We moved to the snow belt this summer. Not naively mind, but it’s still been a banner year in this regard. The snow mounds at the bottom of the driveway are reaching shoulder height. The dog has to spin in circles to flatten the snow to go to the bathroom because it’s half-way up her chest. My boots that seemed ridiculous in the city are now about 4 inches short of useful without a shovel in front. A beauty difficult to convey, it’s magical to just watch it fall. I haven’t seen this kind of a winter in years. The city had a couple of storms annually to speak of, but it snows daily, we shovel daily, and somehow more comes again. 

I’ve always been far more in awe of nature over man. While our obtuseness is borne of intentional contrarianism we could choose to change, the mysteries of nature are gloriously nebulous and some will always remain so. I can watch the outdoors for hours, especially inclement weather. Sometimes I yearn to know less explanation, to experience more of the natural world and what lays beyond with wonder alone. To exalt, not just demystify and extract. 

No one who truly wants to know is worried about forming an explanation. They’re quietly observing and pondering patterns and consistencies while knowing any attempts at extrapolation is folly.

Did I mention how much quieter it is here? The snow somehow dampens it even more. I enjoy my morning walk with the dog. I’m not much of a machine of industry and progress after all.

I’m simply passing by (through?).