ran across some old thoughts...

I'd made up my mind that these people are unfriendly and hardened by their circumstances. Especially outside and in public places. Perhaps they softened up in their homes, but as I was not often invited to those places of privilege I could not truly gauge for myself. But this month- and especially this week- I've been pleasantly surprised.
For example...
Today I sneezed on the bus... My sneezes have never been acknowledged here...today was almost not an exception. A beautiful girl in a red coat turned around from the pole she was holding on to, made eye contact (!), and wished me "Будь здорова!" (good health to you!) That's never happened before... :D
Yesterday I was gingerly making my way on a slushy narrow pathway and approaching a little babushka who was also laboriously making her way through. After a little bit, just as I was coming up behind her, she stopped at a bend in the path, and did a most astonishing thing. She turned around, and pleasantly said, "young lady. You go ahead. I'm an old, slow lady and you're young and faster. Go on!" What was so nice was not that I was glad not to be slowed down by her careful and tentative steps over slush and ice... But the nice tone of voice and kind look on her face as she verbalized her offer!!
I have also been given the opportunity to quickly share what I think is the most important thing in the world. Three times in one week! It's a wonderful thing!!

some old snow thoughts...

So this is a back-blog... not to be confused with a back-log (thought, there are some similarities)... Anyway, I found these thoughts on the notepad of my itouch... and thought I would share....
Snow
It seems that people have stopped to take a deep breath now that the snow has arrived. I could be wrong.... Or the contrast of this city with only a million people is so great in comparison with the bustling, hectic city of 16 million that I just left... That my soul feels more restful. I know for sure however that prayers are being pryed for me AND the people of this city- so that could also be effectuating the change as well.
I don't know for sure, all I can see is what's around me.
There is a lovely textured cover of pure white over everything but the muddy streets- and the juxtaposition is almost beautiful! Tree branches that had been bare and ugly now have jewelry of ice drops and coats of ermine. The air even seems purer because of its crisp clarity.
Children are bundled in all sorts of colors and styles... But they are laughing and cheerfully building snowmen, skiing, and playing hockey.
The tall stylish stilettos of the young fashioniatas are even beginning to make sense, because they are the only ones confidently striding across icy patches on the paths to the bustop.
Thank you.