The first number wasn’t me. Neither was the second, or third. Students being chosen gave out their holler of delight as soon as they heard their number called out. I tried to tell myself that even if I wasn’t chosen, at least I would get to relax at home and still have a great spring break. When my number was finally called out, I shouted that it was mine…. IT WAS MINE! Me! I’d be going, what was I so worried about before?! I was meant to be on this trip. A girl next to me, gave a snide remark about how it was the first time I had spoken during this entire meeting, I don’t think she meant it to sound harsh, but that is how her tone sounded to me . Little did I know that this girl, Lauren, would eventually become a great friend of mine.

Starting the ten-hour drive from Stevens Point to Red River Gorge in Kentucky was my first chance to really get to know everyone. I luckily got the front passenger seat and got to play music. We all started off introducing ourselves to the others we didn’t know, discussed our majors, and interests, and eventually got into more in depth topics that involved politics and the environment… Jenny, Mariah, and the driver, Jarod, were all very talkative. The other two in the van were two freshman boys, Cavan and Ethan. Those two and I didn’t put much input into the discussions due to still being new to this group. Every now and then I joined in the conversation, but for the most part I enjoyed listening to everyone else’s insight and stories. I was happy to discover that everyone on the trip was open to talking to everyone. After multiple stops and many winding roads, we finally reached our destination near midnight. Mariah and I were sharing the same tent and we had to search for a spot that wasn’t too damp, it had been raining during the daytime at the gorge. Once we found a spot, we also managed to put together a tent… with the help from Kyle, the president of the club.

The sound of a thousand or more spring peepers carrying on louder than the fresh sprinkling rain in the valley, is a night I will never forget when we arrived at our first destination in Red River Gorge. It was so peaceful falling asleep to not only the rain, but the constant humming of the frogs in the distance as well. I had awoken that next morning to the shouting of Kyle telling us it was time to wake up and get ready. I had caught a cold that had started before the journey began, but I was not letting that stop me from enjoying the entire trip. If we wanted to enjoy a fair amount of time rock climbing in the gorge we would have to head out soon since we would have to leave early in the evening for the Great Smoky mountains. Everyone ate breakfast at Miguel’s Pizza, this was a hot spot for every rock climber in the area. After venturing through the winding Kentucky roads and making our way down a steep and muddy path, we reached our rock wall destination. I had never climbed an outdoor rock wall before, but I couldn’t wait for the challenge.

The rock wall was slightly clammy from the night of raining but that didn’t keep any of us from wanting to climb. When it was finally my chance to climb, I felt somewhat tired, but as soon as I started climbing up the natural rock wall, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my body. As I got near the top, my fear of heights gave me anxiety about going any further, but with the encouragement from Lindsay, who was belaying me and Jenny, who was right behind her, I was able to get up the wall and enjoy the view of the gorge. As we all took turns getting the adrenaline rush that anyone would feel climbing up a rock wall, we were also able to enjoy a beautiful hidden waterfall that was found further along the valleys trail. My now acquaintance, Lauren and I, went to the waterfall together to be captivated by its site. Lauren and I didn’t talk much when we were at the waterfall, we both wanted to enjoy this moment, but one thing that Lauren did mention was how much she enjoys spending these kind of moments in peace so that she can keep a mental picture of the memory forever. I felt the same. As we felt the mist of the waterfall sprinkling our faces, it was the greatest feeling knowing that we still had a whole trip ahead of us and our only worries were getting enough time to capture these moments in our memories forever.

After another night filled with hectic driving and setting up camp to sleep overnight, it was time to make the five mile hike up a mountain as soon as we woke up in the morning. This was a challenge I was most looking forward to, but it would be even more challenging with the cold I was recovering from and the huge backpack I would be trekking with. It felt like a never ending journey. Although it was already hard for me to breathe even without the uphill walking, the hike became more rewarding each mile we went. The forest at the bottom of the mountain almost had a tropical look to it, but as we started to get higher up it started to also get rockier with different types of vegetation. As we made our way, we could start to see more and more into the distance of the striking mountains that surrounded the one we were climbing.

Hunger, thirst, and exhaustion would hit us every now and then. This is when stops for water and peanut butter or some other high energy snack was crucial. As we got further and further along, almost to the top, we even started acting slightly crazy. Lauren and I had been separated from the rest of the group who ended up ahead of us. We were exhausted and giddy from the amazing view we could now see. I considered Lauren a friend now and we had to stop multiple times during the last half of the hike not necessarily because we were tired, but because the view was too amazing to miss. It was like we weren’t even looking at a real view, but at a painting of incredible blue-tinted mountains. Lauren and I both scanned across the horizon in another moment of peace so we could take in the full moment. Once we reached our destination, we got to sleep through the night in an old wooden shelter at the top of the mountain. The immense amount of stars that covered the night sky were all completely visible with the lack of any light pollution. We were at a time when the sun still was gone by 8 o’clock and since we couldn’t have a fire at this shelter, we cozied up into our sleeping bags and immediately fell asleep after the grueling mountain hike.

I would have guessed the hike down the mountain wouldn’t be nearly as strenuous, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was still fatigued from the hike up and my cold was still having its affect. My normally weak ankles were even more frail than usual. After hours of hiking down, we all made it down after the final trek. I already missed that incredible view from the mountain top. As soon as our hike had come, it was already time to head on our way to Florida

Waking up in the early morning to the warm sun hitting my tent on the Florida beach was one of the most refreshing feelings, especially after a Wisconsin winter. We had arrived in Florida very early in the morning when darkness had long ago fallen and the sun was hours away from coming back up. We were all so thrilled to finally reach our destination after traveling across the US from our home of Wisconsin. As we hiked with our hefty backpacks along the sandy, damp beach we chased all the crabs that came into our site. We could hear the ocean waves crashing against the shore. The slight smell of salt and the humidity in the air reminded me of summertime. Although we knew we were along the ocean, it was too dark to see anything further than the shore.

After an hour or so of dancing along the beach, running back and forth into the chilly water, and setting up our tents we finally dozed off for the night. I woke up to the sound of soft voices coming from my club members nearby and the waterfowl scavenging on the shore. My sleeping bag kept me comfortable throughout the night, but once the sun had come up it was starting to feel too hot to handle. As I poked my head up, I was awestruck. I knew we had been next to the ocean, but seeing it in person made the vastness of it even more prominent than any picture you could have seen of it. I had to take a moment to let all the blissfulness I felt sink in. As I looked out of my tent, I saw that my friend, Lindsay, was walking along the shoreline. Eventually she walked up to me with a handful of sand dollars. She told me that if you woke up early enough, you could walk along that beach and find dozens of them. We had climbed the damp, stimulating rock walls in the Red River Gorge, we had backpacked up and down a total of ten miles in the Great Smoky Mountains, and even though I had unfortunately caught a cold that had lasted throughout the entire journey, I felt grateful.

Waking up early while camping always seems to come ten times easier than waking up early in bed. It’s hard not to feel full of life when you wake up immediately immersed in nature. We had spent the rest of the day lounging around with our toes in the sand and running back and forth into the dark ocean water. The ocean was still quite cold but once you took the leap in, there was no turning back, and you were drifting with the waves and tasting the saltiness. The cold water felt amazing on my body, we all hadn’t showered since we left and this was comparable to a relaxing, cool bath.

The nighttime was full of laughter and bonding around a small beach fire and the sound of an acoustic guitar while the salty breeze dried our skin. By this time, I had gotten the chance to get to know everyone on the trip and even considered them friends. While many of the nights on our trip were spent driving, immediately setting up camp, and sleeping, we got to enjoy this particular night by opening up to each other after a couple drinks and discussing life and all the other random thoughts that came to our minds.

It was bittersweet arriving back home. The drive was long, but more comfortable being surrounded by people who had become my friends over the week. All my muscles ached, but it was easy not to notice the pain with the happy memories still running clearly through my mind. I was more than ready to take a long hot shower and sleep in my fluffy blanket filled bed. But, I wasn’t ready to leave the amazing atmosphere we had all been a part of throughout the trip. Everyone had become a good friend and we were all bonded by the amazing adventures we shared together. The first day or so after traveling without a care in the world or of what time it was, it was hard adjusting back to a set schedule. We had been in varying time zones and even our phones hardly had reception or were used most of the time. This simple way of living was an adventure within itself. It seems like just yesterday I was leaving for a road trip with mostly strangers and now those strangers have all become familiar faces attached to good memories. All because of word of mouth, and my number being drawn out of a hat, I was able to have this experience of a lifetime.

Introduction to eskimo art

In the words of the renowned folklorist Henry Glassie, “All art is an individual’s expression of culture. Cultures differ, so art looks different” (Rafferty 78). This is essentially true in the case of the Eskimo art which has captured the world’s imagination by virtue of its singularity of thought and expression. The Eskimos, inhabiting the region extending from eastern Siberia (Russia) on the one hand to Greenland on the other, have achieved worldwide recognition with their art forms.

Presently, the Eskimos are broadly categorized into two different groups. The Inuit are those inhabiting the regions of northern Alaska, Canada and Greenland whereas the Yupik are the indigenous people of western Alaska, South Central Alaska as well as the Russian Far East.

The artwork of these Inuit people is referred to as Inuit art. During the prehistoric and historic times, the Inuit basically led a nomadic life and their creations included figurative art as well as graphic decorations preferably in ivory.

However, during the late 1940s, the Inuit started settling in communities. The gradual transformation in their way of life also impacted their art forms which underwent rapid evolution. Thus, contemporary Inuit Art was born.

Contemporary inuit art

Much of the credit for the creation of contemporary Inuit Art goes to the Canadian James Houston. Print-making and figurative works carved in stone are associated with the contemporary period.

Houston had his degree in print-making from Japan and it was he who taught the Inuit residing in Cape Dorset the art of print-making which has been gradually incorporated into the Inuit Art.

These Inuit Art prints became an instant success and printmaking, as a business, expanded thus providing them with a new economic base. Furthermore, the intervention of the Canadian Handicrafts Guild (CHG) also helped them get the much required platform (Fiero, p. 131).

“First Goose of the Spring”

The “First Goose of the Spring” by Houmak is an exemplary piece of Inuit Art prints. It was created in 1981. It is more or less a symmetrical composition with the two wings of the bird emanating from a vertical central line. However, it would be more appropriate to consider it as an example of approximate symmetry since the two wings are not mirror images of each other. This symmetry has helped in maintaining the balance of the composition (Barnet, pp. 41-50).

The main idea of the composition is presented with a subjective approach. The depiction of the bird is not wholly realistic; it represents the artists’ personal interpretation of the subject.

“Compositions often combine two or more structural devices instead of relying on a particular one” (Fiero, p. 123). This particular composition is an apt example of the combination of structural devices. Here, the structure is that of two opposing triangles. The center where the two triangles meet forms the focal point of the composition and draws the viewers’ attention to it. This combination of structures also renders the composition interesting and dynamic (Fiero, p. 123).

An interesting feature of this composition is its use of lines. Repetition of lines creates a beautiful pattern in this image as well as conveys a sense of rhythm. The curved lines create a sense of flow within the image whereas the angular lines suggest dynamism. Moreover, curved lines are also soothing to the eyes and aesthetically more pleasing.

The composition of a picture should be such that the viewers are easily able to identify the object that comprises the center of interest. In this particular composition, the goose remains the focal point as it symbolizes the vitality, the vivaciousness associated with the approach of the spring season.

The composition of a picture also determines its movement, i.e. how the viewers’ eye moves towards the object of interest. Here, the movement is attained with the help of lines and shapes. They help in creating a rhythm in the movement.

Often, the point of emphasis is accentuated by the use of colors. This particular composition is also a case in this point. The colors used here are black, brown, grey and green. The green color at the center distinguishes it from the other parts of the image and forms the center of interest.

Along with the color, the tone of the composition also assumes greater significance. Here, the colors have been toned down in order to create a gentle effect. The use of grey helps in the formation of a particular mood.

The materials used in this composition are stone-cut and stencil with the print made on mulberry paper. This technique is indigenous to the Inuit Art prints of Cape Dorset. Since every step in this process is done manually, it renders an element of multi-originality to the composition.

As stone-cut is used as the medium here, the composition has a smooth texture. This is precisely because the stone usually used is carving-stone which is polished before incision is made. Moreover, stencil printing has rendered a lyrical quality to the composition. Additionally, different levels of color intensity have been achieved with the aid of stencils.

As in other forms of visual art, the rule of space is also applicable in this context. The white space left out on either side of the green color at the center creates an illusion of movement and also directs the viewers’ attention to the focal point.

A closer look at the image draws our attention to another interesting aspect of the composition. This is the presence of both geometric shapes like triangle, circle, and semi-circle as well as natural shapes in the same frame. This is intentionally done to create a contrast or variety.

Contrast or variety makes an art form more interesting. Here, the contrast is brought about not only by the skillful use of different shapes but also by the judicious use of color as well as line patterns.

The design of the composition is such that it creates a unified aesthetic effect. Every element in the picture frame forms an integral part of the composition and contributes to the overall unity.

Context

Apparently, the composition is about a young goose. However, it has a deeper purpose or meaning. In this context, the Inuit Art does not serve a superficial purpose. Its primary aim is to convey a message. Here, the goose represents the first stirrings of the spring season, not its rich exuberance.

Inuit Art has had several functions in the prehistoric and historic times. However, contemporary Inuit Art has ceased to fulfill these functions. Presently, art is created in order to satisfy the needs of the outside world. It has become a source of sustenance for the Inuit. This particular composition also belongs to the contemporary period of Inuit Art and its primary function, thus, is to provide a source of sustenance to the struggling community of artists (Fiero, p. 116).

An insight into contemporary Inuit Art has helped me in my understanding of this particular composition. It is an interesting piece of art and appears to me to be representative of the life of the Inuit. In spite of the fact that the contemporary Inuit artists are creating art not for the sake of it but for economic reasons, it is deeply rooted in the past. Although the Inuit artists are conforming to the demands of the outside world in order to expand their business, their art is very much inspired by their way of life. However, the challenge lies in the fact that for an outsider, the Inuit Art may be difficult to comprehend without some information on their way of life.

The Inuit artists belong to a culture where keen observation of wildlife forms an inextricable part of their existence. Naturally, wildlife gains prominence in their art forms. Most of their compositions display elegant birds, majestic bears, seals and walruses. These animals are often their preferred themes or subject matter. This has been the case not only with the Inuit artists of the past but also with the contemporary ones. This is precisely why Houmak has created this particular piece. With the bird as the central theme, he has sprinkled a flavor of the spring season to it.

This composition is indigenous to the Cape Dorset printmaking initiated by James Houston. The process involves a lot of hard work and significant contribution not only by the artist but also the printer. The first step involves transferring the image to the stone. The next step involves incising the stone to create the required design. Ink is then applied to the finished stone which is then followed by print-making. After the print has dried, ink is applied to it with a stencil overlay. The stencil is finally removed to get the finished product.

A contextual analysis of this composition is not possible without comparing it with other works of art. Its similarity with other works of art lies in the fact that it incorporates the same elements of composition and visual design that form the basis of other works of art.

On the other hand, it is different in various aspects. The primary difference lies in its selection of the subject matter which is a representation of an altogether different culture. Secondly, the choice of the medium also distinguishes it from other works of art. Not only that, its function as a contemporary Inuit Art also differentiates from the other works of art.

Conclusion

A comparative analysis of the above composition however, reinforces the fact that whatever be the similarities or differences between different works of art, the basic function of any form of art remains the same- to provide aesthetic pleasure. Its functions may vary according to the demands of the situation but its inherent objective is “the meaningful objectification of whatever is metaphysically important to man.”(Torres and Kamhi 165) To conclude, art appeals to the human senses and satisfies an important psychological need of man.

School is the place where we spend a lot of time. My school is pretty big and I have many friends there. We spend a lot of time together even after school.

Holidays is one of the most beautiful time for all the pupils. I think the best holidays we have is spring holidays. The weather is so beautiful, a school year is almost finished and nobody wants to study.

Spring holidays starts usually almost at the end of March. The holidays are pretty short, more or less 10 days. But it’s enough time to rest and relax after a long winter time.

During spring holidays I usually go to visit my granny. She needs some help in the village and I like to stay close to the nature. Spring is also a good time for barbecue with the family. On the weekend when all our family is together we organize family dinner with barbecue.

Also we have homework for spring holidays. So I try to study almost every day, not to forget the program. Besides I like to read books during holidays. It’s the best time to stay quiet and not in hurry.

I also go out with my friends during spring holidays. We share our experience, have lunch together, spend evenings together.

I like spring holidays a lot. It’s time when we change winter clothes and put skirts on. I start jogging and do exercises.

Few times I went to Europe during spring holidays with my classmates. I can tell you spring is beautiful everywhere. People wake up after winter, children run around and you can really feel that you are happy.

Spring break

School is a place where we spend a lot of time. My school is big enough and I have a lot of friends there. We spend a lot of time together even after school.

Vacation is a wonderful time for all schoolchildren. I think our best vacation starts in spring. The weather is great, the school year is almost over and absolutely no one wants to study.

Spring break usually starts almost at the end of March. The vacations are rather short, more or less 10 days. But there is enough time to rest after a long winter.

During spring break, I usually visit my grandmother. Sometimes she needs help in the village and I like to be in nature. Spring is a great time for a barbecue with the whole family. On weekends, when the whole family gets together, we organize a family barbecue dinner.

We are also given homework for spring break. So I try to practice almost every day so as not to forget curriculum… Also, I love reading books during spring break. This is the best time to be quiet and not in a hurry.

I also go for walks with friends. We share, socialize, dine together, and spend evenings together.

I really like spring break. We change winter clothes and dress up in skirts. I start jogging and go in for sports.

For several years I traveled to Europe with my classmates during spring break. And I assure you, spring is beautiful everywhere. People literally wake up after winter, children have fun and run around and you really feel like a happy person.

I could never understand my peers who were not able spring holidays. I was amazed when I got to know that a great many of my friends used to spend this beautiful time sleeping late, watching TV and playing computer games. Maybe, it is because I am a very active person. I appreciate every minute of my life and try to spend time usefully.

I never understood my peers who can’t make plans for spring break. I was surprised to learn that many of my friends spent this great time sleeping late, watching television and playing computer games. Maybe this is all because I am a very active person. I value every minute of my life and try to spend time with benefit.

To my mind, spring holidays, in spite of their being not very long, bring us a lot of excellent opportunities. The first one is enjoying the beauty of nature awakens. This doesn’t mean just standing among blooming trees and watching them. For example, last spring I made and then posted them on several websites. Sharing the beauty was such a great pleasure!

In my opinion, spring break, although not too long, brings us many great opportunities. The first is the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of blooming nature. This does not mean just standing among the flowering trees and admiring them. Last spring, for example, I made a good selection of photographs and posted them on several sites. Sharing beauty was so nice!

Next spring I am going to take a short course of art lessons. I draw and paint quite well but I want to improve my skills and paint several amateur landscape pictures of the most picturesque places in our countryside. Maybe, I will decide to connect my life with arts one day.

I’m going to sign up for a short painting course next spring. I draw pretty well with paints and pencils, but I want to improve my skills and paint some amateur landscapes of the most picturesque places located outside the city. Perhaps someday I will want to connect my life with painting.

Except blooming nature I always associate spring with a great cleaning. Nature around us renews every spring, and my mum organizes a general cleaning which always coincides with the period of my spring holidays. Of course, I take part in the process together with my parents and younger sister. I take all the dust and litter out of my room, arrange all my clothes and books accurately, clean all the windows in our flat and help my dad to do repair works if necessary. After a big cleaning in our flat we help our grannies to do the same in their houses. It is so great to meet a new warm season in a cozy and tidy place.

In addition to flowering nature, spring is associated with great cleaning. Every year the nature around us is renewed, and my mother organizes a general cleaning, which always coincides with my holidays. Of course, I participate in the process with my parents and my younger sister. I clean all the dust and debris from my room, carefully fold my clothes and books, wash all the windows in our apartment and, if necessary, help my dad with repair work. After a lot of cleaning in our apartment, we help grandmothers to do the same in their homes. It is so wonderful to meet the new warm season in a cozy and tidy place.

Spring is, no doubt, a perfect time for traveling. Discovering new cities with their most interesting sights, new countries with their unique culture … What can be better? My family and I have always traveled a lot but I have never been to any of English-speaking countries. My dream is to visit the United Kingdom in spring and observe their Easter traditions with all those Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs. But organizing the first spring picnics with family and friends may become no less exciting if it is warm enough.

Spring is without a doubt a great time to travel. Discovering new cities with the most interesting sights and new countries with their culture – what could be better? My family and I have always traveled a lot, but I have never been to any of the English-speaking countries. My dream is to visit the United Kingdom in spring and observe their Easter traditions with all those Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs. But organizing picnics with family and friends can be just as exciting, especially if it’s warm enough outside.

For everyone but personally I feel social activities and volunteering when spring comes. There are so many opportunities to make the surrounding world better. Greening the streets, helping the elderly, visiting orphanages, court yards and sports grounds accomplishment … Having a great desire and a group of like-minded friends, one can move mountains.

I cannot sign for everyone, but personally, with the onset of spring, I feel great enthusiasm for social activities and volunteering. There are so many ways to make the world around you better. Greening the streets, helping the elderly, visiting orphanages, landscaping yards and sports grounds … With a great desire and a team of like-minded friends, you can move mountains.

As any other kind of school holidays, spring holidays give us more time for sports and hobbies. This period is great for starting a new jogging season, riding a bike, playing basketball and football or doing street workout. Reading a book or watching a new movie may also be good especially if the weather is rainy or cold. Senior pupils may use this time to prepare for their final exams and improve their knowledge of “problematic subjects”.

My favorite season is spring because of so many reasons. First of all, it is the most pleasant season and secondly, my birthday also comes in this season so it is another exciting thing for me about this season.

I neither like the coldness of winter season nor the warmness of summer season, therefore, this season is the perfect season for me. When this season arrives, the days get longer.

Temperature gets a little bit warmer in the day but colder at nights. The weather is neither too warm nor too cold and this allows me to play with my friends whenever I want and enjoy this season to its fullest.I also get to visit and explore new places with my friends and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Spring season brings back the enthusiasm and happiness and everyone feels so excited for this season after facing intense cold breezes for months.Everything gets a new life on Earth and looks so refreshing.

The hemisphere gets warm due to which new flowers also start to bloom everywhere. The flowers get their color and freshness,the trees get new leaves and nature looks so beautiful.

The morning in this season is also very pleasant.There is nothing better than taking a walk in the morning when the atmosphere is soothing and calming.

I made a garden in front of my house. When spring season arrives, my garden gets filled with beautiful flowers. It feels so amazing when I look at those flowers and butterflies that are hovering on them.

I love the color and fragrance of these flowers. The sky is clear and full of birds that are chirping.My favorite bird is cuckoo which gives chirping throughout the day.

It is very amazing and pleasing to see this sight. I spend majority of my free time in my garden.Seeing all this beauty refreshes me and I forget about all my worries.

Another reason of liking this season is that all special events and functions are celebrated during this season. This season marks the beginning of many colorful festivals like Vasant panchmi, Holi, Navratri etc.

Fashion sense during this season is also on point. I also buy so many pretty colored dresses in this season for every occasion.During this season, I am in better spirits and more energetic because it provides a calm and peaceful nature. In short, I feel like I am rejuvenated.

Spring season brings joy and happiness for everyone. It fills everyone with positive and fresh energy. Every object of nature looks beautiful in this season. Every season has its own pros and cons but I find spring to be the only season that has no flaw.

This season is perfect for hiking and nature walks. Spring is also the season for the flowers to bloom and animals to breed. After a long silence of the winter season, the chirping of the birds, buzzing of the bees in the early mornings and moonlight in the night becomes very calm and soothing.

Why spring is the best season?

Spring brings growth back to plants and trees. A successful spring leaf growth ensures a cool canopy to relax under during the hot summer. It’s amazing what a little sunlight, moisture, and warm soil can do for plants and grass. … Spring’s green plant life will hopefully do the same!

Why does spring make me happy?

The arrival of spring brings more daylight, so we can enjoy the energy that is no longer needed to fight off drowsiness. The increased light also triggers the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps us feel happier.

Why do we love spring?

The first thing we all love about spring is that it is warmer and people can spend more time outside. “The weather is warmer and the trees get leaves.” “It’s nice to be able to spend more time outside.” … Finally, with spring coming to an end, it means summer is around the corner.

Why do kids love spring season?

During the spring season, weather becomes pleasant and the days grow longer. … This season creates happiness, motivation, and positivity among all people and paves the way for creative thinking. It marks the start of various festivals in India, and children love to fly kites because of the blooming weather.

What do we see in spring season?

Fresh Blooms

Whether it’s flowers or trees, everything is in bloom during the spring. The sweet scent of pollen swirls through the air. It’s incredible to see nature sprout and grow right before your eyes.

What makes spring so special?

Spring’s warmer weather and increased daylight hours make it the best season. Taking walks and seeing flowers in bloom are also part of what makes spring so great.

What are the disadvantages of spring season?

• Spring season might make the moving day difficult.
• Higher demand for real estate may mean higher home prices.
• Moving during the end of the school year may not be an ideal time to move your families and children.

What are bad things about spring?

• Allergies.
• People who claim they don’t have allergies.
• Temperamental weather.
• It’s always nicest outside when you’re stuck inside.
• People are always wanting to do things.
• It’s impossible to dress for the weather.
• There are no special foods for spring.
• The Return of the Bugs™

What is the beauty of spring?

During the spring season, flowers will have blossoms after bulbs or buds. New, green and fresh leaves will appear on the trees and bushes, the grass will become greener and greener every day. Interesting fact! Traditional first flower of the spring is primrose, that also has a meaning as “first rose”.

What do you like during spring season?

• Plant a spring garden (or even just a plant or two)
• See the cherry blossoms.
• Have a picnic at the park.
• Seek out the first crocuses, snowdrops, and other spring flowers.
• Go for a run.
• Take a hike.
• Play softball.
• Ride a bike.

What is your favorite part of spring?

The sunshine, blooming flowers, colours, and yummy fresh food are some ways to celebrate this lovely season. Add in some increased motivation, productivity, and a clean slate to start anew, and you’ve got yourself a perfect combination. Oh, Spring, how I love thee! Happy sunny new beginnings, my sweet friends!

The rolling hills during spring are a sight to live for. There is no parallel. Countless shades of green interacting, mingling with one another. It is truly a view to behold. A soft breeze blows through, moving each blade as they dance to silent music. Innumerable flower heads begin their growth and bloom. They stand stiff against what seems to be a never-ending wind. Every colour imaginable culminating on this one mound of dirt, creating a wonderful scent. A mixture of honey, lavender and freshness fills the air. This unmistakable aroma is life to some. Here comes a soft mixture of black and yellow to gather pollen. Its purpose so simple yet vital. A familiar buzz that can cause panic or calm. A stinger to cause pain but it chooses to remain peaceful, unencumbered by worry, unencumbered by stress. A trickle can be heard. The crystal blueness and a shocking cold join to form a quaint stream. The very sound relaxes and the sight pleases.

The stream travels through a cobbled courtyard. High walls surround it. They once stood to protect, now they lie crumbled, broken like a sentinel whose duty has halted and who now rests. On the remnants of these defences grows new life, ivy growing without any signs of stopping. Magic keeping the plant stuck to the stone, creating a contrast of living and dead, moving and stationary, vibrant and dull. A glorious sight. A bovine hoard are released into a field of ignorant grass. A soothing sight as calves frolic and jump from one area to another, their mothers watching from a safe distance, witnessing pure innocence. All of this in the spring. As summer rolls around, the heat does too. A blanket of warmth shrouds the land as if a comforting fire has been lit. The green shades of the hills are amplified by the clear weather and the stillness of the air. Viewing the scenery through shimmers as if seen through a screen of water, this soothing and unforgiving heat creates a sense of security. The flowers are now fully developed, reds, blues, yellows and lilacs sit undisturbed, patiently waiting for a notable event to rouse their interest. It never comes. A hard worker flies around, collecting food for the queen and basking in the sun.

No rest, but no complaints. The stream has gotten heavier, as if growing and aging with time. It now possesses the strength to carry rocks as it flows downstream, never stopping and never beginning. The castle is alive with an olive green, no grey in sight. The fallen guardian now at rest, knowing all is safe; a wave of ivy taking his place. The calves, now mature, no longer leap like salmon from water; a sorry sight. Still, there is no lack of joy, the herd roams and ambles, stopping for food and rest. This is all they know, this is all they want during the summer. As autumn falls, so do the leaves. A layer covers the rolling hills, a layer of every possible colour. A canvas of browns, reds and yellows replace the flowers in patterns that Picasso inspired. A homage to a legend. A traveller crosses the painting with satisfying crunches and clumsy stumbles as the leaves mask hidden inconsistencies in the land. He remains unperturbed as he presses on in the search for something. The unforgiving heat is replaced by the sounds of wildlife. As the days grow shorter, so do the disturbances of man, as animals are given free rein to do as they please. No limitations.

The cry of foxes as they seek a mate, the call of birds of prey searching for a victim, the thumping as hares bound back to the safety of their warren. Not a more tranquil scene could be found. The water now runs slower. A season of hard toil has taken its toll as the streams relax. As the sun sets, the courtyard becomes shrouded in darkness. An eerie feel arises as the shadows consume the now dying ivy. A long history haunts this place, forbidding any visitors from contemplating without interruption. No cows are permitted to leave their stale, brown barn. It is too dark. It is too cold. They wouldn’t go out in the autumn anyway. As the winter arrives, so too does the cold. A bitter, hateful cold that holds and grips warmth, forcing it to submit and dissipate. The weather is now unpredictable. The sun shines, the rain soaks, the hail batters and the snow floats.

Through this horror, there is a comfort. An unforgettable sight is engraved in the mind as one sits and watches a white cover placed over the land. The cold is invasive but is dismissed as the importance of the present springs to mind. All sounds suppressed, as are issues, when one enjoys the snow. There is no movement, there is only stillness. Blissful stillness. The stream is now frozen over, stationary, silent. Nothing moves within it and it has adopted a white tinge as the bubbles get caught as they rise to the surface. It cannot sustain life until it thaws in the spring and a trickle can be heard. As the carved earth is followed, a castle is reached. Hardly recognisable, the stone has no grip; walking through the courtyard is treacherous. The walls have lost their distinctive blandness as they are covered in ice and snow; cold to the touch and painful as it sticks to any moist skin. The walls stand defensive and dangerous until new life grows once more. Nothing can be heard from the pens as new life awaits the spring so they can frolic once more.