June Snow

A small announcement:

I’ve got a logo! This newsletter isn’t meant to be much more than creative outlet that friends and family can see, but why not have a logo? I hired my friend and talented artist, Andrew McNamara, to design something for me.

If you have graphic design, branding, or painting needs, check him out, and give his Instagram a follow. Columbus folks can also find him and his amazing poster at Prints & Pints on August 15.

Thank you, Andrew.

Earlier this year I learned about the 72 “microseasons”, or kō, of traditional Japanese culture. These are tiny increments of each year marked by specific natural phenomenom. For example, January 25-29 is when “ice thickens on streams” and June 11-15 is when “rotten grass becomes fireflies.”

While I’m still working through my own personal list of microseasons, the concept made me immediately think of June snow.

June snow occurs when cottonwoods and willows fluff out and locust trees and crabapples send petals fluttering, creating the illusion of an snow flurry in early summer.

I first remember thinking about June snow sitting at Rockmill Brewery (shoutout) a few years back. Cottonwood seeds were floating lazily through the canopy and over the stream. They were a reminder that summer had arrived and that I should spend my time floating along in the sun and warmth.

Last year I made in a note in my phone to keep an eye out for June snow, even before I knew about the microseasons concept. Sadly, June was an exceptionally busy month and I missed peak cottonwood season in Northern Michigan but I still spent the time I had hunting for all things fluffly and white.

Thanks for reading. What’s your favorite microseason?