Get Outdoors

Despite what people think, I am not buried in snow 9 months of the year. I live on the West Coast, what I commonly refer to as the Best Coast. For those who are geographically challenged, I am just above the state of Washington (think Seattle), and our weather is quite similar. During the winter season, it can get cold, but it is December 5th today and we have no snow. We do, however, have rain.

When it starts to get chilly, it is only natural to withdraw inside. Like a bear, I too enjoy hibernation. Unfortunately, the job and living life gets in the way of sleeping a season away. But am I the only one who relishes the thought of gorging on food, then sleeping for four months?

Now, I don't like snow, but I love the freshness in the air when Winter arrives. Cold nipping at your cheeks. While it is detrimental to my fingers to spend excessive amounts of time outside, there are a few adventures I love having. The number one is going to the beach when it is chilly. No one is there and the waves always seem more wild. Walking in the rain is another favourite. It's almost as though you can hear the trees exhale in appreciation.

Once the snow does arrive, I will build snow creatures. Last year, the Sidekick and I built a octsnowpus. It was magical. And there is something soothing about the sound of snow crunching under one's boots. This year, I have a new pair of gumboots and I am excited to give them a go.

On the other hand, I loathe driving in the snow. It freaks me out. And that is why I dread it. Also, when the white snow turns to slush, it makes the world look dirtier.

This Isn't Really A Christmas Movie

Day two in my December blogging challenge!

A movie with snow in it.

This isn't a Christmas movie, but I have to go with Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince because it's the first one to pop into my head. Sure, people wouldn't consider it a holiday classic, especially when they find out the only reason I thought of it was due to the creepiest part of the movie. You know, when Katie Bell touches the opal necklace and in jerked around in the snow, then suspended in the air, screaming. It's pretty much the most traumatizing part of all the movies.

It's snowing n that scene.

Most of the Harry Potter movies have a Christmas scene but I do believe the Philosopher's Stone has the most holiday merriment, probably to show the young viewers the magic and merriment even wizards have for Christmas. You see Hagrid bringing in the tree and Ron and Harry opening presents, which is when he gets his invisibility cloak. In the Half Blood Prince, Harry is actually at the Burrow for Christmas. As I sit here thinking about Harry Potter, I realize there is a lot of snow in them! I think I'll have a marathon over the few days I have off.

Anyhow, what is the first movie you think of that has snow in it?

Winter Wonderland

Because I'm not a fan of Christmas I am finding it difficult to execute my very first December blogging challenge. Grasping - At - Straws. But because I am channelling my optimistic outlook and always try to go above and beyond I will name THREE things I love about winter, not just one. Talk about a glass half full kind of girl, huh?

1. The freshness in the air.

I'm lucky because I live on an island and am surrounded by trees, so the air quality is actually quite good all year round. Still, there is a certain loveliness to the winter air. The chill bites at your cheeks reminding you how alive you are and there is the scent of wood burning because everyone turns on their fireplaces and start stoking their wood stoves. A lungful can be so invigorating.  

2. Frost.

Not on my car windows, though. Though I don't like snow, I have this affection for snowflakes and the patterns the frost leaves on every surface it touches. In the mornings, the grass is hard and icy, but if you look close at the leaves and flowers, there is this fuzzy frost on it and that's kind of beautiful. 

3. Bundling up.

There's something comforting about staying in your sweatpants, wearing a sweater and pulling out a patchwork quilt. Being warm is glorious. And there is nothing better than knowing you have nowhere to go on a cold day. Bring on the slippers, tea and day lounging about with the pets. 

Winter Is Coming

Actually, it's here, as of December 21st.

It isn't in full force, though.

Weather is at a record low here on the West Coast. People freak out about this. Like it is so unnatural. But the thing is, it's only new in the last fifty years. This is the West Coast, it isn't supposed to have extreme weather conditions. It's supposed to be mild. Sure, that's sad news for snowboarders and skiers, and all the people who are going to be laid off if Mount Washington closes next week. Unfortunately, there are no chains on Mother Nature.

She's like any woman. She does what she wants. When she wants. How she wants.

We get used to how things are, expect them to be that way forever, but change happens. There are cycles that need to be taken into consideration. And temperatures have been this low before. Just because we bank on the arrival of snow doesn't actually mean it will be arriving.

That doesn't mean it isn't frosty out there. In fact, the frost is most pretty, especially early in the morning.

It's the frost that I am grateful this morning. Because it is beautiful. It is so intricate and complex. Have you ever looked at it? Talk about unique as a snowflake. And to think, snowmen are made entirely of this stuff.

Yesterday, I took a couple pictures of the frost. They might not capture the truly remarkableness of the cold weather or how amazing this form of nature is, but I want to post them because they are a reminder of how many breathtaking things exist in this world.

Upon review, I can see how some people might have thought this was going to be a Game of Thrones post. I apologize that it isn't and will try to refrain from tricking you in the future.

Jon Snow & I

We have a lot in common, Jon Snow and I.

 

Curly, flowing locks.
A true Northerner.
Undeniable loyalty.

 

I am a bastard.

And I also know nothing. 

 

Granted, I would never wear the black.
Giving up sex is out of the question.

 

A little tribute to the pretty faced Snow.
And his permanent pout.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

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