How to have a beautiful morning

Little Miss awoke at 5:16 to eat. This was her only waking once I was asleep, so I awoke feeling really fantastic and well-rested.

I changed her diaper after she ate, because I knew she had to be super wet from being in it for 8 hours. She was, but actually not as bad as I expected. Changing her roused her fully from her sleep, but I turned on the water sound on her mobile and she was soon settled. It was so cute. She has started leaning back to see me. This morning she did this and gave me the biggest smile. I couldn't help but whisper sweet things to her. She cooed softly in response and then sucked her thumb for a few minutes before drifting back to sleep.
As I was rocking her, I noticed the thick covering of snow outside and it was still coming down really good.

I thought, "I'd love to walk in that snow."

I then immediately thought of something I'd heard recently..."you never regret what you do. It's what you don't do."

While I don't fully agree with this, it definitely fit the idea of walking in snow. After all, the snow won't be there forever.

I then thought of how sleepy I was, if I took a second to really think about it.

"I probably won't go. I always say things like this and then don't do it."

What a wonderful way to get close to goddess/god. I'm sure it'll feel invigorating.

"I'm going." I told myself. "I'll at least go to the backyard."

I laid Little Miss in her bed, then went downstairs. I put on the Vegas hoodie K bought me when I was freezing my but off out in the desert, and my down coat. I shoved a knitted beanie on my head and pulled on my suede boots...not failing to think that the beautiful snow might ruin them.

It didn't matter.

I flipped on the coffee maker before heading out.

I stopped, completely in awe when I stepped out the back door. The yard was blanketed in snow like you would see on a holiday card. The perfection and the quiet of it all stopped me in my tracks. I avoided stepping into the yard so as not to ruin the purity of it all.

I snapped a few pictures. Then, I decided I'd just walk up the street. The snow fall was heavy and made sounds as it hit the earth around me. Above my head, tree branches hung a little lower under the weight of the snow. Power lines that I seldom noticed before, crossed the streets and yards like giant spiderwebs.

As I walked I started to think about a text I had gotten from my son. I pushed that thought aside and said to myself,"Can't you just be here? Can't you just enjoy this walk?"

I then wondered if it is possible to meditate while walking. Does it work the same? Then I heard myself answer, "The monks do it all the time." Realizing this to be true, I continued happily on my way. I didn't meditate, but I did stay in the moment and revel in the beauty around me.

I snapped a couple of pictures on my walk. They are attached below. Also attached is a picture of Kathryn's tiny hand with her first sapphire ring that was given to her by her Granny.

This was one of the most beautiful mornings I've had in a while and it was all because I let go of rules and took a chance...I have a rule not to talk to the baby much at "night" or she won't go back to sleep.

I took a chance and stayed up, instead of going back to bed. I went for the walk that I knew would be really cold.

I'm so very glad I did both of these things. I had a beautiful moment with my baby and a beautiful walk with myself...and I truly believe I was close to the goddess/god by doing both.