Little did I know that this cute little snowman would usher in not only the holiday season, but also an epic snowstorm here in the South. It’s already being called historic, though honestly, it has felt a bit more hysteric. Six to twelve inches of snow along the North Carolina coast is no small event.

But what a sight it was. The snow fell in the softest, most powdery layers, and when the wind lifted it just right, it shimmered like glitter suspended in the air. When the storm finally quieted, the world seemed to pause. Everything felt still — peaceful, joyful, almost sacred. The snow pulled me fully into the present moment. I wasn’t thinking about shoveling or errands or obligations. I was simply awed by the calm.

In that stillness, I suddenly understood the smile on my snowman’s face. I’m so glad I brought him home twenty years ago and even more delighted that he’s now the star of my 2025 holiday greeting card. That thought alone makes me smile all over again.

Because I didn’t have time to create an original watercolor this year, I decided to collaborate with AI. I snapped a photo of my snowman and asked AI to transform it into a watercolor scene. Once all the cards were created, I embellished each one with glitter. The results were surprisingly satisfying — even if I do miss the full-scale creative process.

A little confession: As I watched the snow fall, I found myself talking to that snowman as if he were an old friend. Maybe it was the magic of the moment, but I caught myself saying, “Well, buddy, looks like you brought winter with you.” There’s something comforting about having a tiny, smiling companion who expects nothing from you except to be noticed. In a world that moves too fast, he reminded me to slow down, breathe, and let wonder in.

Looking forward to slowing own to create watercolors in 2026…with or without an AI partner.