They said the snow would start at 7am today. First they said we'd receive 10 cm, then they changed it to 20cm. I made tea, raked up our last haul of leaves, and sat by the fireplace and watched the 40 foot birch in our front yard.

Sometimes I feel like she and I have a lot in common. Although she has already released most of her leaves, prepping for her winter hibernation, she has this huge branch that is clinging to every last ochre leaf as if to say "I'm not quite ready yet".

Goodness, I feel just like her today as I watch our first snow of the season tumble down and blanket the lawn we mowed just yesterday. I feel her.

For some people, the transition from fall to winter is absolute heaven . . . . the move into our natural hibernation state, the pulling out of all of our coziest sweaters, the acccumulation of seasonal teas that are called funny names like Merry Berry or Tinsel Treat. This is their - or maybe your - season to shine!

But if you have either a emotion type or body type that is of the Vata variety as we call it in Ayurveda, this can be your most difficult time of year.

Vata body types go something like this - tend to be lean, food goes through them quite quickly, can have lots of air in their joints (can crack their nuckles easily, if they are wrapped up in a project they love they can go hours and hours without even thinking about food, love the summer and to be in the sun.

Vata emotion types tend to be creative, artistic, dreamers, like to start a boatload of new things but have a hard time finishing projects, need things to always be new and changing, vibrant and colourful.

So if either that body or emotion type feel like you and you're getting the same number of snowflakes as I am today, you might be feeling ALL the feels. It is like your nature is that of a bird and when winter settles in, there is something deep and instinctual inside of you that says it is time to migrate, time to move toward and follow the sun. I think this group of people are the ones that coined the term "snow-birds".

If you are one of these beautiful body or emotion types, I have a few tips for you today:

1. Go put on your happiest music and dance.
2. Start looking at and planning a tropical getaway. Even if this is just researching for next year looking into countries, flight info, hotels that you might enjoy - just that will make a difference.
3. Make or order out a dinner tonight that just feeds your soul.
4. Talk to the people around you to let them know this season is hard for you.
5. Buy a plant, somthine that you can see living and growing all winter long every time you pass by it. (You can't kill a snakeplant so that is always a good place to start).

And if you are one of those people that LOVE LOVE LOVE this season, you have a big job today. Chances are you know and love someone who falls into the wellness type above. They are really going to need you and your strength right now. Text them a funny picture you took of the two of you this past summer. Call them and leave a voice message with a cheesy joke. Tell them you are bringing take-out over for dinner (yes, you can bring over your Merry Berry tea). They will appreicate you more than you know. This really is your season to shine in so many ways.

Anyway, I just wanted to check in on you all today. Remember that your emotional health matters so very much. What your feeling is important. Reach out to those around you, those that you love.

I am going to head our to find the snow shovel - yikes!!!

Sending you so many warm wishes, Dear Friends - Marla