First Snow

We went from a sunny day in the 60’s yesterday to snow today! It’s SNOWING! Although it shows no signs of sticking much or hanging around, I have to admit it makes me a little nervous. It’s such an interesting thing that, although I live where we have snow all winter and this is my third season, I still get edgy at this beginning. I know I’ll get used to all the changes the snow will bring: Shoveling, getting my road plowed and driving in it. It’s nothing, really.

But I think there’s some sort of built in primal concern that comes with winter. To our ancestors, eons ago, and even those in our more recent history, winter could spell hardship at least or even death, depending on its severity and the circumstances. It can make normal everyday tasks more challenging and, once again, it requires that we become more conscious.

This snow comes while I’m in the midst of some adjustments myself, as I’m finding my everyday life is taking more time and effort. I broke my ankle a few nights ago and tore up my hand. It really threw me for a loop and now there’s this snow. But the fact is, I have nothing to fear. I’m being taken care of. That’s an amazing statement for me to make because, all my life, I’ve resisted help. I’ve told myself I don’t need anybody else, that I can and MUST do it all myself. Even when I was recovering from hemorrhaging I managed alone and believed it was the only way.

But that’s not possible in this beautiful, intimate, little village where I’ve landed. I haven’t had to call anyone. It’s simply known that I’m hurt and people are showing up: Barbara brought roasted chicken and vegetables, Anna brought tequila, Bill sent bandages, Sharon made soup, Margaret cleaned my wound and changed the bandage, Craig brought a walking stick and ran errands (he also took me to the hospital in Santa Fe that night). People are emailing and calling, asking what I need. Julie’s walking Kelee, Trish offered to do whatever I need around the house, Jessie brought kindling. It’s a revelation for me to allow others to help—yet another lesson the universe is offering through joy instead of sorrow.

So winter is at my doorstep when I was already feeling a little vulnerable. But there’s a fire in the wood heater, food warming in the oven and friends who care. I think I’ll just let go and enjoy this change of season in the warmth and comfort of this country place I call home.

I’ve chosen some photos from last winter to remind myself that it will be beautiful again this year and to celebrate winter’s coming: