Winter's Snowflakes

Wind, darkness, frigid temperatures and icy windshields are a typical start to my morning routine of leaving for work before the sun has rolled out of bed. When I think of winter, I feel the coldness creep into my bones. It's the summer sun, long days and dry, warm trails that I live for. Winter is about just making the best of it. And so, I do my best. Carving through a silent, powdery forest on my snowboard; walking the trail in our backyard with the dogs; dozing off in front of the woodstove--these moments of pure peace are the snowflakes glittering in the cold abyss of a moonlit night sky. In gratitude, I open my mouth and let them melt on my tongue, one by one.