As I opened my blinds this morning to see our first snowfall of the season, I couldn’t help but think “How perfect!”
And I meant it!
This snowfall is a winter preview. It’s a warm-up (so to speak) of the actual winter performance. It will stop by 9 am and then turn to rain. Then next week, we’ll have some days in the 50s.
It’s New England.
The weather changes in the blink of an eye. (Or every 15 minutes depending on who you’re speaking with.)
You may be wondering why it could be perfect. Well, today, I am heading down to Concord, Massachusetts to visit Orchard House! When I opened the curtains, my mind was already on the trek one hour south. Seeing the snow reminded me of the Christmas Dinner scene in Little Women.
The Winona Rider one.
Why that one and not one of the other wonderful versions? I have no idea. It popped into my pre-coffee brain and I went with it.
The snowfall reminded me of something else, something even more wonderful:
This will be my 62nd winter on Earth.
How lucky am I that I have had 61 winters? Now, I’m not going to lecture you on how to be positive in the season of miserable darkness. I just don’t see it that way and I’ll happily share why.
First, and foremost is that I am still here on Earth.
Second, sweaters! I am finally (whew!) past my hot flash season (that lasted over 15 years) and can happily, cozily, snuggle into sweaters again.
Third, food! Oatmeal with maple syrup, Maine blueberries from the freezer, and chopped pecans is my favorite way to start the mornings in cold weather. Oh, and soups! So many soups and stews and I can bake without feeling like the house is baking me!
Fourth, books! Okay, I’ll admit, that’s year-round for me. Still, it’s a good time to read a series. It’s kind of like binging a TV series, but better.
Fifth, lights: fairy lights, light therapy lamps, stars twinkling at night, streetlamps with snow falling around them…did I mention I love lights?
Mind you, I wasn’t always like this. Before I understood SAD, my winters were…well…sad. But, slowly, over the years, I found ways to appreciate the dark season instead of muddling through it. I learned, I adapted, I grew. I changed with the seasons because they changed me.
Now, I’m off to get ready to visit Orchard House. I’ll write about that, next…including the (drumroll please!) senior discount!
Livin’ La Vida Llama
One Crafty Llama 
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