Snow Day

 
Remember yearning for a snow day as a child, hoping and praying when you woke up the ground would be white and school would be closed?  Maybe there would be even more than one day off to build a snowman or a snowhorse, and maybe a chance to dig out the old sled to take down the steepest hill.  Growing up on the Oregon Coast, we didn’t have many snow days, however, funny thing is, the wishing and praying for one remains: a wish to take a break from life’s routines.  Ahhhhh, a SNOW DAY!
 
School closed, meetings cancelled, games rescheduled and travel not recommended.  Outside the landscape in Winter’s pristine, sparkling blanket covers completely, muffling most sound.  And the to-do list?  Shoved to the wayside for at least a day (or two or three) while the snow day commences.
 
You see, with me this day is much more than the stark, white blanket covering---it’s mostly a time-out from the busyness of life-a time to watch the snow pile up. My friend shared Maria Popova/s blog “Brain Pickings” with me last week with a quote from Jane Kenyon, poet, (1947-1995), when she was giving advice on writing and living well:  “Be a good steward of your gifts.  Protect your time.  Feed your inner life.  Avoid too much noise.  Read good books, have good sentences in your ears.  Be by yourself as often as you can.  Walk.  Take the phone off the hook.  Work regular hours.”
 
Remember to keep some snow days on your calendar for sure in February.  Maybe March, but even in August!!!
 
By Cindy Gardner