Snow Globe

I loved snow globes as a kid.  I’d shake them furiously in hopes that the snow wouldn't cease falling on the magical world inside while wishing I could transport myself into the winter wonderland that I held in the palm of my hand.  

Instead, I was in the Bronx.  

I spent the first 7 years of my childhood there and the most vivid memories I have are of the playgrounds enclosed with chain link fencing and flooring made of interlocking rubber mats, and the Michelin Man suit my mom made me wear in the snow.

I do love the snow.  It glistens in the sun.  It adorns trees and roofs like icing.  It’s peaceful the way it gracefully falls to the ground.  And, you can form it into a ball and throw it at people which is fun.

It’s the cold I dislike.  While I don’t enjoy 118 degree temps in the Valley, I can handle it far better than 20 degree weather in the high country.  

But this weekend I made an exception and decided to stay through the snow storm predicted for Happy Jack.  And, I’m glad I did.   

I haven’t been around snow since the early 90’s when my then husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary at Lake Tahoe.  We rented a cute cabin and built a snow man on our first night.   Our work was commendable and as proud snowman builders we were anxious to head back indoors to celebrate our accomplishments with a warm meal.   That’s when we realized we locked ourselves outside.  We had no other option than to break a window to regain entry.  That was an expensive snowman.

Fast forward to 2018.  When I awoke this morning, the thought of seeing snow again reminded me of how I felt as a kid on Christmas morning.  I was ecstatic!  The second I saw snow flurries I ran outside with the dogs in tow.  I snapped dozens upon dozens of photos only to realize that the better pictures are of the snow when it starts sticking to the ground...only to realize that the even better pictures occur when there is even more snow sticking to the ground...and so on and so forth.

That went on all day.  My Face Book feed is proof.

I didn’t spend any winter days here in the three years I’ve owned the cabin.  I loved the summertime - spending every minute outdoors, napping on the couch on the deck, reading, journaling, watching my dogs keep a look out for squirrels and rabbits...spending time with friends on RZR rides and at BBQ’s.  I don’t regret not having spent time here in the winter.  I know myself too well.  After the first full day of being cooped up inside, I would have longed to be back in the valley riding my motorcycle, rock climbing and being warmer.  

But it’s fitting that a new experience would be the book end to cabin ownership.  It was a new experience having first purchased it and it feels like I’ve come full circle.  Every moment of today has felt like a gift.  There were more elk grazing across the street than I have ever seen here.   I enjoyed watching my dogs jump and play in the snow for the first time.   I threw snowballs at trees since there were no people around but still enjoyed every minute of it.  I walked around in the snow just to hear the crunch of it beneath my boots.  I noticed the way it weighed down the pine needles on the trees, how it collected differently in some areas depending upon the obstacles it had during its descent, and how vastly different the overall landscape was compared to all the summer days I've spent here.

More snow fell today than tears though there were quite a few of those.  I think that’s normal, given what this place has meant to me over the years and all the memories it holds.  But, like my 14th St house, as hard as it was saying good bye, I know in my heart it’s time. 

And I know it’ll be in good hands  - the future owners and their family will enjoy it as much as I have. Perhaps they’ll even use the cabin in the winter.  If that’s the case, I hope the snow doesn’t cease to fall on this magical place.  May it be for them the beautiful winter wonderland that I’ll hold in my heart and mind for years to come.  

It's the most precious snow globe I have ever owned.