Magic

Hand-crocheted scarves wrapped around three layers of tops. Two mittened hands holding hot tea or cocoa. Bustling streets. Filled with people chatting through tightened teeth and shrugged shoulders. Showflakes caught in eyelashes and hair. It's Flagstaff, and the chill is here.

Photo by Mike Russell

Sooner than expected, but when does Flagstaff ever care about seasons? Flagstaff is winter. And the city comes to life as the sky darkens and white dust descends on the peaks. The puff of grey from people's mouths proves they're breathing. They're alive. And they're in love.

It's magical. The excited hustle as your pink-cheeked coworker comes in, shakes the melty drops of water from their jacket, and sighs. Can you believe it's snowing! It's only October! What happened to Fall!

Fall wasn't determined enough. Not like our Flagstaff winter.