Have you ever noticed that when snow covers the ground it actually acts like a sound barrier also? I absolutely love taking walks when the snow has turned everything white, because there is a still, calm that is so relaxing, refreshing and yet energizing at the same time. The snow seems to create an insulation against noises and while walking in the still of the snow it allows you to "hear" other sounds you would normally not be able to hear. Or maybe it is that while the white snow acts to clean the canvas of the normal landscape, it allows our thoughts to enter into places that are normally running rampant and never stop long enough to really listen or appreciate what is all around us.
I have taken on a new appreciation of just how beautiful our mountains, trees, and the river become when they are clothed in snow. This past week we went from no snow to having 16 inches within 3 days and what a magical winter wonderland it became. Of course I can sit back and appreciate all this beauty when warm and snug in my home with the fireplace ablaze and the car does not need to edge out of the garage the entire time. I can appreciate why children get so excited about snow days, they don't need to worry about cars sliding along the highway. Sometimes I think we need to have a more child-like perspective on life and just appreciate all the beauty that seems to come our way.
