Monday, February 7, 2011

Winter, beauty or beast?


A few months ago I stood on the opposite side of this hill and photographed the breathtakingly beautiful autumn leaves on these very trees, scarlet as a queen’s velvet cape, red as a new tricycle, yellow as Goldilock’s mane, golden as a ripe squash, orange as a goofy-grinning Jack-o-lantern. The chilled air crept under my jacket, slid up my sleeve and tapped my shoulder, a gentle reminder of winter’s impending wrath.

Yesterday, these trees were as astounding in their bareness as they were in their fall cloak. The hillside reminds me of the few weeks we have yet to climb to get over the hump, to reach the apex, to glimpse tiny buds at the tip of a branch, confirmation of the promise of new life, a renewal of my spirit that has been whitewashed by winter.

The unwrinkled snow blanket will give way to a lumpy emerald carpet plugged with sprigs of lilacs and an unruly patch of daffodils. The sky will retain its blue bonnet, and the billowy clouds will catch and release raindrops to enrich the earth and keep the seasons cycling.

I will peel off my layers, unburden my cares, inhale a tease of spring air, complain about rain and anxiously wrap myself in summer’s arms.

The white stuff is affecting my gray matter and making my mood blue. How about you?

15 comments:

Bookie said...

So far, not too blue, but it is coming I am a sure. More snow forecast for tomorrow. This in between time is hard. I am better while it is dumping, snow falling,than when streets are lumpy, meetings aren't canceled but could be. Mail is coming but I think the mailman is carrying only partial loads.(Reminds me, did you get my envelope?)No school here again today...are you having school?

Susan said...

Hello Linda...I love this post. You should submit it somewhere. It's great and the photo is astounding. Susan

Barb Hodges said...

Linda, your descriptions are very appealing. I felt like I was there with you. You could even leave out the last line. I think the white stuff gave you the inspiration and appreciation for the changing seasons. And you can smile, knowing that a change will come. Just a thought.

Donna Volkenannt said...

Lovely and thought-provoking post, Linda.
I agree with Susan; you should submit and have it published.
As far as how all the snow and cold weather is affecting my mood--last week I felt penned in and was grateful when I was able to get outside and see the sun.
Donna

Chatty Crone said...

I have to agree with you and I don't have near that much white stuff to bother my gray stuff - but I am ready for it to be over.
sandie

Julia Gordon-Bramer said...

This language is too beautiful to be reflecting any blue, Linda.

But yes, I'm blue too. Dying for warmth on my skin and a yellowy glare in my eyes.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Lovely flow of words!

Winter will soon fly in the face of spring, and since I turned 50 last year and better understand the value of time, I'm willing to wait for it! LOL

Linda O'Connell said...

My wonderful friends,
Thank you for your assist. Your comments are like an arm to lean on when I'm crossing an icy patch.

Anonymous said...

You certainly know how to write, beautiful.

I am getting tired of the white stuff, but not near feeling blue. Constant rain, now that can make me blue. For now counting down until Spring, I believe we are at 43 days.

Happy day to you!

Karen Lange said...

Love the photo! As much as I enjoy snow, I am a bit weary of it. Don't mind the cold so much, though. Spring will come. It always does:)

Linda O'Connell said...

Hi Carol,
Thanks for the compliment. It is snowing again. The last time they predicted an inch or less, we received five. They are calling for high 40s this weekend. Yay!

Linda O'Connell said...

Karen,
Oh yes, spring will come. It was never one of my favorite seasons because I don't care for steady rain, but about five years ago, I realized how incredibly beautiful everything looks in its rebirth. Thanks for stopping by.

Lynn said...

You sure have a beautiful way with words.

Linda O'Connell said...

Lynn,
Thank you soooo much. I think you do also.

Beth M. Wood said...

Beautiful Linda.