Monika Blogwell

We did get snow last Friday. Texas snow. Which means if I scraped it off my car I might have had enough to fill a dixie cup.

The Cleveland girl in me knows the real thing, but this was still nice to look at.

The roads were icy enough for schools to close, and as a result, I had my first snow day in years.

It all melted later that same day, and the weekend was sunny and warm. Now we’re back to icy cold temperatures again, which means I’m huddled in front of the space heater about 98% of the time.

Supposedly, it’ll be back in the mid-60’s by Saturday. If anyone ever figures out Texas weather, please let me know.

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I’m training for my second half marathon, which takes place in just over three weeks. My training is a lot less enthusiastic than my training for my first half-marathon, but I’m not as worried as I could or should be. Simply having a goal is almost as important as achieving said goal. And any activity that requires new shoes is a very good thing.

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In other news, I’m considering buying a crock pot. I guess in food snob world, you’re supposed to call it a “slow cooker.” But seeing as I bought generic Velveeta the other day, I don’t think I can go so far as to call myself a food snob.

There are some potential setbacks to this purchase, though. I’m not 100% sure “vegetarian” and “crock pot” are three words that can be used in the same sentence. Furthermore, selecting the right one to buy has proven difficult.

Still, you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t posted many recipes lately. And that’s mainly because my meals the last few weeks have been quick, easy, go-to dinners that don’t really require recipes. After scouring the web, I have found a few cookbooks that make me think this crock pot thing could be a lifesaver — and perhaps even a blogsaver at the same time. If I can ever find the right one to buy… Suggestions?

I’m sitting in my house bundled up in about four layers of clothing. The high here today was barely above freezing. They’re predicting snow for us here on Friday. This subsequently means that I’m predicting I will want to spend the entire day under the covers.

It’s weird how much less tolerant of cold weather I’ve become over the last few years. It immobilizes me. But I’m not complaining. I could live in Chicago. My sister-in-law sent me this picture today. Isn’t it lovely?

I love Chicago. But at this moment, I’m not jealous.

I do miss snow days, though. When I was a kid, there was one winter week we lost power. My family spent each night sleeping in the living room in front of the fire. And each day, instead of being at school, my friends and I built snow tunnels and igloos and snow people. It was glorious.

Cleveland sees its fair share of blizzards. I remember one winter when my mom and I noticed a flower poking up through the deep, white snow. It was still vibrant and beautiful, still very much alive despite the frigid air.

Nature, like life, is so unpredictable. Sure, the weather people can tell you what they think will happen. But there are no guarantees. Just last Saturday it was sunny and in the 70’s. Today, I’m wearing more outerwear than a Siberian mountain climber.

There are moments in life when we lose faith. We try to remain optimistic, but it’s easy to let the negative thoughts creep in.

Sometimes, though, things happen as we don’t predict them. Despite expectations, we are given just what we need at the most crucial moment.

In the middle of a snow storm, the crocus reminds us to believe in spring.

I sit like the last
Leaf on a winter-bound tree
Waiting for my wind.