On January 28th 2012 it snowed. The day of Zoë's Benefit Dinner thrown for her in my home town by very dear friends.
On February 23rd 2012 it tried to snow, but only sleeted. It was the day of Zoë's surgery.
On March 31st 2012 it snowed. And Zoë is home.
It could all be coincidence that it has snowed on these very special days. Perhaps it was Zoë's doing. Or maybe Nature saying, "Hey Zoë." Maybe because she was in surgery for 14+ hours she did not have the power to make it snow...so we only got sleet. Who knows. Maybe I am just a desperate mother looking for a connection to the life in my arms, and the world around me.
What I do know is that I love snow. I know that most people hate the snow. But for me I have always loved it. Maybe because I was born in January, or because I am from New England. But snow days have always and will forever be some of the best days.
What a snow day to me is, is a day that Nature says to us, "Hey you, slow down. Take a break. Have a day off. Warm up indoors with a friend. Catch a cool breath of air in your lungs and feel alive. Catch a flake on your tong and laugh. Call up friends and play outside. Hug your loved ones to keep you warm."
Most people bitch. I go out and drive in it. I love that feeling when you cannot tell if you are moving as your headlights cut threw the dark and snow. Or how it looks like you are traveling in space between the stars. I love how the flakes when dry float over the windshield, and when wet stick there in a big splat until the wipers wipe them away. I love the feeling of the car sliding, and how I with out thinking I can ride out the slide, and pull back into lane. I love going to parking lots, and doing donuts (even though you are not supposed to). I love that when I first got my license I brought my little brother with me and let him drive in the snow at the middle school parking lot...and we did our best not to hit the poles, and miraculously we did not!
So you have to shovel. Tough. It is a great work out.
So you are cold. Good. Go and find a warm place, and appreciate that you have a warm place to go to when so many don't.
So you are late to work, an appointment, or it changed your plans. Well at least you have plans to make, and appointments to be at. Just call ahead, reschedule, relax...really it is not a big deal.
Snow days are to be treasured, especially by those who are lucky enough to get them...just think of all of the people out there who don't get to experience the full range of seasons. I think it a shame. As the seasons turn I cannot wait for the next one. Especially when Fall hits, and I know right around the corner is winter...and snow.
This post is brought to you by the calming effects of a world quieted by snow, and the amplification of nature that it so generously provides.
Love and Hugs!