SNOW provokes RESPONSES that reach back to CHILDHOOD...

-Andy Goldsworthy

This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,

Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;

True man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,

And lightens every load.

-from the hymn "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" by Theodore Baker

"... powdered sugar sifts over the yard in slow motion, hushed as thought. Bare trees resemble cinnamon sticks... Oh, the smell of fresh baked walls! We frosted its pungent roof with white, until vanilla icicles dribbled from eaves onto gumdrop bushes and bottlebrush trees."

-Diane Ackerman

The first real snow of the season descended upon Columbus Circle today. And it turned the landscape beautifully surreal. Like we were suddenly trapped inside a giant snow globe. The weather was a good excuse to stay in and read books by the Christmas tree, finish decorating the sugar cookies and eat homemade turkey and root vegetable soup. I did get out for a little bit though. I can never resist walking the completely silent, desolate streets during a snowstorm. Nothing else makes you feel quite so brave or adventurous as being out when no one else is. I hope you all enjoy walking in your own "winter wonderlands" this coming weekend.

Part 2...

(I know the last photo isn't exactly sticking with the Christmas theme. But I couldn't not include a photo of the beautiful piano my husband has waited 7 long years to buy me. Looks right at home doesn't it? Sounds at home, too. Plus trust me when I say there has been no shortage of Christmas carols heard coming from it.)

Christmas...

Columbus Circle style