Snow Angels

Austin, TX | 2021 © Alicia Kae Miller

Where I grew up, winter was hard and ran from November to April.

From a young age, I learned how to build snow caves and get around seamlessly in wintery weather, so when rare snow fell on Austin late last week, little Alicia was beside herself and took the opportunity to get out into the white stuff and play.

As I laced up my snow boots and bundled up in my knee-length puffer coat, I felt the residual weight from the shocking events of January 6, 2021, lift.

I have no compulsion to gloss over my feelings.

What happened at the United States Capitol has taken me to a very dark place. I cannot get past how our fellow Americans shamelessly took over what is all of ours and smashed precious family heirlooms of integrity, pride, and love of country to bits in less than eight hours.

Light seeker.

I cannot eradicate the tension in my stomach, and my motivation is absent. The only comfort at this time besides my beloved feline, Hopper Augustus, is that my turbulent emotions are shared. For many of you are struggling with sorrow too.

My Libra scales are swinging wildly just now, and I appreciate heartfelt advice from loved ones to "take it slow" and "be gentle with yourself." The words of Robert Frost in Dust of Snow remind me to take solace in nature

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

Symbols of love.

As I trudged up the hill behind my house Sunday, echoes of laughter rippled through stately oak trees, and witnessing a snowball fight was enough to put a moment of cheer into my weary heart.

The lively conversations with my neighbors returning from sledding and/or making snow people made everything right for a moment.

On my return walk home, I found a near-perfect heart outlined in the snow. A reminder to us all that hope is everywhere. 

Until we meet again, live life with noble intentions. ❤️

Yours in Solidarity, -akm

January 13, 2021

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