It was a gentle night.. softly falling snow, the air otherwise still. The dogs, Roland and I were the only movement on our street except for the twinkling of the many outdoor Christmas lights. Looking up at the streetlights, we could see and then feel the quiet cascade of snow flakes falling from the sky.. the crunch of our boots and the jingle of the dog leashes the only noise.
After the hustle and bustle of the past few weeks I could feel my body relax in a quiet contented sigh. In spite of all my complaints in and about this time of year.. it is nights and times like this that leave me in awe of the beauty that is winter.
After we returned from our walk, Roland and Coco entered the warmth of the house. Sadie and I stayed outside. I looked about for something to do. I wasn’t ready to give up this peaceful feeling I found myself unexpectedly wrapped up in.
Sadie, simply happy to be outdoors, hightailed it to the back yard. I aimlessly followed her stopping to sweep the soft pile of snow from the cedar seat between the two planters at the edge of the patio.
I wandered about the back.. it seemed almost magical .. the edges of the trees and the buildings blended and softened by the bit of light reflecting off the snow… no moon was visible.. just city light I supposed.
I dusted off the bird and squirrel feeder and glanced about for some other reason to stay where I was. Sadie needed no excuse. She was having a grand time playing and digging in the snow, her stubby tail practically vibrating with delight.
Smiling, I walked to the cedar bench, cleared away a path to make room for my feet and had a seat. Here I was, in the middle of winter, at night, sitting out in my back yard, laughing at my goofy dog and feeling oh so good.
Sadie, only rear-end visible, all of a sudden lifted her head from the cavern she had made in the drift. Head high and prancing, she came over to show me her find… a bright red ball.
Yay.. one of the many already lost to the snow this year.
“Way to go girl,” I said as I hugged her neck and rubbed her wriggling back.
Happily we both headed back to the house, Sadie proudly carrying her newly found red ball and me feeling much the lighter simply from having lived the moment.
When I was still working there were many winter nights that I had to go in at 3 o’clock in the morning. The stillness, the moonlight on the sparkling snow, the alone-ness of being the only person out on the roads at that time of the morning was indeed calming yet enervating.
That being said, I’m going to be celebrating New Year’s in short sleeves tonight in Florida. Have the very best of New Years, Coll.
You have a wonderful way of enjoying the moments that life affords — moments that many would overlook. Happy New Year!
What a lovely moment. thanks for sharing.
We have one more holiday activity – and that’s a dinner for 6 tonight. And then – maybe a little uncommitted time. I’m looking forward to the dinner, and even more, to the next day.
Have a wonderful new year!
I can just see you there with Sadie. You have painted a lovely picture of your evening. Thank you.
Just reading your post relaxed me! Thank you for sharing that, and I’m glad Sadie found her ball.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!
We wish you a Happy New Year! May all your wishes come true in 2008!
Just visiting your blog makes me feel like I’ve taken a rest somewhere peaceful. Thanks for letting me join you!
Mom and mother in law: so loves the lievbords: Great scenery back ground, not to forget the smiles: Darren and Lindsay you both look so happy ,winter scene suites you both:
Hi Colleen: I dropped by your blog this evening. Your writing is beautiful. Many years ago, you stopped by a webpage that my sister and I had set up and left a comment. I stumbled upon this old webpage as I was cleaning the computer out today. There was your kind comment to two old sisters struggling to stay “with it.” We’re still at it! How did it get so late so soon? Thanks for sharing your lovely thoughts.
Hi there! Found you on BlogRush and thought I’d say hi. Your blog is very attractive, and your writing is beautiful. I’ll be adding you to my blog roll :) Keep in touch! Cheers, Radio Matthew.
Beautiful. It’s always the simple things that means the most to the heart.
I love cool crisp clear nights with a full moon, but i also love those gentle snowfall nights too. We’re in a real cold snap here (My cats refuse to go out!)and then by Mon. it’s to be 13C!! So crazy!
You DO have a wonderful way of writing about those moments of grace. Beautiful post Coll :)
And way to go Sadie!
I love it when I find one of my favorite toy buried in the snow, makes me feel like it’s Christmas all over again. What a great post – thanks for your wonderful writing!
Woofs, Johann
This was a beautiful post…I felt like I was there with you. I wish we had some snow…it would make the cold bearable for at least a little while just to have the magical wonderland that seems to come with it. How sweet that Sadie was so proud to find her little red ball!
A beautiful post – nice to sometimes just sit and enjoy for a few minutes more.
I remember sitting out in the snow on nights like that. Thanks to your beautiful post, those nights whispered to me from the past.