Snön

There has been snow for over a week, and the temperature hasn't risen above freezing. I am living in a winter wonderland, and I am (amazingly, I know) not being sarcastic. The snow is still mostly white and sparkly, not that nasty slushy gray that we get at home after a few hours. Actually sparkly. I feel as though I am living in a Christmas card or something. Walking home last night, we passed a bush strung with Christmas lights covered in snow. The light shone out from inside the little tufts of snow. It was magical. Made me want tea, a fireplace and my recording of the Christmas Carol (as read by Patrick Stewart). 
This morning, the canal was mostly frozen over and dusted with snow. I have seen ponds covered in ice, but to see the normally flowing canal now solid was something new. The weeping willow tendrils that normally dance along with the current are still, held captive by ice.
The stars peak out from behind the haze and clouds. First thing I think is, oh god it is COLD and it is getting colder because I can see those stars. The close second is: Wow!!!! This is SO beautiful. I am so lucky to be out in this world, seeing this.
Hopefully this whimsy doesn't dwindle.... I have a few more months of winter to go......

The darkness

ett ögonblick: Riding the tram towards home this week, at the edge of downtown I passed by a beautiful graveyard. Lately at 6 o'clock, it is pitch black and I can only see only as far as the pools of light from the street lights.  But that night, tiny flames dotted the darkness. People had left candles on the graves of their loved ones. They shone through the still night and reminded those passing by of those who are gone but not forgotten.