Houston came to a halt last week. It snowed. Not only did it snow earlier than it ever has, and we seldom get snow, but it snowed all day. Amazing. Children ran out of schoolrooms, and teachers ran with them. People walked outside of offices. There was glee and excitement everywhere. Our airports had to delay flights. I doubt they own a de-icer. A friend of mine coming in from Minnesota, where winter is ice and snow, had her plane delayed for our weather. She came in late, looked around, and said, What snow? Of course, by then, it had melted. Her amusement at our delight and confusion–the news people warning us to stay indoors because of the freezing and icy streets, evening events cancelled–doesn’t bother me. It was a magical day, the swirling flakes of snow kissing my face and Houston’s. My grandchildren were beside themselves with elaborate plans involving gloves and snowballs. We were all children for a day, from overexcited weather forecasters to the man or woman in the streets. Delighted children. And it was great.
(Photo courtesy of Ann Bradford. Sculpture by artist Mark Bradford)
Karleen Koen — writing life 
though we add layers of clothing for warmth, snow days in the south do seem to help folks peel off layers of being, allowing the gleeful, buoyant, anything-is-possible self to go out and play. which is, i find, a pretty good thing . . .except on the roads.
Hi, Karleen,
(How very odd to be writing that!)
I have just had a rather amazing half hour. I came across your blog by accident, Google Alerts picked up your name. Of course I was curious–there aren’t that many people around with our name, and I’ve never met another writer with that name. The more I read of your blog, the more incredulous I became. We share a lot more than a name. I would love to talk more with you, if you would like to email me.
All the best,
Karleen
P.S. Your favourite book list reads very much like mine, and Lad, a dog was one of my favourite books. Gave me comfort during a very lonely time of my life. I read it until it fell apart, then taped it back up 🙂
I cannot believe I found your website/blog! And, you live in H-town…with me!!! 🙂 Read “Through A Glass….” again just this past spring. It ruined my life – I did nothing else but read!!!! Can you tell me which to read next? Pre or sequel?????? What would you do? You’ll get a kick that a group of (blogging) women…that live all over the country are going to start a traveling book club. We are beginning w/your book, “TAGD.” It’s my Mother’s copy from the original printing, and has been on my book shelf since she passed away 16 years ago. She always wrote her name in it along w/the year she read it. I added mine, and am mailing it to a “friend” (via blogging) in North Carolina. Thrilled to find this blog…