they glisten no more

The shift from fall to winter is nearly complete.

The leaves whose colors warmed my soul and made not smiling impossible are now a sort of disappointment. They no longer glisten as they did, just days ago, as we move away from the warmth and light of the sun. And the forecast for my area is essentially the final nail in the coffin: Goodbye, sun... fall... quiet times beneath trees; hello grayness, snow, ice, and snowmen. What does the next few days hold for us? Rain. And after that? Snow. And more snow. And more snow.

But I'm not sure I could do a Christmas season without snow. The idea just doesn't seem right.

I've been writing more. Inspired by those around me and their outstanding creativity and insight. And I'm thinking about writing children's books based off some of my short stories. It would be fun.

Hooooly Snow!

I think everything in the state of Michigan is closed... including my church's youth group. I'm bummed. Oh well. I've been working on teaching myself some graphic design stuff. I'm working on something for my roomies... and I get so close I can see the finish... but I just can't figure out the last step.

I've also been researching super-cool bible resources, so if anyone has a recommendation or two, would you share it?

And I'm hyped-up on blueberry coffee. The best coffee EVER.

Next I'll be working on a project for my pastor.

So, it's basically a chill-in-pjs day. Pretty much amazing.

I've been working on a couple articles, as well. One on communication, relationships, and the internet, and one on trust. So stay tuned.

Stay warm & safe, folks. The police are asking people to stay off the roads. =)

Peace,
AA

Queen of the Cashwrap

That's what one of my managers called me this morning when I got in...

The rest of this post is dedicated to Mother Nature:

Dear Mother Nature,

Though I confess, you do not exist, for the purposes of this post let's pretend you do. Please read the following VERY carefully.

Yes, the leaves have turned here in Northern Michigan. Yes, you have allowed us to share in a beautiful, postcard-like existence for two weeks now, and for that I am truly grateful, but are a few things, however, I think you should know:

1. I do not appreciate walking out to go to work and finding multiple inches of snow on my car. Bad mother nature.
   
2. We here in Traverse City DO NOT need a longer winter, despite what you may think. 6 months is quite sufficient, thank you.
   
3. You jeopardize the careers of several area meterologists when you do not do as you indicate. That is very mean. You should be nice.
4. Asher + Snow & Ice = cuts, bruises, frostbite, and soaked clothes. Please plan the weather accordingly.
   
5. Snow + Sadie (my car) = meeting (and hurting) lots of innocent ditches. I don't like this. *frown*
6. Though I'm sure you get much enjoyment from this, it is NOT funny to change the weather every three minutes from sun and clear skies to sleet to snow and back to sun again. You're cruel. Stop laughing.
7. We'd like an even 65 degrees during winter, and feel this would serve our purposes much better than your sporadic and vindictive approach to the changing of seasons.
   

Thank you for your attentiveness; I'd appreciate your immediate cooperation with this matter.

Yours,

Asher Thayer