Back to the Prairie: Magical Change

   Thanksgiving festivities have come and gone; the prairie falls silent. Morning dawns with magical surprise as snow flurries flutter across the prairie skies softly blanketing the fields. Frosty windows are perfect canvases for creative little fingers (which I am reminded do not clean themselves). Anticipation is starting to swell with in me--Christmas is coming!
    Shopping plans are made- a long car ride to the next town is torture for an anxious farm girl. Visions of winter wonderland scenery play outside the car window as the long ride brings us across the farmland. Once at the store beautiful greenery and bright colored decorations spark my deep desire for the beautiful holiday season. I can't wait to get back to the farmhouse and start 'making ready.'
   As day falls we travel back home; unloading the car in the chill reminds me evening chores will be torture. Snow crunches under my boots as I trek down the drive toward the big old barn. Warm noses nuzzle me as feed is cast to the feeders. I slip off my gloves to let rough tongues gently swipe my fingers. No one likes chopping frozen water troughs..not even me! Yet, the victory of breaking through the glossy sheet of hard ice is sweet as the cows crowd around for a drink. Those soft warm bodies radiate such heat I can't resist the urge to snuggle one.
   Trudging back toward the farmhouse frost glistens from the old red water pump- I remember stories of my mom sticking her tongue on it- my giggle breaks the silence. I stop, for just a moment, to take in the view before me: soft snow sparkles in the dusky light, prairie wind lends its sorrowful moan, the rustle of tree leaves.
   Closing my eyes I tilt my head toward the setting prairie sun. A deep breath fills my body with cold crisp air sending a shiver over my whole body. My prairie is changing bringing anticipation of new things- a longing. Yes, I am here in the midst of a magical change.