As this month comes to its close - I'm struck by the sameness of this ever-changing scene. It is ending in the exact same way in which it began.

Silent snow. Softly...gently falling. Rendering the landscape in monochrome.

It continues to stop me in my tracks...to take my breath away. I do - still - love winter. Perhaps more for its promises than what it actually holds.

It's been long. It's been cold. It's challenged even the hardiest of hardy hearts and souls. And - it's not over just yet. We have many more weeks ahead of us before we see any signs of spring.

But for today - as I walked among its wonder - I stopped for just a moment to listen to the quiet...to see the color....to embrace and accept it for the beauty it is.

Of course - I'm looking forward to a new month and a chance to begin once and again. But for now - I'm choosing to enjoy just this. I may actually miss it - when it transforms itself into something other.