Winter in Glass

I guided my steps down the brick sidewalk toward an open-air market stall, where a diminutive glass snow globe rested upon a dark green felt runner. Climbing atop the low wooden bench, I approached the heavy, cool glass dome. Inside stood a miniature snow-dusted pine tree carved from pale wood. Placing both hands against the smooth curve, I carefully tilted the sphere upside down, then eased its weighted brass pedestal back onto the cloth. A flurry of tiny pearlescent flakes drifted through the water in a quiet, swirling blizzard before settling softly across the boughs. The miniature winter scene held a serene, storybook charm.