Pretty Little Stoneham

We had our first snowfall of the season last Saturday. Looking out my window that afternoon, I  was enchanted by the beauty outside my condo. I hopped in my car and drove to our town common which was festively decorated for the holidays.

The First Congregational Church is historic and iconic. I have photographed it many times but it never looks more beautiful than it does during a snowstorm.

Just beyond our town common is the fire station. In 2016, we celebrated it's 100th anniversary. I love living among such history.

It was wet and cold and I decided to warm up at my favorite coffee shop, Kushala Sip, which is just across from the town common.

My plan was to warm up with a nice cappuccino and wait for the golden hour. It's the best time for photography. Of course, there was a storm going on so no golden hour on Saturday but there would be illumination from the Christmas lights on the common.

I took refuge at Kushala Sip, dried off and welcomed the warmth. The barista topped my cappuccino with a cinnamon tree and gave me 2 biscotti. Every town should have a cozy coffeehouse. I am so grateful that Kushala Sip is close to my home.

It turned darker and the snow continued. The common became even more breathtakingly beautiful.

The total snow amount was 6.6 inches. I didn't mind. That's just enough to coat all trees and decorations to perfection but not enough to go over my boots and get my jeans soaked.

I have been posting the photos from that day to my town's community Facebook page. I hashtagged them #prettylittlestoneham and asked others to join in and post their photos of pretty little Stoneham.

It's amazing to see the common after different hours of the day. Always beautiful but constantly changing every minute.

At this point, I accomplished the mission. I got my nighttime photos and experienced the magic of my hometown common.

The lights above are for the not- quite -ready- for- skaters rink.  You can be sure I will be back to photograph the skaters. How I love to skate and photograph winter sports!

Speaking of Winter sports, many decades ago our town had an outdoor winter carnival. I would love to experience it again. We shall see, perhaps our skating rink is the first of many good things to come.

Winter Carnival or not. I think there is no prettier town common than the one in my hometown.