We are privileged to enjoy four seasons, each with it's own unique characteristics. Winter, January, cold and snow are all synonymous here in Pennsylvania. For that very reason, each person seems to have their mind made up about their least favorite season.
Winter offers many opportunites that no other season gives to us. A drive to your favorite nature spot, or to somewhere new, may change your mind about which season is really your favorite time of year. A cold winter and all the beauty it offers may just warm your heart enough that you want to celebrate life.
For some people, January winter days encourage us to stay indoors. Whether your a winter person or not, there are some days that Mother Nature seems to push us inside. On those very days, there may be a nice surprise waiting outdoors. The first day of this new year was just one of those days.
Away from the city, pristine white acres of new fallen snow reach across the landscape. High mountains, forests, trees, flat farmland and stream banks all appear undisturbed. There is not another soul around. No cars are seen or heard, no ATV's, no snowmobiles - alone with just nature. All senses are on overload. Cold nose, toes and fingers.
Tracks from a lone deer can be easily followed through six inches of snow. A hawk soars overhead. Ice cracks on the lake below. Water is rushing down the side of the mountain through a small rock strewn culvert. The noise from the moving water is loud and powerful. Songs from a few Chickadees are nearer and noisy. Close by animals left a circle of tracks on the ground. Maybe squirrels rooted below the snow till they reached some leaf litter. Hungry no doubt.
Suddenly, a peaceful, gentle quietness unlike any other overtook the moment and held. This must be divine! This is living. Nature has done this before. Outdoors surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife to be caught totally unaware and inspired with some essential lesson in life. It is always a surprise. Never forgotten. Nature is like that.
It's Winter, we're alive, and it's a time to celebrate life.
May nature help you celebrate life this New Year!
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