I really don't like shoveling snow that much. But I do it. It seems like a waste of energy sometimes. It will all melt in the spring anyways. It's like a competition with the neighbors. They all seem to have theirs done by the time I start mine.
I do like feeling the season of winter when shoveling. It can be bitter cold - breath taking. I don't mind for that chance to breath in the change - it takes me back 20 years with a single breath. If the snow is new, it may also be a chance to see that wonderful blue shadow that occurs in the drifts sometimes. Reminds me of the Artic pictures I've seen. I've flown over the artic region going to China, but have never been there. Also saw the northern lights out window of the plane. Everyone else was asleep, so I had that joyous moment to myself.
Shoveling is meditative. All the things that are on my mind come to surface with each lift of the shovel. If they are bothersome, I try to cast the burden with each pile. Sometimes the thoughts are overwhelming, and I have said prayers while shoveling. Other times, when I don't need more thoughts, I just put on the iPod. I have these great earmuffs with headphones built in. Even still the thoughts can drown out the music.
My father died shoveling snow. It was the day after Christmas in preparation for his sisters coming to the house. My mom tried to revive him - but she and the ems could not bring him back. I think about this at least once, whenever I shovel. Could be the main reason I pray during shoveling. Maybe I should fix my snow blower up, or buy another. I usually just decide to slow down, keep the pace moderate, listen to my aches and pains. He led a good life.. just wished he could have been around a tad longer.
So, today I shoveled. It was a light snow. I thought about my Dad, why my family web site activity is declining, why I don't like Christmas shopping, and about a certain person that I barely know. The end result is I decided to create this blog.
