Needless to say, 2020 was a most unusual year. As 2021 approached, the topic of resilience was on my mind. I had the idea to tuck weathergrams in my Christmas greetings and invite recipients to place them outdoors to weather over the winter—as a symbol of stamina and strength.

Weathergrams are made to hang outdoors for a season. Now that spring has arrived, I asked recipients about their weathergrams and invited them to send an image and share a thought—whatever they wished.

A number of you took up the challenge to display your weathergrams outdoors. Of course, there’s always the unexpected. Leesette Turner’s envelope arrived in South Africa in mid-March, her weathergram having spent the season “inside”! But wait…winter in the southern hemisphere doesn’t begin until June, so the weathergram actually arrived early!

Here in Ontario, the blustery London weather was too much for Gord Sloan’s weathergram; it “bit the dust”. Maureen Lynham in Orillia enjoyed her weathergram for several months before it took flight. “I should have hung it closer to the house where I could keep an eye on it!”, she concluded. Mississauga resident, Claudia Venere, is hoping hers might resurface during yard clean up. Bill and Sarah Yee searched every corner of their Oakville property before concluding that their weathergram set sail for parts unknown.

So it seems that some weathergrams were carried by the winds of winter to unknown destinations, taking their stories with them. However, others were found exactly where they were placed.

“I hung mine in winter, it was the 10-year anniversary of my mother’s death, and my father just died on Dec 23. I planted this dogwood when mother was still here—she wanted her ashes put beneath it, and the tree planted where we can see it out our window. I love the weathergram. Thank you.”
Laurie Doctor—Prospect, Kentucky, USA

“My weathergram was very resilient and weathered the winter like a little trooper! I never heard a word of complaint. Perhaps I’ll stretch the rules and leave it there for another season.”
Libby Amy—Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

“We’ve had so much wind over the last few months, I never dreamt it would still be readable after being buffeted about in the wintery weather. Battered, twisted and world weary, just like us. Resilient, just like us. I’m keeping mine up at least through the summer because it gives me such pleasure and reminds me that we are strong; we just have to hang on and go with the flow.”
Norma Doran—Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

“The weathergram didn’t go up as soon as it arrived, so it’s still in pretty good shape as it missed most of the winter snow. I’m watching to see if it becomes nesting material for the prospective renters who have been checking out the birdhouse. This tree is in my front yard, right in front of the living room window and always in sight. Thanks for involving me in your project.”
Gail Frost—Fonthill, Ontario, Canada

Here in Toronto, my husband and I hung several on trees and bushes around our property. This one weathered well in a sheltered alcove around the back of the house. It’s made of a Bulk Barn bag—two layers glued together.

This one aged gracefully—like a withered leaf—taking on the characteristics of its message. It’s made from an LCBO bag.

After running short of Kraft bags, I improvised by recycling a Redpath sugar bag. Snow and ice altered the ink lettering, leaving a crystal pattern.

My husband suggested toothpaste packaging (foil layer removed). Sometimes like is like that; you make use of what’s on hand and accept help from others.

My thanks to you for participating in this experiment and for sharing your thoughts and images. Each weathergram experienced winter differently based on its location and climate exposure. I was fascinated to see something go out into the world and then return months later—looking similar, but different.

I think resilience is like that—it expands and matures and grows biceps while we’re preoccupied with life. When we test resilience, maybe it’s not diminished. Maybe it’s strengthened.

More weathergram stories:
Weathergrams
Strength and Resilience
Weathering Winter
Nestergram
Weathering Spring
Chiming In
Heart of a Weathergram