Saturday, March 2, 2013

Winter's Photo Giveaway

This winter is slipping away. Let's memorialize it before it's completely melted. I have gotten so much joy & support from my readers in the last few months; I want to give back a little bit and hopefully make it a more common occurrence.

I'm giving away one of these photos to a random commenter. I will print it out and mount it, hopefully on canvas! I'll send it to you with a hand written Wilder Coast photo card.

In the comments section below, please let me know which photo you'd like. If you'd like a photo but would prefer it not be mounted (because your walls are already filled up, your a minimalist like my friend Steph, or you live in a van) just let me know and I'll send you just a photo. Here's the catch! I've been gathering 'survive the rainy/snowy/long/dark winter' tips the past few months, and I'd love to know yours. Leave a comment with your name, with some winter loveliness, and don't forget to mention which photo you'd like.

From left to right:

1. Crow
2. Midwest Octopus
3. Cloud Sea
4. Irish Boat
5. Wood on the beach
6. Moon ski
7. Calving Glacier
8. Ski racers
9. Tranquil Sound

Much, much love and gratitude,
Melina

57 comments:

Unknown said...

One of each please! Ok fine, if it had to be one...it would be Moon Ski. But you could have guessed that without me telling you :-) BTW, officially Georgia residents as of 12 hours ago, and I was welcomed to this wonderful state with a lively drive through the snow. Yes, snow in Atlanta. xoxo

Sarah said...

Oh, I love the crow shot!! It's haunting and soothing all at the same time!! :)

Unknown said...

I love the cloud sea!
I moved from western Oregon to Montana almost four years ago, and decided that if I had any chance if surviving the snow and ice I'd better learn to ski. That has really helped me this winter. In past winters I did a lot of knitting. Winter gives my knitting a sense of purpose.

Unknown said...

Crow, it's very tranquil. When it's cold and dark I like to make a cuppa and some popcorn while watching a movie. It makes everything a little bit happier.

Unknown said...

The calving glacier is beautiful!

J Modus said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jameson said...

Survive the winter? Get out of Seattle! Put yourself in the mountains and make yourself all kinds of new friends! Shred pow so deep that going back to work is some kind of silly idea someone mentioned in December. Yeah, the chase for deep snow is more than just a sport, it's a way of life. Ps, your Irish boat is rad.

Erin @ NurtureNature said...

hi! I want number 3 or number 8 or number 9. I can't decide.
here are my top 5 vitamin d infusion tips:
1. wake up before the dawn
2. drink lemon in water all day
3. go outside for at least 30 minutes every day no matter the weather.
4. write about what you love about the sun / meditate on warmth.
5. take vit d, c and all the rest of the feel good vitamins in every form.

Catherine said...

So cool, Melina! I would love the Irish boat! And would probably offer it to my dad who suffers from depression and who always had photos of boat at seas on his walls during his more severe bouts to reminds him that he can survive the worst storms...
I have a really hard time with winters, but since I spend 5 of them in Whitehorse Yukon, I got pretty good at it! My best tip is to get a phototherapy lamp (good quality one, I have a Northern Light brand one and do your 20-30 minutes every morning). Take your omegas. For real. The stay active part/go outside you seem to have down pretty well, so that's great. As for food, well, I used to sprout a lot in the winter in Whitehorse and eat tons of sprouts to keep myself healthy and full of vitamins and enzymes! Raw food helped me a lot to beat my SAD!

Gemma said...

Hi! Thanks for the giveaway, what fun! I love all the photos, my favorite is the middle with the red jacket on the wood, and the irish boat. My winter tip is to wake up early and go to bed early!

Gemma

Jess B said...

Love Cloud Sea. The things we do in my house for winter survival: get up early and go to bed early, go outside not matter what the weather, drink hot and super spicy tea and if all else fails, wander around Target letting my 2 year old push all the buttons : )
Jess Blackwell

Unknown said...

I'm not sure how I fell upon your blog. Maybe through Nici, maybe through IG but all I can say is through every hill and valley, you bring honesty and life. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, words and pictures. As winter is draining and I'm ready for spring I think my best advice is to get outside anytime the sun is shining. Try and feel the warmth of the sun rays amongst the cold harsh winds. Close your eyes. Breathe in the fresh cold air. Imagine the green grasses. Lush gardens. Warmer air. And when your done, go back inside and turn on the best music ever and dance!!! In your pjs, dresses, comfy's, naked...whatever your most comfortable. Dance. Sing. Celebrate because you can :)

Okay that's it :) as for photos- would love to have #9 hanging in my home.

Jona said...

Calving Galcier, has to be! Which glacier, by the way? As for winter survival tips, sounds like you've pretty much nailed it on your own this year - although I would recommend not using your shoulder as a trampoline! Failing that, a visit to the desert is always good for a bit of escapism - there's climbing to be done!

Our Home Grown Adventures said...

All the photos are so lovely! I think Calving Galcier is my favourite though.

Tips for surviving the winter? I'm still trying to figure out how to survive it myself. I knit a lot during the cold months, maybe that helps me? :)

I'm reading all the comments in the hopes of finding some tips that I could try! The weather affects my mood terribly!

Hope you're having a good weekend! xx

Amanda Towne said...

Ooh, I like 'Tranquil Sound'.

Hmmm, winter tip....I know we do lots of baking--the house is warm & cozy, and it smells fabulous!

Unknown said...

I love Crow!
Growing up in Superior, Montana I always seemed to be able to get outside and shake the cobwebs out of my head. The one winter I spent in South Carolina was great! Lots of sunshine and warmth, by my standards. I'm working on my 8th and final year in North Pole/Eielson AFB, AK. They have been the hardest winters by far. Spending quality time outside isn't an option, all the time. The first few years here I swore by my treadmill and going and laying in a tanning bed!!! Then I decided tanning beds were no longer allowed to be my best friend. I now have a happy light, 2 kids, a treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bike and a row machine in my basement. Sooooo... Maybe sex and exercise in artificial light are my winter survival tips! ;) My next few winters will be spent in Minot, ND. We'll see how that goes.

Lisa said...

Once I learned there was no such thing as cold weather as long as your are wearing the correct kit, that helped because I could do...almost anything. Also, hearing my colleagues and friends call me crazy and nuts for venturing into the cold fueled me too, you know?
Great pics, but I wouldn't burden you with the cost of sending one to Oz by chance I won!

Karen said...

Surviving winter here on Nova Scotia? I wear a cool scarf and hand knit socks. They make me happy, and happy makes the time pas. That, and reading beautiful stories like yours!

Crow is my fave!!

Heather said...

All beautiful photos, but the calving glacier is my favorite. As for tips to beat the winter blues, all I can say is welcome the time for rest, because when the summer comes, there is no time for resting. Oh, and take some vitamin D :)

Rachel said...

I actually love winter. My keys to thrive: good mittens, warm socks, and plentiful amounts of soul-warming soup. And, of course, skiing at every opportunity and trekking through the woods with one's dog.

The photographs are all so lovely it's nearly impossible to choose. The calving glacier (majestic!) and Irish fishing boat (serenity) top the list for me. Thanks for offering such a fun giveaway, Melina!

Tonya said...

Beautiful. All of them. I love the calving glacier. Since we are in the midst of planning a trip to Alaska, it seems fitting. I survive winter with soup, socks, and soul. :)

Jacki said...

Something about that Irish Boat just grabs me - beautiful!

My surefire way to beat the winter blues is to take a four-year-old sledding. I would imagine any winter activity with an enthusiastic young pal would do, but my boyfriend's son + sledding = instant cheer.

And on days when my sledding buddy isn't available, hot chocolate and lighting a bunch of candles around the house.

Tela said...

i have to go with cloud sky. the thing that helps me the most is making a list of all the little things. things that went well or that i love or that made me smile. it helps so much to focus on those rather than all the bad stuff.

Erin said...

I'm all about Wood on the Beach.
The picture actually represents what I find myself doing during the winter - looking for and relishing in the bright spots of color that contrast so sharply against the muted landscapes. :-)

Tracie O said...

I love the Crow shot! I have been reading your past posts and love the energy and soul that shows through in your writing. If you ever pass through Mt Shasta CA on your adventures stop by for a cup of tea or a glass of wine. We can even go for a run (I won't be able to keep up but I will meet you at the finish!) or do a little yoga~namaste

Tonya said...

I love the midwest octopus! As for surviving the winter, I live in South Louisiana, so we don't really have much of a winter LOL I like to imagine that if I lived in a cold, snowy place I would hunker down with my knitting and quilting. The thought always sounded so nice and cozy.

B. Holmes said...

Essential oils! I use Young Living but any brand will do. A natural pick me up anytime of day. Give the bottle a wiff and take a few deep breaths of Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint or any scent you like. Put a drop on the back of your neck and /or wrists to enjoy the relaxing mind clearing qualities for an even longer time... I also just got a tea light essential oil burner for our home, it's rad (yes I used that word, finally). I love all your photos but for some weird reason I'm drawn to that goofy Octopus... Much Luv from AK.

Surndr said...

Cloud Sea? It's so pretty!

Rhett said...

How to beat the winter funk? Seems you already know...get outside. I always feel better after playing (or just walking) in the woods, even if the weather isn't cooperating. Winter has been harder for me since moving from Upstate SC to Missoula. It's awfully gray here A LOT. I'm a water girl (worked on the Chattooga for 14 years) and miss being on the water this time of year. Being in the woods is a close second to a river for a good attitude adjustment.

I've been meaning to comment before but your photos (the sound, crow and glacier, especially) prompted me to finally do it. I've been enjoying your blog for the last month or so. I found you through Nici Cline and like reading about your adventures. Hope you're feeling better and your shoulder heals up nicely. Have fun but be careful out there!

SmithShack71 said...

I get up before the sun, breathe in and out, and put one foot in front of the other. Thankful for each day. And some nicotine and caffeine thrown in. I love the Irish Boat. Anchor up, still floating, still on a journey.

-Angie

Angie and the new life said...

I love Moon ski. As for surviving the long cold months of winter I do suggest going out often. That does not seem to be a problem for you. I find it hard to get myself out as much as I know would be good for me but such is my own choosing. I am actually excited to see some of the other comments so as to get more types and tricks. I hope your shoulder recovers quickly and you can get back to the activities you love.

Seneca said...

#9, tranquil sound. Love it. I survive Seattle winters by the grace of sangria. :-)

Elisa said...

Melina,
I feel a bit too depressed to confidently state advice for winter. This is day two of migraine and I don't really remember what it's like to be myself or without pain and nausea. However, I did receive a pot of tulips and hyacinth 2 weeks back, and that seems to have made a lovely difference to my indoor days!

Your pictures are so intriguing! Images 4 and 7 are the most eye catching for me.

Hope you're well,
Elisa

Andy said...

Hi Melina, I think you've caught onto my tip, which is to shred hard and often. Maybe not as hard as you went the other day....(sorry, couldn't help it.)

I like both skiing shots.

Andy

SJJ said...

I'm not a minimalist when it comes to your photos. I like Cloud Sea too!

Winter tip: weekly yoga gatherings, lots of coffee, and biking in the rain.

Hurry home.

The Korporaal Family said...

Winter tip:
Cuddling with kids / baking / snuggling with hubby!

Irish boat!!! LOVE!

MissErinHudson said...

Oh man I WISH I lived in my van! I like it better than my house. I love your blog (oh my gosh I'm not just saying that to win a picture, how rude of you to think that). I love the way you write and your many adventures. Well if I HAD to choose a picture, like if you put a gun to my head, I would want Irish boat. I already have a place picked out for it and everything. No pressure.

MissErinHudson said...

Oh and how do I survive winter?? By living in Southern California.

Anonymous said...

It's a very tough decision. I've loved the way you've lived your winter. My fav photos are of the calving glacier and moon ski - coz night skiing rocks.

Megan x

Sara, Plain and Tall said...

Girl. Winter's are tough for me. They suck the life out of my eyes, and have me desiring nothing but hunkering down between the sheets, hibernating like a bear until it's over. Here are my tried and true tricks :).

1. Coffee. Lots and lots of hot coffee. Sometimes if I struggle to get out of bed, all I have to do is imagine the steam rising off the cup.
2. I'm sure it has an official name, but we call it the "popcorn bag" in my family. You heat it in the microwave and put it around your shoulders, over your feet, in the bed, and it keeps it warm for a couple of hours. A lifesaver for me whose always cold.
3. Peppermint essential oil. Waft it. Add it to your water bottle. Rub it on your hands and feet.
4. Sunshine. When it arrives soak it up. Whether it lasts for 5 minutes or 5 days. Some days I just stand outside and let it hit my face as I take deep breaths.
5. Gratitude lists. I'm sure it sounds corny, but no joke, I have used this to get through much harder things than the bitter cold season. Add item after item of things you are thankful for, and return to it often.

And my picture picks? Moon ski or Tranquil Sound. :)

irishmaji said...

Beautiful shots, I LOVE tranquil sound, I just love the simplicity of it!! How to survive the winter for me is just getting out!! If we have been cooped up in the house too long, we need to get back out into nature even if it's freezing out, it always makes me feel better! Friends and alcohol help too :)

Lynn said...

The Crow!

Surviving winter?
Move south. Just kidding...

Surround myself with the warmth of my friends, good books, good food, and good blogs to read.

Kris said...

Crow! I'm in love with everything about it. Surviving winter is easy for me knowing Spring is waiting to rear it's head from under the mounds and mounds of snow. I love every season so much. But lots of thick socks, camo gear and toy bow and arrows for all the jaunts in our back woods with my seven year old searching for signs of Big Foot. ;) And of course, hot chocolate upon our return!

Kris said...

Crow! I'm in love with everything about it. Surviving winter is easy for me knowing Spring is waiting to rear it's head from under the mounds and mounds of snow. I love every season so much. But lots of thick socks, camo gear and toy bow and arrows for all the jaunts in our back woods with my seven year old searching for signs of Big Foot. ;) And of course, hot chocolate upon our return!
Kris

Stephanie Willson Barsness said...

Tranquil Sound, please! I love your photos and your words even more! How do I survive winter in MN? Well, I embrace it, girlfriend! Just like you do! Today we are in the midst of a late season winter storm and expecting a 12" dump of snow. Can't wait! Bring it.

Kathy Kelley said...

Irish Boat
you took it on your story telling trip to Ireland. My family originated from near Dunvargan. Would love to have a bit of Ireland on my walls!!

Betsy DeFries said...

Winter... my favorite season!! I survive by skiing- making sure I get out every single day whether on nordic or alpine or tele gear. Being outside and soaking up the sun and cold air helps me not only survive... but thrive!! That, and knitting and hot tea and hot showers and big sweaters and wine and whiskey and snuggling up and scarves and knit hats. With all that, how could winter be bad!? ...and I love all of those photos. Especially the crow. and the beach. and the boat.

Ellie said...

I would love the crow, or any of them, really! I have been reading for over a year now..trying to remember the first post I ever read...hmm. Winter survival tips, ski, soak, chase the sun even if it's just from one window to the next, drink (more than usual), and indulge in a ridiculous number of seed catalogs in January. Thank you, Melina for sharing. I'm a big fan of your words.

Katherines Corner said...

They are all wonderful. Your lovely sister Anna sent me to your blog and I am so happy she did. I enjoyed my visit very much. I hope you will share your beautiful photography at my hop on Thursday Hugs!

lisanmn said...

i want irish boat or glacier! Here's how to survive the winter: make friends during the summer that will stick with you during those rainy awful months even when you just sit there listlessly and cry on their couch all day. GOOD FRIENDS are how I make it through.

jesski said...

I'd love the calving glacier photo as it reminds me of the years I spent living in Alaska! :) I survive the winter by wearing wool socks to bed every night, living in lots of fleece sweaters, collecting crazy amounts of hats/scarves/mittens (I may have an addiction) and sipping either hot chocolate or Fireball whiskey before bed. I agree with other commenters that getting outside for a part of every day is important. For me, walking the dog does it. When I lived in Alaska I walked or biked to work. That time outside helped me "push through". :)

jesski said...

I'd love the Calving Glacier photo. It reminds me of the years I spent living in Alaska. I survive winter by wearing wool socks to bed, spending copious amounts of time wearing fleece, hoarding hats/mittens/scarves (I may have a problem) :) and sipping hot chocolate or Fireball whiskey. Also, I agree with others, that getting outside for a bit every day is necessary. For me it is walking the dog, when I lived in Alaska it was walking to work. It really seemed to help. Even when I was walking to and from work in the dark! :)

Amy said...

I have no advice, I basically just get through every single day hoping the next one will finally bring the sun. (its dark here in Revy too). So I'm actually kind of here to read what others have to say! haha.

tigercrush said...

This yo-yoing winter (in Texas)I have taken many hot showers, cranked up the space heater, and burned essential oils (to help with coziness). I also coerce my cranky old dog into climbing up to cuddle with me or follow her outside to the sunny spots in the backyard. Out of your photographs--the Calving Glacier speaks to me (although the midwest octopus is a close second).

tigercrush said...

This yo-yoing winter (in Texas)I have taken many hot showers, cranked up the space heater, and burned essential oils (to help with coziness). I also coerce my cranky old dog into climbing up to cuddle with me or follow her outside to the sunny spots in the backyard. Out of your photographs--the Calving Glacier speaks to me (although the midwest octopus is a close second).

Speechie Keen said...

I love the Irish boat! My only winter recommendation is to take in as much vitamin D as possible--preferably through the sun. The warmth on my skin feels great and improves my mood tremendously!

Elizabeth Butler Blaine said...

I love Tranquil Sound. So peaceful. I'm in Mississippi so our winter is much different. If you don't like the weather, just wait a day and it will be completely different the next; winter has come and gone countless times and will probably make a few more appearances before spring sets in.