Changing of the leaves

Yesterday was one of those perfect Indian summer days, but this morning the weather turned wet and blustery. Who cares? We're looking forward to the first opera of the season on Sunday and it's a favorite: Don Giovanni.

Despite the prospect of long dark months ahead, everyone loves the colors of autumn. Googling around for old images of Jack Frost, I pulled up thousands of pictures of this popular cartoon character from a movie called "Rise of the Guardians."  I've never heard of it, but Nova could probably tell me about him.

I like the old vintage drawings and paintings of Jack Frost better. The legends portray this being as a mischievous sprite, like a fairy or elf with magical powers. The earliest representation of Jack Frost came from Norse folklore.  Jokul Frosti was the son of a wind god, and he used his magical artistic abilities to paint trees and to create crystal engravings outdoors during cold weather.  

by Maxfield Parrish 

Maxfield Parrish self-portrait

Unknown illustrator

 Frank Godwin

Changing of the Leaves