To Stand Within the Clouds

..
In our time, we have all likely stepped outside and stood within the clouds. Like myself, you probably never recognized or fully appreciated those moments. It wasn't until we moved to the ranch with its vast perspectives that I could grasp this stunning phenomena. In the photo above, you will see the clouds pressed low into our canyon, their bottoms scrubbing down hard against the mesa walls.
.
.
The rays of the sun here wield their influence above all else and I was able to step out onto the porch that morning in relative comfort despite the below-freezing temperatures. I saw those snow clouds and realized that I was now standing within them, nearly blinded by the sharp crystalline reflections of each single snow flake. I caught a few on my hand and saw that they were all perfectly hexagonal and symmetrical in their pure and ideal created form, unmarred by temperature in their descent to the ground.

I ran back inside and returned with our dictionary magnifying glass and seated myself down on the lowest of the steps. With my left upper arm resting comfortably on the highest stair and my cheek casually resting upon my left hand, I spent a glorious half hour observing each perfect snowflake as it came to rest upon that otherwise barren stair tread; all different, all magnificent and all nearly perfect. Then I wondered how many people have taken a pass on this incredible experience to sit and endure the lack of entertainment as they channel-surf with the remote.
.
Occasionally I would look up and around to absorb this gloriously sparkling dance of Nature around me and breathe in, deeply savoring this fleeting spectacle. With each breath came an incredible sense of well-being and a cell-deep simple peace and joy. The troubles of the world were as distant and unfathomable at that moment as any black hole at the far reaches of our universe.
.
.
It is my Christmas wish to you that Nature will offer you such a glorious sanctuary moment and that you will have the child-like wisdom to stop and enjoy it fully for what it is; a gift of the most freely given and valuable kind.

A similar gift is the connection with good souls. I wanted to stop here and say thanks to the friends I have found through this blog. You made a big difference with your encouragement when I needed it to make it through a traditionally tough time of year. You remind me of those snowflakes; each different and each so stunningly beautiful.
.
.