Thursday, December 22, 2011

Winter Solstice



Here are some thoughts about the year’s coldest season on this, its first day:

I love how it begins with evergreen boughs on mantles, lighted trees in village squares, carols on the radio, and people knowing that life’s greatest joys come from giving rather than receiving.

I love its chilly mornings when fog clings to the surfaces of ponds.

I love sitting outside on those mornings drinking hot black coffee.

I love watching Sarah try to catch snowflakes on her tongue during our winter vacation.

I love driving across California’s High Sierra between snow drifts so deep they soar above cars and turn roadways into tunnels of white.

I love walking through Appalachian forests that are barren of leaves but laden with snow, and therefore have the appearance of black-and-white photos come to life.

And finally, I love that I can spend a whole day outside in Florida without feeling the need to shower every hour.

So for those who curse the cold: Remember that every season brings beauty, so long as we stop to notice it.

5 comments:

Fred Alton said...

John, I share your thought that every season brings it's own unique beauty! Here in East Tennessee, near the mountains, we get the full impact of Winter, Summer, Spring and Fall. Life is great!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi John, I'm one of those people (in the minority I think) who LOVES winter.. Even when we don't get the snow that I want, I still love it... YES--I love spring and fall more---but winter is so much better to me than summer...(That is one reason I don't live in FL... ha)

Merry Christmas.
Betsy

Stewart M said...

Hi there - I miss the snow! People think I'm mad (they may have a point!) but I do.

Nice post.

Have a good New Year.

Stewart M - Australia

Barb said...

I came by to wish you and your Family a Happy 2012, John. As you know, I love the cold and snow, too. May your New Year hold many adventures and much happiness - good health to you and your family!

icedgurl said...

trekking your blog!!! thanks for sharing and keep posting! Happy New Year!

cheers!
..TREK..