Wonder

We had a windy, snowy, icy storm that left the trees coated in a frozen layer of white. I was eager to get out for a walk and enjoy it and as I reviewed which of my daughters might be game, Ireland immediately came to mind.

She's always happy for some one on one time with me and the feeling is mutual.

Behind these trees may look like a field but it's actually a lake that has frozen and then been covered in snow. It's so beautiful it makes me eternally grateful we get to witness this transformation every year. The weeping willows are especially stunning!

Everything look like it had been gently dusted in powdered sugar. Usually this look doesn't last long- even on a cold day the power of the sun will melt it off or the wind will blow it off. 

The unique combination of the storm combined with the overcast day left our neighborhood in this magical state the entire day.

Such beauty lends itself to opening up the soul and as Ireland and I walked through the crisp air, we had a heart to heart conversation about dance, Harry Potter, and whether she should visit Belfast or Dublin first when she goes to Ireland someday. I could actually focus solely on her and not throw an "Uh huh, honey" over my shoulder as I tried to deal with other distractions in front of me. All we had was nature's lace in the branches of the trees, all frosted in white, and the road ahead of us.

It was glorious!