LEGO produces one science based exploration subtheme every year as part of their City lineup. In 2014, the theme was the arctic. It came with a research base and vehicles all geared towards exploring minerals in the north. As a scientist and teacher, I love these research based themes. This one felt particularly Canadian to me. It came full of scientist Minifigures dressed for the cold, polar bears, and huskies. The theme was actually integral in the development of my blog.
What better place to begin my first challenge than with a recreation of the photo that started it all? A year ago, when I created True North Bricks, I wanted a LEGO blog that was Canadian. My first degree was also in wildlife biology, and my experiences in that field remain close to my heart. So, using those ideals as my starting point, I tried to come up with a theme and name for my blog. I began to consider stereotypes that foreigners often associate with Canada. Parkas, snow, and polar bears were the first things to come to mind, and all of those are associated with the Arctic.
Over 40% of Canada’s landmass is considered to be arctic. With that said, I have never actually been to Canada’s arctic. It is on my bucket list. I have been to the arctic in Finland (where I was born), but not here. I want to see a wild polar bear. In Canada, we actually have the polar bear capital of the world (Churchill, Manitoba). You can also find what might be the oldest rocks in the world in Canada’s arctic. It would be amazing to stand on the oldest piece of the planet, don’t you think?
My first cover photo was very similar to the one you see above. It was taken on a LEGO built backdrop with my old iPhone camera. It was really grainy and poor quality. I have been working on my photography skills since then, and decided to re-take the photo outside in the glistening snow. So, there you have it, a LEGO recreation of Canada’s great white north… the Arctic!
When people think of “vacation” or “bucket-list”, the arctic is not normally on the list. But, take a moment to think about it. The arctic has a lot to offer. So, my question to you today is: what would you like to see in the arctic?
As many of you know, I am taking part in the April A-to-Z challenge this year. To read more about it, you can visit the official website by clicking here. Be sure to check back on Monday for my LEGO themed letter “B” post!
Until next time,
-T.N.B.
Your theme is awesome!
I love the dinos and the ghosts and of course the Star Wars!
My son got to do the Millennium Falcon this past Christmas. It came out amazing.
I only have one hiccup with your blog. It was hard to get all the way back to the letter A, which is where I wanted to start. Any way you might be able to work on a gadget for the sidebar?
Best of luck in the Challenge!
Heather
Co-Host, 2017 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge
https://hmgardner.blogspot.com/
Is there a gadget specifically for that? I have a search, and a “select a month” option, but if there is something better, I would love to hear about it!
A fun an informative start to the month!
What would I like to see in the arctic? The discovery of a hidden city would be pretty cool (no pun intended).
Love this theme. And the execution! These would be great as postcards.
Phillip | B is for banana
Thank you so much!
Hahahaha omg, I love that he is running from the polar bear in terror. A+ facial expression and staging there.
Alaska and Northern Canada are fascinating to me. A Facebook Buddy of mine used to live in Nunavut and Greenland, he posted the coolest pictures of polar bears, arctic fox and other animals.
Your polar bear scene is adorable! Can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with tomorrow!
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.ch/2017/04/a-z-blogging-challenge-avocado-brownie.html
Oh cool, a Lego blog! I started collecting Lego stuffs just a few years ago. I really liked the arctic theme, but I ended up spending my money on Galaxy Squad instead.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of your A to Z posts!
I too would love to see a polar bear in the wild. Plus the arctic can be quite beautiful and just being there and seeing it would be amazing. And those images are beautiful by the way.
I love Lego and my son and I would love these research sets. Your photographs are very impressive.
Your arctic theme goes hand in hand with my topic on A is for Alert, Nunavut!
Alert, Nunavut, Santa Claus’ Next-Door Neighbour
I love your theme. Great start to the AtoZ Challenge. I will be back for more.
I never thought to visit the Arctic, until visiting Norway and learning my ancestors were more from Lapland, I looked at a map and realized it was close to the Arctic and I’ve been interested ever since. I LOVE your “lego guy’. Does he have a name? 🙂
“Female Scientists Before Our Time”
Shells–Tales–Sails
Norway is on my list of places to visit, perhaps next time I go to Finland. The LEGO guy in the photo doesn’t actually have a name yet… He’s just an Arctic explorer at the moment…
I spent 30 years, in the early childhood profession and I LOVE Legos. I always buy Legos as a children’s gift. I will enjoy your theme and the legos. God job.
My theme is all about baby boomers and those years we grew up. Grab some cookies and milks and come on over. Atomic Bombs
Cool LEGOs! Uh, pun not intended.
I have Nunavut on my Bucket list 😉 😀
BookBug’s World
Such a clever A-Z theme!Journaling: A list of supplies
Very fun! My 4-yr-old enjoyed your photos as did I.
I love your picture, I just came from one blog whose A word was Alaska!
As a Mediterranean, the snow fascinates me. Maybe it is not necessary to go to the Arctic to see the endless snow, but it would be amazing. Concerning to polar bears… yes, I’d like to see them, but not to close.
—–
Eva
Mail Adventures
#AtoZ Challenge Theme: Postcards
Letter A: Adventurers. Because any postcard is a little adventure, isn’t it?
It would definitely be an experience to visit once. I would just maintain a safe distance from the polar bears!
Love the Lego theme! Look forward to learning more over the month.
Arctic and a Polar Bear nevertheless a hot a start into A to Z challenge! 😉