Snowed In

Wednesday was the first time I left the house since January 23rd. The 'flu is dreadful--I'm so glad we're finally over it. But, I have been too long indoors and now the weather has changed. Isn't that always the way? 

At this very minute snow is falling fast and thick outside my window. It's very pretty and has me dreaming of the characters in my next story, which takes place in the wild western hills of Massachusetts during the winter of 1873.  All of my life my imagination has allowed me to see other lives, beautiful places, God. I am glad for it, but don't be fooled: it is a strange and uncomfortable paradox that is at once a source of comfort and constant yearning. I might know the kindest, truest, most faithful friend...but only in my mind.

February is a hard month for me. I've started to think about my gardens and what I want to do differently with them this spring. I don't think I will grow any cucumbers or carrots. We had so many last year that everyone is sick of them. It's too bad we can't grow chocolate chip cookies. Wouldn't they look pretty all in a row, waving at the top of their stems like golden, brown-speckled flowers?  :   )

Everything outside is white now: the sky, the ground, the air. There is something both beautiful and frightening about how snow can so alter the view of things. Winter brings ice and numbing cold, illness and isolation. These things can help strengthen a person's character and faith...or cause her to lose them. It's damned easy to get lost in a storm--don't think that it isn't.

After we dig ourselves out from the blizzard tomorrow, we're going to go bring Zach's new puppy home. It will be good to have a new friend to love.  <3  Especially in winter.