Winter Hush

Winter has found her way back to the Northland--and I, for one, am happy.  Something inside me rebels when Spring comes so early.   I admit to enjoying the 50 degree temps while we had them, but inside I wanted just a little more Winter, because I'm just not ready.

Spring brings the frenzy of new beginnings, awakenings to new birth, the riot of colors as plants and trees blossom and retake the fields and branches.  But part of me, at least right now, longs for the bare charcoal branches against and washed-slate sky.  I want to feel the cool of the earth beneath my feet and the icy wind stinging my face and burning my fingertips.  I'm not ready for all that energy, I'm not ready yet to be reborn this year.

Summer is fine I suppose, but it is bright and explosive and transient. Get the good weather before it is gone! we say.  Enjoy it while it lasts!  But Winter is the constant in these parts. I wonder if I could ever stand to live somewhere that didn't have Winter--real Winter.   Sometimes boisterous, but mostly slow, steady and frankly beautiful.

Tonight after a bit of snow, I shoveled off the front steps in the dark.  It was a wonderful night, dark and quiet.  All sound was muffled, light glowed through the haze of fine snow, and even the moon seemed to shine from behind a white veil.  I sat for a while on the steps and enjoyed the silence and icy beauty.  Thank you Winter, for your lovely embrace, your slow steady hand and the space to balm my heart and soul.