SNOW!

Today we had our first real snowstorm of the season. That icestorm from last week counts in a different category... Today was snow. Light, fluffy snow. 6-8" when I last saw it. It might still be snowing now. I don't know. It's dark out. And even better, there's another storm on the way the day after tomorrow.

I love snow. I love the way the world looks when the snow is falling, drifting gracefully or being blown sideways or falling in big clumps. I love watching it pile up on things - covering the blades of grass or weighing down leaves and branches. Making cool shapes in the towers it forms on whatever surface it settles onto. I love the way the world looks when it's done snowing, when the sun peeks out, when the snow falls off the trees.

I love the way the world doesn't sound when the snow is falling. Noises from far away are absorbed by the little flakes long before they reach my ears. The world closes in. All I hear are the sounds of flakes landing on my jacket or nearby leaves. I love the way the world sounds when it's covered in snow. I love the stillness and calm snow brings.

I love the way snow tastes. And feels. What isn't to love about snow? Sure, it makes a mess of roads, and it needs to be plowed or shoveled. But the grace is exquisite. I'm willing to shovel to experience the delights of snow. And it's even better when I leave enough time to do those snow-chores so that I'm not rushed or feel burdened by the task. It can be play - reveling in the beauty of the day.

Let it snow.