I don’t know what this particular sculpture–an ice lantern in front of my favorite Mexican watering hole–did to deserve a designated parking space the morning after the 2005 Snow & Ice Festival here in Keene, but other icy remnants from the festival weren’t so lucky, being smashed to make way for much-needed Main Street parking spaces as soon as the party was over.

I suppose it helps if you have friends on the Keene Chamber of Commerce, several of the sculptures from the Chamber-sponsored event ending up as eye-catching ornaments outside Main Street shops, like this flightless eagle whose previously outstretched wings lie in icy shards beside him.

Lest we spend too much time mourning the demise of smashed sculptures, let us remember that ice carvings, like sand mandalas and saffron-draped Gates, belong to an intentionally ephemeral genre, their beautiful fragility pointing toward the way of all flesh.

After mingling with Saturday’s crowds, it was bittersweet to wander Sunday morning’s empty streets and sidewalks, the previous day’s revelers vanished like 21st century nomads, the frozen works of their hands now abandoned artifacts left for the consideration of curious archaeology.

    Happy Valentine’s Day to all my readers, and a special “I love you guys!” to Fred, Beth, and Tom, with whom I spent a good deal of time this weekend collaborating (virtually) on our contribution to 100 Bloggers, an upcoming book on this particular (and peculiar) online phenomenon. It brings any writer great joy to have her work read closely and critically by perceptive and insightful readers, and Fred, Beth, and Tom are among the best. Thanks to them, and a hearty hurrah on the book’s continued progress and eventual publication.