SNOW!

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I love snow. Today I was modeling writing for my students. We had read Hairs by Sandra Cisneros and the students were supposed to write a piece that followed the writing style that she used. In it she describes different people's hair. The students didn't get it so I decided that they would have to see the process. As I was gazing out the window at the falling snow, I decided to write about snow. I don't remember exactly what I wrote, but it was the first time I reflected upon the fact that there are different kinds of snow. My least favorite is the wet stuff that is mixed with sleet. I love the stuff even though it penetrates my boots and freezes my feet. Next are the big fluffy flakes that cover the ground quickly and make a rubbery scrunching sound when you walk on it. The best kind of snow is when the flakes are minuscule and frozen solid. It is so beautiful that it looks like glitter falling to earth. We had that kind of snow today. This morning as I walked outside in the darkness I looked up at the street light and it took my breath away. The sky was full of dazzling, tiny flakes. I hated that it was a school day. I could have sat for hours and just watched the beauty of nature.

Addendum:

As I sit here three days later watching a quiet snow with large beautiful flakes, I realize that maybe this is the best kind. You can follow the large flakes as they slowly make their way to their target. The scene is enhanced by the fact that there is no traffic and the sky is just beginning to lighten. Takes my breath away.