As I am writing the snow is coming down outside the coffee shop window that I am perched behind.  New York City is under a winter storm warning with accumulations of 14 inches of snowfall predicted.  I am ecstatic.  I love snow, I do.  I love everything about it.  This sentiment, I’ve learned, to my utter bewilderment, is not so popular.  Well, to those whom despise this amazing act of Mother Nature, this artistic miracle she only occasionally surprises us with during one season, I guess this entry will not be your favorite, because I am about to unleash my unabashed adoration for snow – glorious. Snow.

Of course I wandered to my sweet home Indiana for the holiday season.  My step-father retrieved me from the airport just after sunset.  My heart swelled with happiness as I watched rolling fields of white passing outside my window, remnants of a recent, decent snowfall.  As we neared my neighborhood, the outside glowed a brilliant blue – snow under twilight – I die.  It never ceases to amaze me also, how quiet the world goes outside of NYC.  I can’t get enough.  Don’t get me wrong, I love New York, friends, but a gal from the country has gots to get out from time to time!  All around me was still and snow-covered and silent.  My goodness, was it wonderful to be home.

Christmas came and went with no more of the sweet stuff falling from the sky, which was a huge bummer as my darling little nieces were in from Atlanta, and we couldn’t even provide them a sledding session or a snowman building.  Big time bummer.  My boyfriend drove from his home in Denver to Indiana in order to spend my New Year’s birthday with me and my family, so sweet, and the plan was to pull out and head back to the Big Apple on the 2nd.  It is never easy for me to leave, never, and the weather looked promising.  My birthday wish: more time, and my dear friends, it was granted!  We awoke to a world transformed!  Outside my bedroom window was all white, all enchantment – untouched and perfectly pristine.  Bliss.  No way were we going to embark on a thirteen hour journey going 15 MPH in the fresh six inches.  I WIN!

After shoveling my parents driveway, I grabbed my camera and we trudged out onto the golf course across the street.  The snow was still really coming down, and out there in the white open fairways I was entranced. Atop a dam that borders a lake we looked out in complete awe.  Dear reader, I was nowhere near the Swiss Alps, but the beauty before me left me speechless.  I knew what we had to do.

We jumped in the Envoy and it’s four wheel drive delivered us into the most breath-taking winter wonderland adventure.  We took to the backroads and found our way into the Morgan-Monroe State Forest.  If you’ve read my first blog, you know exactly where I’m speaking of.  My personal heaven.  As far as the eye could see were snow drenched trees careening down ridges, climbing hilltops – beautifully white canopied forest floor.  I swore I was going to win awards with the pictures that I was taking every five seconds jumping out of the car to try and capture the unspeakable artistry.  And as the soft focus of the afternoon light faded to silvery blue, the woods were illuminated.  My camera’s battery had died, but there is something about the cold, the brisk, crisp air that makes one feel so very much alive.  By nightfall, though, my fingers and toes had gone numb and it was time to take my guy to a local watering hole and have ourselves a whiskey.  A whiskey loving wino, the brown stuff may very well be my second favorite thing about winter.  While saddled up to the bar, we learned that the storm was headed straight for our beloved city, and well, we might as well stay on another day.  Once again, I WIN!

We spent another gifted day taking it easy and enjoying a slower-paced life, but sadly it was time to return to reality before the next storm dumped more snow than Indiana had seen in a very long time.  You can imagine how hard it was for me to miss this, and so, kicking and screaming, we hit the road back to the big city.  I cannot tell you how much it broke my heart to see the photos on Facebook of the most epic winter white dripping canvas I have ever!  Exaggerated sigh…

I made my boyfriend promise me a snowstorm in the city.  And, here it is, and let me say, I have spent this entire day watching it make it’s miraculous journey from the sky down to a city that rarely operates on a speed less than lightning, but has been forced by The All Powerful Mama, to ease up and snow down.  And so here I am, with my glass of St. Helena Cabernet, with its full body warming mine, finishing up my little snow story for you.  I do get it – as adults we hear the word and immediately think – inconvenience!  Well, I sincerely hope that I forever remain an 8 yr old child when it comes to winter and its blessings (in mine eyes), but perhaps we all just take the hint.  Maybe we are not meant to always be going full speed ahead.  This snow is merely telling you to slow down, watch your step, take care!  Maybe then, while taking your time, you will have the opportunity to also take notice of just how magical this precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that falls from the clouds, truly is.  My perception is a romantic one (I am aware that most of them are) and I am certain you shall see, but I find life much more inspiring this way, right?  

Cheers,

Vino Bambina

* Chasing Lions Cabernet Sauvignon pairs so very well with snowy evenings with its silky tannins and rich flavors of mocha, blackberries, and toasted oak.  From the prestigious Stags Leap District in Napa Valley, this lovely gem commands  a gentler price than most of its comrades, coming it at around $20.  I can be such a Cab snob and only buy from Bordeaux, but folks, when its crazy cold outside and you are settled in your very own version of a snow globe, there is nothing quite like the comfort of a tall, dark, and handsome Californian in your glass.