So, here it is, early March... usually looking forward to winter loosening it's grip... you know, "in like a lion, out like a lamb"... well, this March certainly is acting "like a lion" as we are getting more snow dumped on us... predictions ranging upwards of 12 inches...

On the positive side... the fresh snow looks incredibly beautiful.. giving everything that bright, clean look.. and as the snow falls, I am eager to go out and photograph it's beauty. However... there is a "state of emergency", and I am technically not supposed to be out on the road if I don't have to... hmmmm...

So, today, I will "settle" for finding winter's beauty right here in my own yard..

As the snow is falling, I head outside to see what I can find. It's really not that cold today... not like we have had in recent weeks. It is actually quite pleasant to stand outside and take it all in. As I'm standing there, waiting for a bird or squirrel to come into view, I realize just how peaceful this day is... Aside from an occasional noise of a snow blower, there really isn't any sound... nothing.. It is so incredibly peaceful, that I forget I am out there to take pictures... I am just enjoying the quiet.. what a wonderful feeling... standing there, snow falling all around, and just quiet... peace and quiet...

This quiet comes with the call of a blue jay every so often... the chirping of the sparrows, and various other birds.. but mainly, just quiet..

I don't even know how long I was standing there... just being... everywhere I looked, fresh snow covering trees, branches, the grass... snow gently falling, falling, and falling... and quiet...  there have been very few experiences I've had in life that came with pure and almost total silence... and I can tell you, it is something to enjoy and savor... So, put your winter jacket on, step outside without grabbing the snow shovel or snow blower, and just walk to a quiet spot... it will do wonders!