"Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood." – Andy Goldsworthy

We were treated this past weekend to winter’s wondrous magic.

In contrast to last weekend’s ice – persistent, sharp, and affixed to everything it touched, the snow we just experienced painted the landscape a beautiful soft, pillowy white and brought with it a serene and transcendent wintery scene that quieted our world for a bit.

It awakens our senses. The world is suddenly quieter, allowing us to notice much more. The cold air and snowflakes on our skin, breathing in chilly, fresh air perhaps only scented by wood burning in a fireplace, bright and beautiful to our eyes as the snow is lit by the moonlight and the morning sun. And for me, the memory of the taste of snow cream – a simple childhood delicacy only available when nature delivered us its most important ingredient fluffy and pure snow, ready to be transformed with milk, vanilla and sugar. Pure heaven!

I hope you all found moments of peace, quiet reflection as well as joy and laughter in the winter wonderland that nature so kindly shared with us. It gave me moments to feel an even greater sense of gratitude for you all, the friendship we share and your hearts. Thank you for your selfless ability to serve others and your continued vision that makes our community and our world a kinder, better, more peaceful place that offers our neighbors – near and far, a more gentle and promising childhood and future.

Stay warm and cozy and I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Warmest Regards,

Trudie