Snowlight

Finding glimmers of light and warmth.

Getting up by soft lamplight in the 5:00AM November dark is a pleasure I try not to miss. As I move through the dark house this morning there is snowlight to illuminate the way and I almost hate to light the candles and turn on the little lamps in the kitchen as I usually do. Nine inches of new snowfall will brighten up the world almost magically and the views from the dark within to the snowlight outside are positively charming.

Yesterday’s first measurable snow of the season now covers grass that was still green in some places. We’ve gone from a warm autumn to heavy frosts to snow in the space of just a week or two; the oak trees and the silver maple near the house are still waving leaves about in the mighty winds that have blown our way this week, but those too will fall soon. Just a peek outside this morning harbors no doubt that winter has arrived.

Finding glimmers of stillness in each day has become nearly as important to me as finding glimmers of beauty and I hold them close. With the hustle of the upcoming holidays, every moment of quiet light is cherished and is the reason for a simpler holiday season at The Farmhouse this year. Perhaps I’ll make a little journal today to log snowlight and glimmers for each day in December.

I’ll make another cup of tea now and switch off the little lamps so I can watch the snowlight outdoors by candlelight indoors - a beautiful way to start this day.