What is your favorite sound? #postaday2011

My favorite sound is walking on fresh snow. No perhaps it is the sound of snow falling or maybe it is the all the sounds of winter? I love the quite the winter brings into our lives. The windows are shut, curtains closed or window quilts in place, and sometimes windows sealed off with plastic to keep the cold outside. Our homes become silent and sounds softer from outside. I love the sound of the winter wind when you're inside and it sounds "whooooooo" throughout the house. I love to hear the creaks and moans of the house as it withstands the temperature and wind. I reminds me that tough times come and go. We have to prepare and dress accordingly - but we can get through it.

When snow falls it insulates the neighborhood and sounds travel slower and softer. The sound of stillness is so peaceful and calming.

I love the sound of walking on snow and the crunch or squeak that your shoes/boots make, depending on the temperature and type of snow that has fallen. I love walking outside in the winter because of the solitude the season brings. Cross country skiing, particularly in the woods, brings beautiful sounds to my mind - crunch, gliding, silence, breathing, breaking branches, wind, and peace.

The sound of snow reminds me of growing up in Minnesota and dressing in layers to go outside and play. Many times this play included shoveling snow on our driveway and sidewalk. I loved shoveling my neighbors if they hadn't completed the task yet - just to surprise them. The front boulevard would be piled high with snow and I would create a throne for myself. I would sit on this snow throne for hours listening to the snow sounds and silences.

Winter has become my favorite season for so many reasons. The sounds, the silences, the insulation, the peace. I believe we need to experience the extremes of seasons to appreciate the beauty of a summer's day or fall night. Without the extremes, how do you compare and acknowledge the varieties and joys of each?