Thursday, November 8, 2012

The First Fall of Snow

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found? 

 J.B. Priestley



Well, I am sorry to say it doesn't feel so magical when you are trying to get home from work in blizzard-like conditions. That's exactly what it was like last night. The wind was so gusty the flakes stung one's face. Yet, despite the discomfort, it was such an amazing sight...for awhile, that is.  After about 30 minutes of standing out in it, waiting for the bus, I was starting to look like a snowman. I'd had enough, so when a van pulled up offering rides for $3, I was one of the first to hop it. It was well worth it. Who knows what time that bus would have arrived? 

I have a feeling we are in for a rough winter. Already it has been pretty rough. Last year all I remember is a few flakes, and the year before had very little snow as well.  I remember seated by my living room window last year, waiting for the highly predicted snowfall, only to see a few lonely flakes fall from the sky.  I don't think I will be disappointed this year. I think this year we will have more than enough.  After all, it's not even Thanksgiving yet.  That's quite unusual around here.

When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm growing old. 

Lady Bird Johnson

There is still know word as to when my subway will be off and running.  Most of them are already up now, so I am assuming that it must have sustained some severe damage. They are not telling us anything, so all I can do is venture a guess.  I am trying not to let this get me down.  Instead I am looking at the bright side of things and go along with the flow. At least I am learning new ways to travel, and I have met some very nice people. It seems that every day I meet somebody new...stranger reaching out to stranger. On normal days, everyone remains in their own world on subways.  Perhaps making pleasant conversation with a stranger is everyone's way of coping.  I love it.

I wonder what they are,
These pretty, wayward things,
That o'er the gloomy earth
The wind of heaven flings.

Each one a tiny star,
And each a perfect gem;
What magic in the art
That thus has fashioned them.

What beauty in the flake
That falls upon my hand;
And yet this tiny thing
My will cannot command.

No two are just alike,
And yet they are the same;
I wonder if my thought
Could give to each a name.

Unlike the fragile flowers
That love the sun's warm rays,
These snow-flakes love the cold,
And die on sunny days!

So dainty and so pure,
How beautiful they are;
And yet the slightest touch
Their purity may mar.

They must be gazed upon,
Not handled or caressed;
And thus we hold afar
The things we love the best.


By Fannie Isabelle Sherrick

5 comments:

  1. My thoughts flew to you and others in your area when I heard this storm was approaching.
    Reluctantly...I agree that the East Coast is in for a bad winter. While I'm out of that area at the moment, I shall have to return.
    Hope these next two days fly by so you can have your cherished weekend to re-coup.
    (((hugs)))Pat

    ReplyDelete
  2. We got hammered with a snowstorm here yesterday too. Hellooooooo winter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It lightly showered snow here on Election Day Mary...just spitting it now and then but nothing major. Hopefully you all won't have much to contend with!!!

    When I think of the Eastern Seaboard and all they have been through, all I can think of is it's a time for humanity to realize we are all in this together, we are all affected in one way or another by what has taken place, so hands reaching out to another to hold in prayer or a lifting up, is such a moment of grace...for this I am deeply thankful. Most especially for the person who stopped that van this morning to see if you needed a ride!
    (((Sending You Big Hugs Mary)))
    xoxoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't imagine how scared so many people are right now where you live. It seems unfair and yet doesn't have any wrong's or right's sometimes. Living here in So. Cal where it's been sunny, I have no idea what it would be like to first have such a horrific storm as Sandy and then a Nor'easter. Stay warm and I'm glad that people are pulling together for the most part. Everyone needs this, esp. now.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Mary.....I can only imagine how inconvenient you situation is right now....but you know....one amazing thing about this is just as you said....people reaching out to help others...and I might also add....a few people who are really being creative in this situation...I think it is great someone with a van is offering rides for 3 bucks a head. How inventive is that??

    Hang in there,

    Jo

    ReplyDelete