Have you ever noticed how a particular image or object can make you feel happy or bring on a smile or tap into a pleasant memory? No matter your mood or how you feel? This illustration was created in 1929 by Katharine Beverley and Elizabeth Ellender for Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen.” It delights me every time I look at it.
The freedom, playfulness, and energy emanating from the girl and her horse are catching. I love the girl’s wave and her shock of red hair. The bare feet in the air. The “devil may care” attitude. I like the whimsical horse and the curl of mane on his neck.
From “The Snow Queen”
I first saw this illustration in a post from Brain Pickings Weekly called “How Hans Christian Andersen Revolutionized Storytelling.” In addition to the carefree spirit and pleasing composition of the piece, I like the repetition of lines and curves and circles, the use of black and white with a dash of red. It reminds me of the patterns used in zentangling. (I wrote about my zentangle experience in “A Cup of Creativity Tea.” See post of May 15, 2012.)
Surrounding us at this season are many images, objects, and memories to make us happy, lighten the mood. It’s hard to be a grump. There’s the tree, the wreath on the door, the stockings hanging on the fireplace. The food cooking. The sugar cookies baking. Chocolate candies being made. There also are wonderful stories to be told. (See “Holiday Ornaments Send their Stories,” Dec. 15, 2012.)
This little guy is unpacked every season and always makes me smile.
Ho! Ho!
These chocolate turtles are on their way to a party and bring plenty of smiles. My husband makes them with milk or dark chocolate.
Holiday turtles!
Images and objects and food do add to the fun, do help fill the soul and the spirit. But mostly this season provides the opportunity to be with the people in our lives who are important to us. To enjoy them through the fun, the sharing, and, yes, the drama. It’s the time we make memories that will bring a smile to our faces and hearts in the coming months and years.
Wishing you a joyous season, a season to “Catch the Happy.”
Happy Holidays!
Written Beneath the Palms 
Children’s book illustrations – our first introduction to art. So magical ~ Images that stay with you; what a wonderful group of illustrations. Thank you, Carol.
Aren’t the illustrations wonderful? Our first introduction to art – I like that. In addition to enjoying the artists’ interpretations and styles, I feel like I want to read a few fairy tales again!
Sweet post. Hope your holiday season was warm and happy and 2014 is kind.
Sending those same wonderful good wishes back to you. Happy New Year!
Your husband makes the most delicious desserts – I tried several at the holiday book party. YUM
We took the turtle picture the night of the book club party, just before we left the house. Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the comment and for stopping by.