The days are shorter, I leave the warmth of my home in the darkness, never seeing the beauty of the snow in the woods, as it will be dark again when I return.  

When I return, I’ll walk out into those woods and hear the sounds hidden by the darkness.  A twig snapping here, the wind blowing through branches there.  The sound of a creature moving about.  Those sounds will paint a picture in my mind, while the coldness touches my face.  As I come to a clearing, the wind joins the cold on my face, an uncomfortable affirmation that I am alive. I continue on, for my soul needs this time, time in the woods, time surrounded by nature.  Soon I’ll return to the warmth of the wood stove; till then, I’ll take this all in.