Yesterday, I awoke to a surprise of beautiful snowfall – a glorious announcement of winter’s arrival in Pittsburgh. Having grown up in Kolkata, a warm coastal city in the east of India, I have only experienced 4 prior snowy winters. The first snow of the season has never failed to spark a little excitement in my inner child. Waking up and looking through the glass door to my deck, I knew this one was different. With a sizable layer of snow already accumulated on rooftops and a steady flurry of snow blowing down from the skies, this was the heaviest first day of snow I have experienced.
I had a big exam for an important course later in the day so I took comfort in warmth of my home and I got to studying. However, a part of me wanted to take my camera out to the deck and photograph this beautiful day. I am so glad that I listened to my gut and took the time out of my day to do just that. I am so happy with the pictures that resulted.
On another note, something I am reminded of every year as I experience the onset of winter is that it is going to bring some truly challenging times to those in our communities who do not have roofs over there heads. I urge you, my readers, to keep the homeless in your communities in your thoughts and show them compassion if you are able. We are all human.
Gaurav Balakrishnan 