Walz of the snowflakes.

As I lay on the couch sick and bundled up in my quilt, I can not help but feel a hint of excitement. Thanksgiving has left with the wind and the winter solstice will be approaching. Soon the yule logs will be lit and the fire will dance in merriment to keep us warm. Snow will paint the forest with its beauty. The woodland creatures will disappear into their cozy homes until the spring. Aromas of balsam fir will fill my home and I will be at my most happy moment in the seasons. This is what I wait impatiently for all year long! I become a little winter solstice queen, excited for what nature has provided me with.The winter may seem bleak and dull to most people, but not me. I find the winter to hold the most beauty. The air seems clear to me and holds a stillness like no other season. The scent of fireplaces burning wood gives a warmth to the coldness that lingers outside. When it finally snows, the full beauty of winter has arrived.  My snowshoes come out and I walk the white painted forest, enjoying all the snow I can. It seems so peaceful out in the woods during this season. Everything seems so quiet, except for the occasional whisper in the wind. Snow is not my only favorite part of winter though. There is one tradition that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is the nutcracker ballet. As a little girl, my grandmother would take me to see this wonderful production. The music was soothing and the dancing was magical. I always dreamed that I was a sugarplum fairy(sometimes I still do!). Then the walz of the snowflakes made its appearance. Dancing about like a winter storm announcing to me that it was finally winter. I do not always get the chance to see the live performance these days, but I am lucky enough to watch it on tv. So, as I lay here sick on the couch watching the nutcracker, I eagerly wait for the magic of winter.