first snow

it snowed today.
earlier than usual for this area. it probably won't stick. the first snow never does. although it was quite persistent today and even now it is clinging to the ground, with the rain pelting down on it, trying to wash it away.
but it lifted my spirits a little nonetheless. it seems it doesn't really matter what the time of year is; it's the change of the season that makes me feel more alive. and autumn to winter is always a favorite. it reminds me of cozy nights spent with a glass of red wine and and a good book. snuggling up under the covers, hiding from the chill of the wind and snow outside.
this first snowfall was not like the magical Christmas Morning snow, when everything is silent and covered in a blanket of calm and peacefulness.
it was heavy, wet and sticky. and as the snow turned to rain in the afternoon, it melted and dripped from the trees, taking with it the newly oranged leaves which had only just begun to turn within the last week. summer seemed to want to hang on this year. but as much as it tried, the colder weather finally won out and came pushing down upon everything like an onslaught of pent up emotion.
i look forward to the coming days of warm and fuzzy winter boots, colorful scarves, and soft mittens. a reminder to be grateful for what we are given, to prepare ourselves for the changes that come. everything has its place and time and we are not so unlucky that we should spend our days complaining about the weather. that which we need in life will be given. all things in life are ours for learning, if only we open ourselves to the lessons.
in the time when the earth is preparing herself for renewal, perhaps also we should take some time to look inward and see what we might change or renew. spring always brings a promise of new growth.
but winter is a time to sit quietly and decide on the directions we want to grow.