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When Searching for the Calm & Quiet

Snow falls heavy, quiet.

The red pines shoulder more of the burden and sink low, acquiescing. Emerald arbor vitaes shudder slightly in the cold, winter snows settling deeper in their cracks and crevices. Tiny trikes disappear into deck drifts, and a wee man’s steps already erode away.

Swings sway gentle in the breeze, and flakes tumble incessantly. Storm warning advisories cancel all afternoon activities, and the snow continues to fall, stacking from six inches to potentially eight or fifteen. My raspberries sleep in straw beds, covered in deep white drifts, and the flakes continue to fall.

Surrendering to the weight, clumps of snow suddenly careen off red pines and the rigor mortis fir, slipping to the white below.

In the silence, beauty falls. The Artist’s extravagant strokes sweep wide, and the world stops to ponder, peering long from cozy kitchen windows, or from behind fogged up windshields, stopped at a light.

Snow falls heavy, quiet.

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14 Comments

  1. Peggy on December 9, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    You capture the picture and artist perfectly…

    We also have millions of intricate snowflakes adhered to the window making a picture of their own! What beauty that surrounds us!

  2. Brian Miller on December 9, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    i am jealous…smiles….i so want snow!!!!!!! i want the hush it brings…i want to sled, and snowball fight and snow angel…it makes the world so fresh as well…

  3. Wise Hearted on December 10, 2012 at 1:20 am

    Jennifer I love the snow especailly if I have a ton of books to read and some good soup cooking on the stove. I could hear the quietness in your post..good one. My son in law is from Blackduck, Mn. they have tons of snow too..

    Thanks for stopping by with your snow…if you get a chance read the post before Christmas In The Jungle…there is a film clip on it you will especailly like with your evangelistic heart. Blessings

  4. Unknown on December 10, 2012 at 3:05 am

    I am living through your snow experience! I miss snow having grown up in northern IL. Every once in awhile we get a little in TN, and it shuts the whole place down, lol (even a little dusting does).

  5. Alecia Simersky on December 11, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    Having just moved from Iowa, I didn't think I would miss the snow, but here I am wishing for it. Here in TX it's sunny and 54 degree, which I guess is cold for this neck of the woods, but snow feels more like Christmas. Never thought those words would come out of my mouth!!

  6. Cheryl Barker on December 12, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    Love the phrase "beauty falls". What a great way to describe a snowfall, Jennifer!

  7. AmyAlves on December 13, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    Beautiful. I'm still waiting for our first big storm to come through. God is so good to give us different seasons to see and be a part of. ~ Love out from Maine, Amy

  8. Jennifer Dougan on December 14, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    Thank you, Peggy! The snow has been breathtaking.

    Thanks for stopping by.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  9. Jennifer Dougan on December 14, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    Brian, you would have loved the shoveled-out tunnels and forts my kids have been making. 🙂 May snow descend on your home soon too.

    And that hush, ahhh, one of my favorite things about it too.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  10. Jennifer Dougan on December 14, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    Betty,

    Hot soup simmering on the stove, a few good books at the couch…. sounds delightful.

    Thanks for stopping by my snowy afternoon,
    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  11. Jennifer Dougan on December 14, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Lori,

    My brother says the same thing about the rare snowfalls that happen for him out of state. I visited TN once and loved the tall trees, the bears, and the warmth.

    Have a great week,
    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  12. Jennifer Dougan on December 14, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    Alecia,

    Texas sunshine will sound lovely to me come January and February! Right now, I agree, I'm savoring the new snowfalls.

    Thanks for stopping by here,
    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  13. Jennifer Dougan on December 14, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    Thank you, Cheryl.

    Have a lovely afternoon, friend.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  14. Jennifer Dougan on December 14, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    Thanks, Amy. Hoping for a snow storm for you shortly. 🙂

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

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