Winter...

Well, Winter is upon us. And I, delicate Southern Belle though I may be, happen to really and truly love Winter. In all of its snowy, occaisionally gloomy, overly-commercial-jam-packed-with-too-many-holidays-to-really-enjoy glory. There are several things that make me particularly happy about the onset of Winter.

1.) Snow. God, I just love the way snowflakes look blowing against a deeply purple sky, swirling about in streetlights, finding windows, branches, and eyelashes to rest upon. Snowballs, trudging to the bus stop in giant boots and mittens, watching it snow from the warmth of inside. White, powdery perfection.

2.) Hot Chocolate. I know hot chocolate is not reserved only for the Winter. But only in the Winter does it have the magic, the crazy-restorative-healing-tingly-warmth to save even the icicliest of people from the Winter blahs. Mix with Bailey's and friends for warm and wonderful conversations.

3.) Snuggling. Baby, it's cold outside. And when it's cold outside, I just want to stroll and hold hands and snuggle in for movie night or a glass of wine by the fire. I get all, If you really hold me tight, all the way home I'll be warm, eyelash-flutter-kiss-on-the-cheek. Maybe it's the magic or snow and twinkly lights and feeling the wind gusting, willing you someplace warm; I just like to be warm not on my own I suppose ;)

4.) Ice Skating. Ok, I know I'm the least coordinated person in the world, and odds are, if you are reading this, you know me and can second this motion. But, give me ice skates and I'll Nancy Kerrigan you. Well, at least I'll try. And as I wobble close to the side where you can hold on and wipe out occaisionally, I always find great joy in sore ankles and busted kneecaps when they are accompanied by ice, the Chicago skyline, and great WinterWear.

5.) Cuddl Duds. I swear by these things. I seriously wear them all the time; under jeans, as leggings, doubled up and tucked into boots. Thanks, Mom and Granny.

Anyway, you know how I feel about everyday romance and magic, etc etc. And I think you know that Winter is just full of magic. Anyway, I was feeling awful this morning, coming off of a terrible bout of some random and awful stomach virus (Ew.), and then I discovered a Winter Wonderland just off my front steps. Love love love.