Tuesday, November 1, 2011

It kindles my spirit.

With a sheet of snow on the ground and sunsets that grow earlier each day it can be said that winter has officially taken hold. Outside smells like an icy, crisp heaven; the air is so fresh. In a strange way it feels like starting again. I know that is what spring is for but growing up in Alaska I have always felt that winter marks the beginning of Alaska's beauty. October is dead and ugly. Once the leaves fall from the trees it is essentially a waiting game for the flakes to fall and once they do a lifeless Alaska transforms into a vibrant (if freezing) paradise with expanses of land that beg for adventure.

There is nothing better than playing in the outside all day and coming inside when the sun begins to fail to down some hot coco and play Phase 10 with family or friends. Or how on a clear night away from the city I can see every star in the sky winking from millions of miles away.

The clarity surprises me while the cold embraces me and I cannot wish for anything more than that moment, this life, and a silence that is alive with energy.

I can see my breath on the silent night and the reverence I feel almost takes it away. I close my eyes against a world that is lit by the moon's reflection on the snow. I stay there for a moment sunk into a bank of powder. The world sparkles and there is simply no help for this Alaskan because as my eyes open again I see a land that is so beautiful and contrary that I would never be able to stop calling it home.


(Please someone remind me of this when it snows at the end of April!!!)
But until then; happy winter! Get out and enjoy Alaska!

Sara

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