snow day

today the snow is finally falling in western new york! i had already scheduled to take today off, and i've got to say, not having anywhere to be while it snows makes it even prettier.

today has been a day of rest. the last two years i have been fortunate enough to have the week between christmas and new year's off. i've gone to visit family in new jersey during that week and have loved the feeling of being able to take a deep breath while i'm there. being away from home means that i have no obligations, no responsibilities, and, consequently, no stress. i have come to cherish that time. it's an opportunity to just stop and breathe, without having to worry about all the things that normally consume my day. it's a feeling i want to capture and preserve throughout the year, not just during the holidays. so i scheduled myself a little breathing time. (:

today i'm catching up on some tv shows and doing a little creating. this recipe is cooking in the crockpot for dinner, making my apartment smell like a fiesta.

i have been and will continue shoveling throughout the day, but i'm welcoming the breaths of fresh air. i'm soaking in the snow [literally and figuratively ;) ] and taking moments to smile to myself at its beauty.

smiling is good for the soul, you know.