Transcendent beauty

January. I love this month. I love the color of blue in the evenings, I refer to it as a "winter blue" you can only see during this time of year just before darkness sets in. I love watching Orion twinkling each night above the mountain ridge out our south windows. I love the ice crystals that sparkle on top of the snow in the sunlight. The newness of the year, the clean, crisp air, and especially the silence of the snow. What's not to love?

Thursday morning after I packed up my ski gear and dropped the kids off for school, I began my weekly ascent up Big Cottonwood canyon for what I knew would be one of the most beautiful days this year. Not only was it going to be an amazing day, but the drive up the canyon that early was truly a moving experience. I don't think I've ever seen the mountains, the snow laden pine trees, meandering streams, and rising sun more lovely. It felt like a winter wonderland, and when I drove the famous "S" curve and faced west for just a moment to glance at the canyon walls illuminated by the morning sun, it literally brought tears to my eyes. I checked the time and realized this unparalleled beauty is only 15 minutes away and wondered why in the world don't I drive up here more often!? I almost wished I were snowshoeing or cross-country skiing rather than downhill - just to take it all in . . . the complete stillness of the canyon on such a day.

I mentioned my drive to a fellow skier and she told me she had the same experience - we described it as almost spiritual. There is something to be said about noticing the beauty around us, truly drinking it in, and feeling deeply touched. What a place, what a morning . . . so I choose to write about it because it moved me, and reminded me of the respect and reverence we feel when we turn ourselves over the transcendent beauty that is all around us.