Winter has come a little early to Wyoming. The temperatures are already dipping below our comfort level, and the snow has blanketed the ground. There is a beauty in winter, unlike any of the other seasons. The landscapes and trees look magical when they are frozen, glistening, and sparkling as if the stars came down and dusted the earth with their twinkling light. Nature paints a canvas of snowy white and delights us with her frigid creations.

Sometimes winter makes us feel lost and alone. Darkness comes sooner, and the nights last longer. The wind howls like a demon, and the cold scratches you like a thousand tiny icy fingers. You wrap yourself up in a blanket and cover your head, trying to hide from the loneliness and dread of another endless night.

But you aren't alone. Not really. If you are reading this right now, you aren't alone. We are here too. Please, take this little bit of friendship and let it warm you. Let it bring you some hope and some peace. And the only thing we want in return is your friendship too. We are so glad you are here. You make us all smile, and we feel warm again.

And even though it seems so far away, the promise of Spring's happiness is glowing, shimmering in your soul, melting away all the tormenting winter gremlins. Hope for a new beginning lies just underneath the powdery snow and within YOU, every day. =]:)

The photo is from James Christopher Carroll's book, The Boy and the Moon. You can see it by clicking here.