Snow

Written By Mia Nickell

I have been in a bit of a writing rut, kicking around ideas for what to say next. As winter came and has yet to leave, my words slowed down. My creative plans slowed down. In fact, many things slowed down. Through the timeline of geophysical history, there is no doubt that seasons naturally ebb and flow on macro and micro levels. Speaking of seasons in a metaphysical sense, similar fluctuations in life are expected occurrences as well. I know all this. It is not extremely surprising. Though, as I have gotten older, somehow every November I find myself beginning to wonder, “did I feel like this last year?” And stopping to reflect on this highlights the irony of the situation wherein I annually ask myself this seemingly newfound question. 

It also brings to light my realization that winter seems to reliably mark the start of ebbing in my own rhythms. Then this particular realization snowballs into finding that I am annoyed.


“Why are you annoyed?” you might ask. 

To which I would reply, “because I understand that I could try maintaining my summer rhythms, but truthfully know that I typically, remarkably fail to do so.”

Because I want to push through, to be just as motivated as my summer self, but rallying myself in winter seems to require more energy. 


Perhaps this “why can’t I do more” self-talk stems from an underlying American idea of ultimate productivity and endless energy that says, “it’s disappointing if you can't always muster up the gumption to SIMPLY GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE and to BE A REAL HUMAN BEING.” Though on a less psychological and more personal level, maybe it is truly a product of missing my beautiful sunlit after work hours, enjoying summer’s warmth. Plus, it’s probably a tiny bit of the seasonal blues (1) and a lot of ignoring the flashing message saying: rest is good (2)

Now, to talk about creatures that are decidedly not human. Bears are probably one of the best physical reflections of the importance of rest when the days get shorter, and the temperature runs colder. Although contrary to the popular word on the street, bears do not hibernate to the extent of the scientific definition of hibernation. They go into torpor (3). Physiologically, this is still a neat party trick (I jest), one that is also necessary for their survival. Torpor is a necessary state of being for bears in seasons of scarcity (winter). Thus, herein is my first point: it is my current opinion that ‘scarcity’ is a suitable word to associate with winter. In the winter, light is scarce, warmth is scarce, green is scarce, and if you were in Richmond during January 2025, even water was scarce for a week (4). Yet despite this mentality where the lack of (insert choice of noun) may start to dominate positive thoughts, there are really beautiful phenomena that can only occur in winter.

Last snow of 2025 at Libby Hill Park | Richmond VA, 2025

I have seen more stop-in-place-can’t-look-away sunsets in these January evenings than I recall seeing in a while (5)(6). The sparkle of ice on trees and snow on the ground; these moments can only happen in the right cold weather conditions. Furthermore, to add to the list of things you can enjoy in winter: getting to eat soups for weeks on end (7), enjoying a crackling fireplace, and wearing fun sweaters. So, yes, I may still be annoyed. But I am gradually learning how to find satisfaction in slowing down. I am starting to anticipate marvelous pre-snow, blankety clouds, and remembering to keep staring at the crazy winter sunsets. I’m trying to follow the ebbs and flows of creativity instead of fighting them. I am learning how to drive in the snow. (somewhat). 


P.S.

I had a lot of thoughts bouncing around in my brain for this post. Here are four random ones that begged not to be left out.

One: I love the sound of driving through slushy snow. It’s a sound so specifically satisfying. I cannot fully describe how it is an unlocked audible and physical version of eating a snow cone/slushie without actually…  well, eating a snow cone/slushie.

Two: Old snow, especially old snow on the side of highways, is not super pretty. When fairytales talk about Snow White, they are not talking about highway snow that has absorbed all of our dirt, grime, and pollution. It really puts a visual to car pollution in general. Hmm.

Three: There are good biblical references to snow, which opens the conversation to more theological and spiritual nuances. 

Four: Did anyone else read Little House in the Big Woods and desire to make maple syrup snow candy after reading that description of the girls making these treats with their mother? (and then attempt to make them on one of Georgia’s “snow” days, but turns out you need real maple syrup and actual snow). I have more thoughts on these books and other books describing kids doing things that I wanted to do. Anyways…


Oh, and the groundhog saw his shadow-- buckle up for 6 more weeks of winter. If you have a favorite soup recipe you want to share, send it my way! 

Sending warm wishes,
Mia

Mia Nickell
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Duality