let it snow

i went to bed last night a bit surprised at the weather forecast for today: flurries. *pfffft* no way! it didn't seem that cold, it didn't seem that cloudy and frankly, it seemed a bit too early. i woke this morning looking out at a grey sky laughing to myself that the weather guy got it wrong. again. but my bed is on the floor and i look up out the window when i'm lying there. when i finally sat up (a few groggy minutes later) i sighed and thought "well, i guess i'm taking the metro today".

snow! wonderful, white fluffy snow. i know i will be eating my words in a few months (weeks?) because i'll be so over snow and cold and canadian winter but for now, i'm going to appreciate it. there is something particularly magical about the first snowfall. the first real snowfall. snow that stays more then a few hours. snow that coats the city in pure, pristine whiteness. snow that muffles all the sounds but crunches under your feet. snowflakes that get caught up in your lashes and on the hair peeking out your tuque. snow that makes you wish you were still 12yrs old and had snow days (not that you ever got them such a small amount of snow, but whatever). snow that makes you realize winter is here but you know, you don't actually hate it. yet.

i looked out my window this morning and saw all the naked trees gratefully accepting a winter coating of fluff to make them feel special again. i saw the dead-looking lawns become sparkling white squares. i went outside and walked by (on) frozen puddles (who can resist cracking that ice? no one! no one i say!) i saw other folk bundled up in their scarves and mitts.  i felt my cheeks get rosy. i felt like i got to experience the first snowfall for the first time again. and it was lovely.

when i moved back to montreal in feb, i felt kind of ripped off. i left the balmy gold coast of australia and was thrown in to the worst winter storm of the season. i didn't get a chance to really appreciate winter. i froze, i cursed and i was downright upset. i couldn't go enjoy all my favourite snowsports (there was some issue of a stress fracture in my foot...). there was grey, dirty slush everywhere. i just wanted winter to end and spring to get going. but now it feels different. it feels like winter is slowly creeping up on me, step by step (ooh baby...), presenting itself to me and asking for my permission to be accepted. and so far, i approve.

hello winter. long time no see.
xo