I grew up loving winter, loving bountiful snow, which is a good thing considering I grew up in an area referred to as "The Buckle on the Snowbelt". When the first big snow would fall, usually in early November, I would be giddy with delight. My mother would respond with, "Wait until you have kids... and places to drive." I didn't think that would harsh my snow-mellow and until last year, it didn't.
Last winter was harsh on an existential level. It was one of those that grabbed hold of your vulnerable spots, made you drop to your knees and cry, "UNCLE!!!" I don't even think I realized how bad it was until we moved into a truly miserable spring and there was no mental reserve left, just raw nerves and angst.
It was with these memories so fresh in my mind, that we moved into yet another cold, unyielding season. The snow has been overly-generous, the cold, cold enough to remind you that most of what we call, cold, is really not cold at all. The fluctuations we've experienced are wide enough to remind you that we're all walking on the edge of bipolar, weather included. But even for all of this ratcheting up, this winter has not been as dark as last winter. This winter has instead been a curiosity, inviting my observing eyes and my sense of intrigue. Yes, there have been highs and lows, but lows are tolerable.... as long as you don't have to stay there.
This morning, as I was returning from driving Grizzled to the train, I was amazed at what was going on outside. It's snowing like mad, the temperature is plummeting and I felt very in tune with it and was thinking I was thankful, in some odd way, that it was here. I've never wanted to live in a 2 season place for two long. There are days in March that this sounds attractive, oh hell, I usually hate March all together, but for the majority of the time, I love the changes and the extremes a season can bring... even gray, damp, chilly March. I would be a more boring person if my personality were only defined by summer. I would be more insane if my personality were only defined by winter. I like the fact that I'm being formed by them all. I'm also thankful that during this winter, I am able to take the ride it's offering and not be swept away to scary places by its undertow.
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