Swirling Flakes

I spotted a heavy glass snow globe resting quietly near the edge of the low nightstand. Crouching low on my sturdy feet, I wrapped both plush white mittens around the cool, smooth dome and gave it a patient, steady tip upside down. When I set its dark wooden pedestal back onto the polished tabletop, a dense flurry of tiny white flecks swirled into motion, catching the soft amber beam of the bedside lamp. I leaned my chest right against the tabletop, watching the silent little blizzard slowly drift and settle over the miniature painted pine tree inside until the whole room felt completely peaceful.