Yes, about two inches fell in the night, and I walked to church this Sunday Morning in falling snow. I made new tracks on Fourth Avenue, and looking east along Third Street in downtown—not a sign of human passing. Zion Lutheran Church on Sixth Street begins at eight, which seems early by California custom, but just right for a sunrise walk in the snow.
We all hung our coats on the many hooks provided in the narthex and quietly took places before the service began, knowing that the live radio broadcast would begin precisely at 8:30.
Lutherans are quite formal and liturgical; they read everything except the sermon from a booklet, which we all received as we entered. I was surprised to see a teenage girl leading the readings and doing most it from memory. The middle-aged male pastor seemed quite pleased with her performance.
About halfway through the service, a slovenly man walked clumsily down the aisle to the first row and noisily took off his coat before sitting and blowing his nose. I wondered what the ushers were thinking. But the service proceeded without incident, and the newcomer added his loud Amen and the end of each reading.
After the service, coffee and treats were provided in the social room—homemade tarts and muffins, cheese and crackers. With about sixty people in attendance, it was obvious who was new, so the ladies came up and welcomed me. We sat at a round table where I tried not be the center of attention. I tried to minimize myself without lying, and it was hard. I would rather have told them I’m here on business or something easy to swallow. I wanted to hear them talk, learn stories; but instead, I listened to their questions and gave answers as blandly as I thought truthful. The pastor joined us, and it turns out he takes teenagers on 400-mile bicycle trip, so off we went in that direction. I became a starlet, trying to steer it back to here and now. But they were all friendly and welcomed me back and said I should join them for Christmas and for the ladies’ activities. As for the slovenly man, they said that all kinds are welcome here.
Horray for snow!!! Hope it will be the first of many snowfalls for our Sharon. Your new town looks beautiful with a dusting of snow, especially the trees. No snow here, but it is chilly, and, and as good Californians we are wearing sweaters and hats indoors but not turning on the heat. Tonia, on the other hand is keeping the Altadena house at 71. I'm glad your snows have come. Stay warm, Liz
ReplyDeleteYay! I love seing your footprints and footprt poem in the thin layer of snow... and I am happy your were welcomed by the group. We have the fireplace on here right now...in Southern CA so I imagine you need lots more than that. The town looks right with that layer of snow, like it was meant to be. I've kept the little poetry calendar on this poem by Gary Snyder... I used to read his poems of nature a lot... I wanted to send it when it was time:
ReplyDeletePine Tree Tops
In the blue night
frost haze, the sky glows
with the moon
pine tree tops
bend snow-blue, fade
into sky, frost, starlight.
The creak of boots.
Rabbit tracks, deer tracks,
what do we know.
Brrr! Now that's more like it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz, my thermostat is set, my room is sixty-eight, and I am quite warm. Much pity on poor Californians. Snow is a lovely thing, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathabela, I know the snow is thin and my dress boots sufficed, but surely it does not qualify as poetry to say they will not last the winter. I think “pretty” only goes so far into winter. Soon it will into town with the “creak of boots” real boots. Deer tracks this morning, rabbit tracks—“what do we know.”
Yes, Steven, this is more like it. I am still considering the “Polar Plunge” as you reminded me on a prior post. Considering, mind you. I’m glad you got to ride bicycles in Yosemite—what more inspiring place?
I think its nice on the first day of snow that you were so warmly welcomed into the church. Its only meaningful that this Sunday was very different than last. Sounds like you are doing well. The first Sunday at church was a dud, but this Sunday seems to have been more fruitful from meeting some nice folks. You just never know in life when you turn over a leaf what you are going to find. Its great that it finally snowed, its been like waiting for that big event -- that finally happens.
ReplyDeleteThat first snow was nice, Michael, and church was friendly. Right now as I write, big snowflakes are doing the twist outside my window. The more the better, because then I can ski and try out my never-used snowshoes. And as it gets colder I can see how long it takes Frostbite Falls to do its number against the clothing I brought.
ReplyDelete