The Feelings of Snow

The storm came without warning. They predicted only an inch or two.

But can we really predict what the day will bring?

As the snow covers the dormant ground, I look around. Everyone is indoors, under warm wool blankets. The animals are hunkered down in their winter homes. The birds haven't left their spots deep in the trees since last night. There aren't any children out playing, not a single dog out rummaging.

The world has stopped.

 

I entered the church and silence remains. The loss is evident. How can someone explain the death of someone so young. Her children hover near her, one last time. Her husband speaks words of love, grief, fear. Tears flow freely.

The snow stops falling...the sun comes out, if only for a little bit. As the light streams through the stain glass windows, the family says their final farewells. Everyone says goodbye.

Today's weather went with the loss of a community member. The snow provided solitude, even while gathering with others. It was a chance to let go, alone.

I feel as though the world stands still when the snow is falling, that life is put on hold for a little while. Nothing moves as every being waits out the storm.That feeling overcame me today as I sat, listening to words of love and loss.

I often use weather like this snow storm to provide additional feelings in my stories or to increase the ones I've already created. The weather around us adds to our emotions and sometimes we don't even realize it. A storm can signify so much. Today it brought peace and solitude, a pause in busy life so that we had the opportunity to stop and remember.

As the snow falls on and off today, I ponder the feelings the snow has created...and wonder what tomorrow may bring.Tomorrow's a new day; the sun is supposed to shine, but today it's snowing; the world has stopped, and I need to say goodbye.

Date Night and a Valentine

Hope you had a wonderful and safe Valentine's Day!

 

My top six favorite things to do on a date (with my husband and kids) are:

 6.  Bowling (only because I love to goof around, dance to the loud pop music, and watch my kids have fun. I actually hate to bowl-oh well...)

5. Going to the movies (Even if it isn't the movie on the top of my list. My family loves the action films, where I want to see all the movies that were adapted from a novel)

4. Playing games (Mostly old fashion board games, such as Life, Sequence, or Sorry. Sometimes we will play the Wii.)

3. A long hike or bike ride (Then going for frozen yogurt at my favorite local self-serve yogurt shop)

2. Dinner and a movie in (Cuddled up in my pajamas with a huge bowl of gluten-free buttered popcorn)

1. Going to the neighborhood pool (Which, of course, I can not do in the middle of February in Colorado. But I guarantee I will be there every evening in the summer)

I love flowers, any flower, but my favorite is a daisy. Mix them with some roses and I'm happy! And as for Valentine's, make mine as mushy as you can! I love sentimental sayings that (I hope) come from the heart! Go deep and tell me what you feel!

What are favorite things to do? Dinner and a movie, dessert and coffee, being with friends? What is your favorite Valentine? A single red rose, a singing telegram, or a simple card saying "Be mine"?

Regardless of what your favorite things are, remember to be safe. Love should be fun. It shouldn't hurt. You have rights! Learn your rights and take the pledge today!

Are you still wearing your heart on your sleeve?

I am!

My Heart is on My Sleeve!

February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month.

The statistics are ugly. The numbers are only rising. According to the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov), nearly 10% of high school students report being hit, slapped, or physically abused by a dating partner. Another survey states that one in three teens are a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner (teendvmonth.org). Only 33% of teens who are in an abusive relationship will report the abuse, and 81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue (teendvmonth.org).

This year someone you know will be physically, emotionally, or verbally abused, and they probably won’t tell you. It’s time to talk openly about healthy and unhealthy relationships. It's time to raise awareness, to provide education, and to promote prevention.

For the entire month of February, wear your heart on your sleeve. I am! Make your own or go online to download an already designed heart.

Get the conversation started. Spread the word. Prevent the cycle of abuse.