After the Snowflakes Fall.......

**From the diary of The Red Rose**

Snowflake by William Baer

Timing’s everything. The vapor rises
high in the sky, tossing to and fro,
then freezes, suddenly, and crystalizes
into a perfect flake of miraculous snow.
For countless miles, drifting east above
the world, whirling about in a swirling free-
for-all, appearing aimless, just like love,
but sensing, seeking out, its destiny.
Falling to where the two young skaters stand,
hand in hand, then flips and dips and whips
itself about to ever-so-gently land,
a miracle, across her unkissed lips:
as he blocks the wind raging from the south,
leaning forward to kiss her lovely mouth.

January 10th~

One would think that I would be completely and utterly exhausted. Under normal circumstances I suppose I would be. But I find myself still floating on air, or should I say, 'dancing on snow'. This year's Snowflake Ball has been over for more than 10 hours and I can still hear the strains of the Blue Danube, and Queen Elizabeth's Galliard, and In The Mood, and La Cumparsita, and Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman. We really traveled through time with the music this year. Mediæval, Romantic, Classical, Futuristic (from the 20th and 21st centuries). It was wonderful. Mr. Ghost did phenomenal work taking my thoughts and suggestions for theme and music and creating a playlist that all the guests seemed to enjoy.

This event has always been special to me. Along with Beltane celebrations it is probably my favorite event of each year. Only attending the first Snowflake Ball held by Shenlei Flashart, I fell in love with dancing in the snow. I was so pleased to be able to create a tradition of holding this event each January, first in Loch Avie, then in Port Caledon (shortly after the Open Space Debacle), and now in my family home on Isle of Skye in Winterfell Anodyne.

This year brought a fantastic group of friends and neighbors from all over the Steamlands. Dressed to the nines, they danced. The company was grand and the conversations sentimental, humorous, and interesting.

We officially danced 11 sets, but many did not want to even think about leaving at the appointed hour. *smiles softly* Mr. Ghost and I conversed and decided to play & dance on for another hour. I don't blame anyone for not wanting to leave the romance and beauty of the setting and the wonderful music. It truly was another magical night. A night of remembrance, hope, and love.

Yes. Yes, we will do this again next year and for as many years as I am able.

~E~

A few pictures and a short slide show from the night~

Mr. Ghost and Miss Hypatia

Lady Eleanor Anderton's wonderful Flickr Slideshow.

And my slideshow: