First Snow
November 17, 2008
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Written by Karen D. Swim
The snow fell slowly at first like tiny origami doves floating toward the ground. I watched as they fluttered past my window seeming to dance upon the air to a happy little tune. Wings spread as each flake tumbled and spun until finding its landing. It then fell faster as though someone had opened giant down pillows from the clouds, a flurry of white rained down falling quickly clinging to the grass covering it in a blanket of white.
Dancing flakes from heaven sounded winter’s clarion call. Six weeks ahead of schedule, she arrived when she pleased. Perhaps she would dance with autumn again, but that was her secret to share. Today she is here, her majestic robe of white spread across the city.
My novel in progress now stands at more than 27,000 words. Like the wind that carries the snowflakes I have danced and twirled wherever the story took me. It is not the story I thought I would tell, but I quickly learned I was not in control. I had an idea nearly a year ago rooted in a kernel of truth. It sat lingering in a word file waiting for the right season. NaNo arrived and my calendar said the season was here but like the fickle nature of winter my story did not follow my plan. It unfolded in its own time sometimes beautiful and sometimes frightening in the fury of her demands.
Today, I sit in awe of the words that spread across the page. Like the first snowfall, pure and untouched is my first draft – not yet tread upon or plowed, allowing other layers to fall. I wrap my hands around my hot cup of tea savoring the first snowfall and first words. It is a good day.
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16 Responses to “First Snow”
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What a beautiful prose poem to read this morning.
I’m glad you’re writing is going so well. Sounds like you’re enchanted by your story and your words.
Hope you have a lovely week
Joanna
x
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Scrambled Toast – My Blog Laboratory: Guest Post by Brad Shorr
Hi Joanna! I am absolutely enjoying the process much more than I imagined. I must say it is thrilling when I stop and realize I am actually writing a novel, well first draft anyway. I am also very tired but it’s worth it!
That is such a beautiful image. I’m anxiously awaiting snow here, more than a flurry at least, and that made me even more excited! Glad your novel is coming along so well. Happy writing
Katherines last blog post..Geeky Blogger Networking
Hi Katherine! I’m from Southern California and have only lived here a few years. I am still fascinated by living where there are seasons. Unlike going for a snow vacation, living in the snow is vastly different. Happy writing right back at you! I shall think of you when I’m ahem “working” at playing a computer game.
Right there with you. Thanks. for this prose poem indeed. Although I am only at about 15,000 words. But I like this process. I was comparing notes with Writer Dad about how ‘it ” comes to us … not at all in a straight line, but in layers, and scenes. I like that we just let it lead.
I have notes to self scattered in , and parenthesis come in very handy. Do not want not knowing to stop the flow. BUT I do not have any snow.
Congrats on your 27,000 words and the lovely timbre of this post.
Janice Cartiers last blog post..Rhythms, Paint and Words
Karen,
I’m always in awe of the beauty and eloquence of your words.
I’m glad to hear your novel is coming along well, and I’m not surprised that the story is turning out differently than you expected. That seems to be what happens to most of us.
Lillie Ammanns last blog post..Book Review: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
All this writing has really honed your descriptive skills: tiny origami doves - awesome!
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndromes last blog post..Clearing Inner and Outer Space: Lisa Chang Interview
Very beautiful post you’ve written. It must be really lovely to usher in the snow. I come from a tropical country and have to travel abroad just to experience the winter season!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Create A Powerful Intent By Completing A Jigsaw
Karen,
I immensely enjoy reading your posts - and this one too. It really is an example of the beauty of language (and the beauty of the English language!). Congratulations on your novel - I am looking forward to hear more about it.
Here in Berlin we have a very cold day, but no snow yet.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..The cell phone that wasn’t turned off
Janice, congrats on your 15,000! Passing that first 10k is a huge milestone and you’re almost to the next big one. I love what Writer Dad shared, it’s so true. I have loved what I have learned from this process. On December 1st, I think we should throw a big huge party! Thanks for the lovely compliments, they are as welcomed as a steaming bowl of Gumbo on a cold winter’s day.
Lillie, I am blushing, thank you! I want to personally thank you for your continuous encouragement and for “pure green dreck.” That phrase has powered me through this November season. Your experience and willingness to share it Lillie are more special than you’ll ever know. Hugs!
Alex, okay now you’re making me blush! Thank you my friend. It’s so wonderful to share this process with all of you. Thank you for helping me make someday today. You rock!
Evelyn, you’re welcome to visit here anytime! The snow is such a wonderful change. I would love sharing it with you.
Thanks for the heartwarming words on this gorgeous chilly day. 
Ulla, we can grab our cups of tea and meet up on Twitter with warm thoughts later!
Karen,
Glad to see that your first snow lived up to its potential.
We had the first snow in Korea two days ago, but it was literally a minute sprinkling of droplets that mad absolutely no impression on the ground underneath whatsoever and was a complete anti-climax.
I seem to have missed this post but I’m really glad I found it. Actually the title caught my eye and I said, “I don’t think I read that one!” It’s so beautifully written, Karen. I feel all swept away and surrounded by cool, white powdery snow - and I live in a place where it doesn’t snow at all. Sadly, I’ve only been to the snow two or three times in my life. As I read this, there was a minty cool on the back of my neck, and I’m pretty sure that’s a sign of great writing