Dear Mother Nature,

Dear Mother Nature,

I understand that during one's lifetime, it is important to be reminded from time to time of your strength, your will and your beauty. But... this is a lot of snow! And, I think, we get it.

Because, you see, now, since my husband is home from work due to a "snow day," he is staring at me for long periods of uncomfortable silence, broken only to ask me whether I can make him a full breakfast of pancakes, turkey bacon, home fries, grits and scrambled eggs with cheese.

Because, you see, now, since New York City is still trying to figure out how to handle a "snow emergency," my street in Bed-Stuy likely will remain unplowed for at least the next 24 hours. And since the G train is not running, I will be forced to walk 13 blocks downtown to my 11:00 meeting in knee-high snow.

Because, you see, now, since my godchildren are home from school due to a "snow day," they have texted me three times already, asking the same question: "Can we go sledding in Prospect Park today, huh? Can we? Can we? Can we?"

(Sigh).

But, on the other hand, Mother Nature, when I take a moment to think about it, there's something quite magnificent about your ability to equalize us all, force us to slow down and marvel at your awesome artistry.

And now, since there are no pots banging, my husband has retreated back to bed and is snoring loudly.

And also now, I have a reasonable excuse to reschedule my meeting, sip on some hot cocoa and work in a relaxed fashion, instead of a hurried frenzy.

And maybe, just maybe, later this afternoon, I'll take two little munchkins sledding in Prospect Park.