Story of a painting and a Christmas Past

And Soon the Snow Began to Melt
acrylic painting and greeting card image by Barbara Weaver-Bosson Copyright 1997.


I have painted a few snow scenes over the years but in 1997 I felt the need to paint a scene of the peaceful aftermath of a rare snow storm that buried the city of Victoria during the last week of December 1996. Sixteen years later I recall

The Snow Storm of  '96

 I recall it was a very busy and crazy December and Christmas. The snow was falling fast and furious as I was in the taxi heading for the bus to the ferry. I was in dire need of a rest and my Christmas present to myself was a sunny holiday in Mexico. As the main cook and menu planner, I knew that while I was away Vic wouldn't be getting around to cooking much while he was working on his illustrations for "The Fox's Kettle."  Thoughtfully, I left him a freezer full of frozen dinners to enjoy.
The trip to the airport went smoothly but soon realized I was dressed for winter and not life on a beach. I ditched my knee high winterized rubber boots in the airport washroom and quickly headed for the gate and climbed on board the plane with the other happy holidayers. Out our tiny window seats we saw the weather turn very ugly. I found out later that we were on the last flight out of the Vancouver airport just minutes before all flights were cancelled.

 The amount of snow that fell during this storm was unprecendented and Victoria was at a stand still for days. Over the week in the beach resort, I was only able to get one successful call through to Victoria. I had no idea what our city had really gone through until I returned. Vic claims that he was not in any danger but was very grateful when two of our friends tunneled their way up to our front door and brought a him a gift of a good long visit.
 Many stories I heard from friends and neighbours were of how everyone had to dig themselves out, how neighbours trudged single file down one path through the waste deep snow, how city road crews tried to cope with inadequate equiment to initially clear roads, how CFAX radio station was broadcasting as an emergency network and arranging aid for individuals who were stranded without food or medications. Many people had to come up with make shift solutions until they could get a crew to repair damage to the caved in rooves in their homes and businesses. The great white blanket covered so much there was hardly a clue that cars were parked along the curbside or driveways. Those adventurous enough walked through the winter wonderland but found they could not carry themselves more than a block or two before becoming worn out from struggling through the deep snow. Others put on cross country skiis and headed out the door with ease. Out of town visitors had to stay put and accept the fact they could not get back home and their Victoria holiday would be extended until the roads were cleared and traffic was moving.
 
 I was away for all the challenges that the storm left but in the aftermath the story tellers all felt the storm had a positive effect on them. Most people who were not working in road or essential services and emergency jobs made sure their neighbours had the essentials of food, light and heat. Looking out for eachother gave communities a chance to get connected and help out however they could. The simple life came into clear focus for many families who played board games of monopoly or sat quietly reading by the window by daylight during the days power failure.

 The title of my painting And Soon the Snow Began to Melt  refers to my seeing only a hint of the snow left behind by the storm. In essence this painting is a statement of how life looks to be getting back to normal after one of  Mother Nature's fierce weather surprises.

Sending you my Warmest Wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. 

Cheers,
 Barbara