Beautiful Things

It’s a breath of fresh air- literally –when you get an unexpected warm day in the middle of winter. That happened to us yesterday, in the northeast.

The temps went into the 50’s in my area—hardly a heatwave, but it was warm enough to melt most of the snow and allow the kids to play outside and  ride their bikes. I still wore a winter coat, but it was my lighter quilted one, not my parka.  That brief warm up is enough to lift my spirits and remind me that spring is just around the corner. And now today we’ll only be getting into the low 30’s, but I sure enjoyed yesterday and I’m thrilled to know that there will be many more days like that coming up soon.

So yesterday I posted about snow, and how I don’t like it but I’m learning to embrace it. Well, I had all day to embrace it. 

Yesterday we woke up to a blanket of snow and that was supposed to be the end of it. With a weather forecast that called for just a few more flurries, it ended up snowing heavily most of the afternoon and into the evening and then even some more overnight.

So late yesterday my kids got to play in the yard, build a snowman and go sledding. And this morning they woke up to even more joyful news: no school.

I remember the joy of an unexpected snow day. When you’re in elementary school, nothing is more magical. So after I post this blog I’m going to whip out the hot chocolate and settle in with my kids for a fun and cozy day (and maybe a bit more sledding).

I have decided  that I must learn to embrace snow. I live in an area where snow is a nuisance. It’s pretty, yes, but it causes all sorts of logistical problems. I don’t like driving in the snow and bundling the kids up so they can play in the snow is a major feat as well.

But I need to embrace the beauty of it, anyway.

I woke up this morning and there’s a blanket of snow outside. Not a blizzard, mind you. A few inches– just enough to make it cumbersome and icy to go out and do what I need to do today. But instead of grumbling about it, I plan to work around it. The errands can wait. Target will be there tomorrow. I’ll make hot chocolate with my kids and we’ll stay indoors and just admire the beauty of winter and the fallen snow.

In the midst of winter, it’s easy to forget that spring is really just around the corner. It’s even easier to forget that you can bring a taste of spring into your home with some fresh flowers. A breath of spring, really.

I buy fresh flowers every week. I have to, for my sanity. I take in the smell of them and it makes me happier. Besides the gorgeous color, which every home needs a little more of, the fresh flowers make me feel closer to nature. Bringing a little of the outdoors in, if you will.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. I am perfectly happy picking up a cellophane-wrapped bunch of flowers on my way out of Costco.  If you need some perking up this winter, you should do it too.