it's here!

Winter has arrived around these parts, and with it ... some of the treats of the season: gingerbread cookies, warm cider, and sledding with friends.

It amazes me each and every year - how instantly everything changes when this blanket of snow comes down and covers everything around us. Everything transforms into something new and fresh. And even though the weather has been slowly shifting as it does, it's still always a shock those first few times of the season - stepping out into the white crunch. It's beautiful, magical and amazing. The challenge is to still find it as beautiful, magical and amazing come March when it feels as though it will never end. So here's to remembering in March. It really is magical out there.

Comments

[molly]

yipee! it's here, too.
wish I could have joined you on your picnic! :)

[Suz]

aw the snowy pic of the 'twirly' branches is amazing - I keep looking because it looks like something magical is hidden in that picture (some words or something - and isn't it just magical indeed!) tx for some soul-nourishment - snowflaky kisses Suz

[Rietje]

That's amazing! It's such a long time ago since we've had snow like this in Amsterdam in December!! I remember 1978, skating on the canal :-)
Have fun those first season things

Greetz Rietje

[Leah]

How wonderful! It makes me remember my childhood in the mountains of NC with lots of snow and sledding. Sadly, Atlanta rarely sees snow and certainly not like that. We hope to head to NC this winter to introduce our 3 year old to the snowy magic. Thanks for sharing!

[Veronica TM]

oh wow, that is really winter! it does look magical! i will remind you in march.

[Abby]

Hi Amanda,
Just wanted to drop you a comment to say how much I love reading your blog. I dont always comment because you get so many wonderful comments to reply too without adding to your burden. You are an inspiration to me in my fledgling years as a mother. I hope to fill my families life with fun, home cooking and craftiness as much as you do.

thank you
Abby

[elfrida]

oh, what I would give to wake up and find snow out my window.

[Muralimanohar]

I miss snow. :( Between living in Hawaii, Sydney, and the Gold Coast, Queensland, for over 10 years, there just hasn't any opportunity for us to see it. Someday. *sigh*

[charlotte]

lovely, Amanda! looks like so much fun. xoC

[leslie]

that's it! i am digging out our thermos for a picnic in the snow! i love it!

[Freefalling]

Yeah - and summer has arrived here! (quietly sobbing)
That means flies, HEAT, dust and hayfever!
I want to dive into that snow and de-sizzle.
I know - think positive thoughts, think positive thoughts.
Okay, okay - body surfing, mangoes, lazy days.
Oh, I feel better now.

[Jill]

I was very inspired by your post on grouping books. (Don't know why I never thought of it.. duh). My seven-year-old twin boys and I spent story time tonight reading the winter/holiday books tonight. I read them all to them (which is really a treat for them) and they were re-acquainted with some picture books that I had forgotten about in our new land of chapter books. They are new readers who are just discovering Laura Ingalls Wilder and Raold Dahl. However, there's still room for Ezra Jack Keats' Snowy Day (one of my winter favs). Thanks for the inspiration! I've printed out your list to keep in my bag. Happy holidays!

[robin]

Wooooooowww.....<3

[Andrea]

I know what you mean about the snow changing everything so all at once. Suddenly my daily bike rides end... and my time for crocheting gets instantly longer...

[momo]

seems like loads of fun!! =)

[Niki]

Beautiful snow pics :) I just love the snow. Here where I live,in this part of AZ, we get NO snow :( Doesn't seem quite like Christmas. Beautiful weather in winter though. I think it was in the high 70's today. We sure pay for it in summer. HUGS! Always enjoy your pics. Niki's Ventures.

[sobralsapatinhos de verniz]

I WISH....!

[heather]

what a beautiful day - you are so good at capturing lifes details, not just by photographing them (an area you do rock in!)but by actually experiencing them as well.

i guess all this snow means my great aunt ruth in eagle lake (way up near fort kent) will be shoveling her roof pretty soon... 80 years old and still up there shoveling!

[J]

Would love to hear your recommendations for cold weather gear for kids, specifically long johns, boots and mitten/hat/gloves. I have an almost 2 year old who loves, loves, loves to be outside, but here in CT we have yet to experience any snow so she's been quite comfortable in the regular ol' Lands End outerwear and fleece accessories. I know I need to get her something more for the wet/snowy weather. Any suggestions?

Thanks :)

[Julie]

Oh, these recent posts make me long for home in Upstate New York. We did have snow here in Ohio yesterday -- about three inches -- and I did take the baby out to touch his first snow but god I miss it all so much it hurts.

[Meg Smith]

This is such a sweet idea. I would never have thought of a snow picnic! Now I'm praying for a great big blizzard.

[Nikki]

Amanda, I checked the FAQ section of the blog and read the section about sewing machines. Thanks for the info. I shoulda looked over there first.

[Samantha]

Love the snow, love the giggles of the kids and those rosy cheeks! For those who are constantly looking for something different, found this http://www.thinkgarnish.com and if you look in their blog they have a different take on a similar idea.

And for J...looking for some outerwear for her little one, I love Hannah Anderson, LL Bean or Obermeyer all have great one pieces.

[Beth]

ooh, those pics are so beautiful. What I would not give to have that kind of snow to play in, oh, I mean for Emma to play in. Just wonderful. Your children will have such wonderful memories of winter to carry on with their children.

[eb]

gorgeous!!!!!!!!!

snow...

xox - eb.

[stacey]

What a spectacular little picnic! Snow has indeed arrived...

[wholesale kids clothing]

Amazing photos! You got the word: magical indeed! arniza :)