I am backing out of the garage when something to the right catches my eye in the burning bush. What in the world I wonder? I stop the car. I must investigate. Of course I have my phone in hand because I know this is something that needs to be preserved.
An ice sculpture has been created in the middle of my burning bush. Gently I move a few branches to capture the incredible forms nature created one drip at a time.
Stalactites hang from ice coated branches. It is as if a waterfall has become tangled in the branches, then frozen. Clink, clink is the sound as it shatters like fine crystal with the slightest movement. The sculpture is constantly changing as the temperatures rise. The sun grows stronger and the drip becomes more insistent. Soon it will melt away, nurturing the roots of the bush. By evening the sculpture is only a memory, preserved in pictures.
elsie tries writing 
I love how you keep noticing new things in nature. I want to SEE like you.
When I grow up, I want to be like you!! Love everything about this slice:-)
Full circle…you’ve managed to catch the cause, the beauty (both in the photo and your words–tangled waterfall–stunning!), and its demise.
As always, love your vivid imagery. And that photo is gorgeous! I wish the drips off the corner of my house landed anywhere other than the walking paths that I struggle with when they are NOT icy! Drips + a Klutz = Dangerous territory. I guess I should plant some bushes. 🙂
Elsie, while the bush/sculpture is gorgeous, I agree, that first picture of the drip is breath-taking. I enlarged it & it looks fantastic! I like the way you described everything too-a poem!
A frozen waterfall tangled in the branches. Quite an image!
Cathy
The words..the photos…a perfect slice to end my night!
Great slice! I love the perspective you chose to capture the water drops. “It is as if a waterfall has become tangled in the branches, then frozen.” Gorgeously stated!
You took the time to notice! Awesome-you have an artist’s eye!
ooh, gorgeous, elsie! You have the most amazing nature posts! I love the image of a frozen “waterfall”. I’m glad you slowed down and took a minute to capture this pretty sight!
That’s too beautiful to melt away! Thanks for sharing your rich descriptions and photos!
Isn’t that amazing! I am so glad you got a picture.
I never think to take pictures! This is amazing and your ability to stop and see the overlooked details in the world about you is so inspiring!
Beautiful photograph! That is why I love nature photos!
Another great nature post! Thanks for keeping us connected to your winter world. Isn’t it fun to preserve these memories in photos?
What a great slice! And I love your photos!
I love the way the description included the sound you heard.
Not only do I love that you had your phone/camera handy, but I love that you noticed this little beauty. How many times during the day do we see something great and pass it by because we are in a hurry for one reason or another. I’m so glad you were ready!
A true writer who notices! It’s hard to slow down life, especially when zipping out the garage headed somewhere important! Beautiful words and photograph to support!
Beautiful. Your writing reminds me to look around me. Notice more.
.. I must investigate. Of course I have my camera…. This is definitely you.
…waterfall tangled in the branches… You are the writer.
Amazing to see those two pictures in that order – you get a sense of the time it took for this lovely ice sculpture to form. When you wonder: “What in the world?”, I know we will see something cool!
Your practice at noticing brings to my eyes and ears great wonder. It is inspiring the way you capture this. Mt daily life is enriched when you share.
Woah, what a cool picture! I like how you described it like a “waterfall has become tangled in the branches”. You described it so well!
I can hear the “clink, clink, clink.” Yes, nature has its wonders. The drops from the gutters in the first picture look like fine blown glass. And you didn’t even have to take a walk! Wonder finds you, Elsie. My boxes–call it a quirk!
Ahhh, Elsie you are my inspiration. I see the photo and I all too often pass it by because I am not one with my iPhone camera yet. I still rummage through my bag for my point and shoot. Love your ice sculpture!
Bonnie
Beautiful ice sculpture in a burning bush – lovely. Nature at it’s best, especially when it melts and nourishes the roots to be even more beautiful in the spring, summer and fall. Thanks for sharing.
It has been a very long time since I’ve been in Mammoth Cave. Beautiful Lee ann ! xo Make it a fantastic day. xo
Stalactites hang from ice coated branches….nice. This was a great way to begin my day. Winter’s beauty is a gift from nature that so many people in the warm climates only get to view from pictures or read about…which your blog does both.
so beautiful! gotta love nature. i especially loved the line about the waterfall tangled in the branches. great visual.