Winter – Wonder Year: A journey to find enchantment every day

Day 36: Second Snow Day of the Year

I’m from California. Snow is a rare gem. Fortunately, it is for Oklahoma too. (I could never do it much more than this. I like my oceans and sunshine year round.) Cities and schools basically shut down if it snows. My campus and Bennett’s school were both closed today.

Outside, we ventured: mini snowmen, tumbling in fluffy fresh snow, tasting it on the tips of our tongues.

Later tonight I went on a walk—a path I walk or jog almost daily, but tonight it seemed new. A bird nest filled with snow nestled atop a tree, a lawn spelled the word “misfits” and all the houses looked like they were out of a snowy Christmas story book dream.

Day 34: Why the fake green grass?

Between finishing being at school and picking up B, I have about an hour. I try to be outdoors if the weather allows and go on at least a 2.2 mile jog. I usually do the same route through the neighborhood. All the lawns have been brown and dead looking since the first winter freeze. But, today I noticed a “nicer” part of the neighborhood (maybe slightly more expensive/newer homes) had spray painted all the lawns green. I don’t know why but this made me laugh with wonder. I wondered how much it cost, who did the spray-painting? Was it an HOA thing? It kind of looked silly, like when someone first dyes their hair and some of the paint lingers on their forehead and neck. There was green graffiti-like marks on the sidewalks. I wondered what was wrong with having the brown winter grass like the rest of us? What do you think of painted grass?

You can see, across the street — the green pain stops. (Maybe considered a different part of the neighborhood.)

Day 32: Cycling Class on A Saturday Morning

My friend Aisha invited me to join her at spin class at the university gym. I am SO GLAD I WENT. Wow, how I had forgotten the wonderful sensation from a tough early morning workout, when the gym is just opening and its just you and the spinners. It made me miss long bike rides in San Diego, around Sea World, down to the bay. But in 32 degrees, I will take my spin class indoors. It was so peaceful and I’m so grateful.

Day 23: Clouds that Make You Stop What You’re Doing

Today was cold. It’s been cold. Winter is here.

3:30 PM: Wind whips across my cheeks, I pull my hands deep into my pockets, keep my head down. But the way the sun glares, just bright enough, for a brief moment, has me stop. The clouds and sun demand to be seen, peaking out behind the oldest building on campus and desolate trees. I obey the command to briefly stop, take the scene in.