I feel like starting the morning on the couch facing the window, staring at the cold, all cozied up in a warm blanket - maybe I'll even light up the fireplace. Everything is white behind the glass. Everything is silent, save for the occasional passing car. Everything is still, peaceful, in slow motion. The snow falls gently.

It's odd how even though the winter is cold, it brings back warm memories, soft and soothing memories of coming back inside the family cabin for hot cocoa in the evening, on the weekend, after a day of playing outside. Setting the table for board games and puzzles by the candlelight. Laughing. Eating. Being together. Even now, with the pandemic, we always seem to find ways to be together, either for a walk or for a talk by the fire.

There's something magical about scenery covered in white and frost, about the wind that sometimes blows up and sculpts the snow. Come and admire its beautiful creations, but remember to dress warmly and not let yourself be entranced by the pretty swirls the moment you step outside, or even worse, while driving. When it starts snowing diagonally or even horizontally, why yes, that's a windy day! And once the elements are putting on a show, school and work sometimes get put on hold - a free day off for everyone, each to their own little snow-covered bubble, often with the family. A moment of rest.

But today, the wind is quiet. It's a nice day out. I know that later, I'll go explore the snowshoe trails around the house. I'm looking forward to being in the woods, all by myself with the sound of my footsteps on the snow. I know that time will seem to hang, frozen, from the branches of firs and spruces. There'll be the occasional snowfalls and the glimpses of the sea in the distance between the trees. With so much to contemplate, I'll be out of reach from everything else.

Maybe that someone else, moved by the same desire to enjoy this winter day, will also go out for a stroll along the same trails. And even though we'll most likely both be wrapped up behind a scarf, a hat and a pair of sunglasses, I'll smile at them widely while saying hi, before being on my way.

And once back from this little trek, a little cold but content, I'll come back to sit at the same spot, all cozied up on the couch, and I'll write that winter is my favourite season on the Magdalen Islands.