Of snowflakes, unicorns, and ballet

  Today is Wednesday, January 17th and there is snow outside and on my balcony. The white snowflakes meander and traverse into branches of the trees. The woods become like beautiful paintings from long ago. A forest asleep. Highlighted in white, like rays of light. Covered in a mystical white mist the forest indeed looks enchanted. It's possible that unicorns would be appropriate in these elements since days like today show us the magical aspect of an otherwise mundane world.

  It's often so beautiful and calm. It's a peaceful area to observe, but it does not call out to me as much as snow called out to me in childhood. On days like today the neighborhood children do go sledding and it's a joy to see them go. Reminding me that snow will always be a delight for children and a delight to their hearts.

  Growing up, I had a great deal to do with snow. Back in my home country, we did not have a car, so I would often walk to and from school (in both cold winter and rain.) For winter we had really warm shoes "valenki" and for rain we had "galoshi." We simply knew how to deal with the various weather elements that nature threw at us. Many generations of surviving in the Russian winters does that were you just grow that understanding. 

  Most children in United States, myself included, usually did not have to do as much walking to school, but for me it was a vigorous experience. Although I would not want to repeat it now, I remember it with fondness. Sometimes I had even skied to school which was a few miles away. The snow covered the streets so completely that skiing was the only safe method of transportation. 

  But on a day like today, there is only the question of how to stay warm! There are some ways that I enjoy staying warm: 

• Exercise: elliptical, yoga, pilates
• Warm beverages: tea, coffee, hot coco,  mate yerba
• Space heaters
• Listening to music 
• Covering myself with a warm blanket
• Wearing layers: warm sweater, a scarf, a hat 

  Although my days of skiing to school are done. I still delight in the magic weather occasions of snow. They always remind me to appreciate Christmas and winter time memories. This winter I really relished the Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Philadelphia Academy of Music. For another, it might not be as magical, but for me, it is the music of childhood. P.I. Tchaikovsky melodies are one-of-a-kind and are very special, evoking the spirit of Christmas. The songs are memorable and were wonderful to see presented along with the choreography of the ballet performers. 

  The Nutcracker story is a classic German fairy tale story about a Christmas evening when magic of Christmas transforms one child's experience into a fairy tale. It's a traditional fairy tale that delights both children and adults.

For more information: 

• Read more about the Academy of Music' ballet George Balanchine Nutcracker.
• Read more about the history of The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.