Old Man Winter, a Sense of Humor?

Friday, December 17, 2010

White, pure and simply white and yet, it is a deceiving white. She stopped for a moment as if frozen in time and just breathed. A cold sharp air filled her lungs and briefly jolted her senses. “Well, this is not right. Why do I feel so much when I’m cold?”

The morning light brought a frozen wonderland. Not the soft, snow globe, picturesque sort but rather a harsh crystallized encasement. A hand crafted reminder that old man winter was still king and he ruled his frozen realm. It did not deter her; something about the cold lit a spark.

A warmth from within began to glow. Thoughts ran through her mind as if traveling on some futuristic spaceship at warp speed. “Why is something so beautiful so equally destructive?” “Why must it take such destruction for people to be human?” “Why did I not buy these wool socks last year?”

Thoughts entered and exited her cold infused brain. To her left she saw the neighbors, not daring to challenge old man winter. To her right, the birds were dining and she laughed. The larger birds, being their usual, “eat it while you can, get out of my way” selves were actually feeding the smaller birds at the bottom.

Again, a cold breathe in and once more thoughts at warp speed. “I guess that is what we are, birds on the bottom waiting for crumbs from above.” “Thank heavens the power did not go out and I do not have trailers full of debris to pick up.” “Wonder if everyone had shelter from this storm?” “Why do we take so much for granted?”

She knew better but did it anyway. The wind blew making the eerie sound of cracking movement overhead. The sound drew her eyes in and she looked up. It is magical how ice can encase and enchant even the simplest shapes of nature, a tree branch. But looking up was a mistake.

Shards of ice, at that very moment,  began to rain down. Her arms instinctively covered her head and her feet tried to come to life. “These are not dangerous,” she thought and silenced the voice yelling, “run.”

It was at that moment old man winter found his sense of humor. She allowed the frozen remnants of the tree to fall upon her, thinking nothing of the harm; old man winter sprung his prank.

The coveralls were meant to protect and protect they did. They protected her from getting to the ice that had gone straight down her collar and stopped right in the middle of her back.

This resulted in her jiggle dance and the final warp speed thoughts, “Why didn’t I wear something under these coveralls?” “Do you think the neighbors will mind if I strip right here?” “Ice is cold!”

Peace…

and I’ll try to get some pictures today. Yesterday it was not safe.



20 comments:

Ann said, 

Oh Jules this was great. I loved the ending. Gave me a giggle. Stay warm and mind those icicles!

December 17, 2010 at 9:41 AM  
Carolyn Abiad said, 

Ice storms are magical...too bad they're so dangerous. I'm glad they're not so common where I live now.

December 17, 2010 at 10:03 AM  
Summer Ross said, 

I can't wait to see pictures. I hope you stay warm!

December 17, 2010 at 10:15 AM  
Tracy said, 

Jules,
I truly loved the ending...such a surprise! I also relished the thought of all of us waiting for 'crumbs' what a metaphor for life, especially those of us who don't ask for much!
I can't wait for pictures and be careful my dear!

December 17, 2010 at 10:16 AM  
Jennifer Shirk said, 

Very cute!
It finally snowed here yesterday. We didn't get much but enough to cause havoc on the roads.
Everything looks good now so I'm venturing off to finish shopping.

December 17, 2010 at 11:26 AM  
Samantha VĂ©rant said, 

You've been making me shiver. Shiver I tell you!

December 17, 2010 at 11:36 AM  
N. R. Williams said, 

I'd hate to live with old man winter. He'd probably grab the ice from the freezer and attack me while I was bathing. LOL Love it Jules, as always.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

December 17, 2010 at 12:07 PM  
The Words Crafter said, 

Oh, I just LOVED this!!!!!! Fantastic ending!!!!

December 17, 2010 at 12:18 PM  
Alex J. Cavanaugh said, 

Great ending! And I like the part about the wool socks.

December 17, 2010 at 12:22 PM  
Golden Eagle said, 

Wool socks--we all need those when it's cold outside!

I've gotten ice under my clothes before, and it does make you jump around! LOL.

December 17, 2010 at 1:36 PM  
RHYTHM AND RHYME said, 

enjoyed the read though tomorrow I may be writing something similar, we are in for another fall of show where I am. Other parts of the UK have already under the blanket of Old Man of Winter,

Take care and keep warm.
Yvonne.

December 17, 2010 at 3:11 PM  
Mary@GigglesandGuns said, 

Ah Jules, do we get pictures of scenery or are we to be treated to the "Ice Dance Stripper"?
Sorry, I couldn't resist. Loved this piece.

December 17, 2010 at 4:08 PM  
Karen Lange said, 

It is chilly AND crunchy here in KY, isn't it? At least it looks pretty:)

December 17, 2010 at 7:59 PM  
Ella said, 

I felt the cold, great job! Jiggle dance with ice, yeah, that paints it well. I can even see the wool socks!

Ice does know how to make things beautiful. Have you seen that lighthouse on TV, it looks medieval.

Keep warm!

December 18, 2010 at 12:35 AM  
Denise Covey said, 

Hey Jules that was awesome. I feel like I'm missing out without all these snow stories. Now don't you forget to post the pics!

As instructed I am telling you I've posted an entry for the Christmas Tales blogfest where I've vamped up Cinderella. I hope you have time to visit! This is the direct link:

Flashquake.com

December 18, 2010 at 4:10 AM  
Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O.J. BarrĂ© said, 

Jules, Jules. I'm glad you're surviving the brutal weather and am thankful you still have electricity. Yay! I love random acts of nature. What a great description and ending!

Great post, that rebel, Olivia

December 19, 2010 at 8:07 PM  
Elliot Grace said, 

...this hits home, literally. Just slid my way into the garage following a tumultuous venture into town. Gotta love winter.
Lovely scribe, Jules:)
EL

December 19, 2010 at 9:11 PM  
Tammy said, 

I always enjoy your surprise endings!

December 19, 2010 at 10:36 PM  
Let's Talk, Leave A Comment

Going UP