shiny bits

I cannot remember it snowing this much in Tennessee since we moved here 13 years ago. It's hard to believe I have lived here so long. I never expected it. When I had to move here from Montana I was heartbroken. Montana felt like home from the moment I arrived. It was the kind of place I'd always wanted to live. And I still miss it. But Tennessee has it's own charms that have grown on me over the years. I adore the dance of the fireflies over a moonlit summer lawn and the scent of honeysuckle that floats to me on the breeze at the most unexpected moments and the riot of colored leaves that form rainbow drifts in the fall. Tennessee has also seen some of the most difficult moments in my life. And somehow through those rock-hard moments I have discovered surprising strength in myself. Coming out the other side, I've become more of who I am supposed to be. Or maybe I have just uncovered and washed away some of the things that weren't necessary and unearthed the shiny bits of me that were buried underneath.

all around wonderful

So in case you haven't guessed, I was able to figure out how to upload a picture to the blog! Got some good shots in the snow today. Riley and I walked around the neighborhood to find some pretty scenes. She loves to go in the "woods". It's really just a little path beside a very small creek/drainage area between the houses, but it is pretty none the less. And it's a great place for gathering brightly colored leaves in the fall and pretty wildflowers in the spring. I like White House! Small enough to have some really neat small town aspects, but not so far out that we are isolated. We didn't sled today, but we did enjoy getting out in it as much as we could with our limited gear. Even Nate warmed up to it after a while. (no pun intended) And of course, there was the required hot chocolate when when came in to thaw out. Then we enjoyed a big pot of chili and corn bread for dinner. So I guess it was an all-around wonderful snow day. Maybe tomorrow I will brave the roads once the sun comes out and hopefully clears off some of the pavement. Here's hoping all of you were safe and warm and happy today.

snowy night

The snow continues to fall tonight. I think we have at least four inches accumulated on the patio so far. Hooray! Tomorrow will be Nate's first time to play in the snow and we are woefully unprepared. We have no sled, no inner tube and no saucer. I'm hoping we have some mittens for the little guy. He is not a huge fan of the cold. We'll just have to improvise. Riley has played in it a little in the past, but this is the most snowfall this sweet little southern belle has ever seen. I am so looking forward to it! It brings back wonderful memories of all the fun we used to have in Montana. And I'm sure my camera will be going non-stop tomorrow. There are few scenes as beautiful as a snow covered landscape. Even the most mundane neighborhood takes on a magical charm when blanketed in glistening white. Perhaps I can figure out how to add pictures to the blog tomorrow so I can share these moments with anyone who may be tuned in. It's a pity the pictures can't capture that reverent hush snow places over the world. That is probably the most magical part of all. You could always put your hands over your ears while your looking, but I doubt it will have the same charm. :-)

Day Six

Day Six:

We are having a Winter Weather Advisory tonight calling for 1-3 inches of snow. Of course, this is a cause for major concern here in middle Tennessee-practically a blizzard! My Montana friends will be rolling on the floor laughing at this no doubt. But here, it is serious business. The resort I work for has actually arranged for part of the crew to spend the night at the hotel so that we will have a staff here in the morning. If we didn't, half of them wouldn't show up I'm sure. I guess that is a perk of working for a hotel, or a detriment depending on your point of view.

I choose to look at it as a perk. I'm going to take the opportunity to work out tonight and use the jacuzzi. And then in the morning I can sleep in a little extra because I don't have to drive in to work. I also don't have the stress of worrying about driving in the bad weather. I'm already here and ready to walk through the lovely gardens into the spa. I could get used to that! It's all in the way you look at it. And I am in charge of the way I look at it!