Finding the Beauty in Winter

We've been lucky that the worst of our winter storms have recently come on the weekends. Not having to fight the daily commute during a snow event helps everyone, including those removing snow from the roadways. 

But the truth is, I love snow! I know I'm perhaps in a minority here, but I think it's beautiful and refreshing and fun! And when it falls just right, well, just check out these pics from the latest snowfall -- the snow-laden tree branches are wondrously beautiful! 

The beauty of this snowy scene can often be ephemeral, lasting only until the winds pick up, or temps do. When the wind blows and fat clumps of snow come tumbling down, the freed tree branches heave a sigh of relief at losing their heavy loads.

Our gigantic Christmas tree "lives" on, in our backyard. Here it is, laden with snow, gracing the right side of the path that leads into our woods. The guys leaned it up against the clothesline post for me, and there she stands in all of her 18' glory. I was sad when the tree had to leave our house, but I'm glad I can enjoy its grandeur for a while longer.

I thought perhaps I'd be smart and outwit the squirrels by placing birdseed strategically on snow-covered boughs where I knew only birdies could perch. However, I forgot about that ephemeral quality of snow-covered boughs. The snow didn't last long on the branches, and the next morning I watched as three squirrels entertained my cats for hours, eating with glee, running 'round and 'round while chasing each other under the lowest boughs and up and down the tree trunk. Their antics were way too cute for me to chase them away from the treats. I let them have their day. 



Winter is best from the inside looking out, with a fire burning in the fireplace and something delicious baking in the oven. Even better when there is nowhere that you have to be. 






But even when we have to leave our cozy homes, the breathtaking beauty of newly fallen snow causes us to pause; to breathe in the fresh, unique scent, enjoying the stillness and muffled sound of a world covered in snow. 

And then, we plunge into our task of moving snow -- before we can go anywhere -- and before the deep freeze comes and turns it all into ice. It's all part of living here, and somehow I love the rhythm of it all. Although I can admit, it does begin to get old after a very long winter.

Sometimes it seems our winter is a crazy cycle of snow, cold, ice, melt, repeat, at least in our area of the upper Midwest. Lately our winters are warmer and bring less snow and bitter cold than the winters I remember from my childhood. So unfortunately that means that now we get more sleety snow than huge piles of the fluffy white stuff. 


But somehow we endure. Why? To behold Spring as she pokes her head above the ground. To once again feel warm breezes on our skin and gaze into a canopy of bright green leaves. This will come. After ol' man Winter is done. 

So, make some hot cocoa, and watch winter's view from the window. Or better yet, get out into the white stuff and breathe the cold, fresh air. Then you can come in and make that hot cocoa. 



I wish you winter's peace, my friends.  ♡