February Intermission

Last week, we had such a wonderful, though brief, intermission from winters grasp. The many days of fluffy white snow and ice that blanketed the earth, gave way to the silent and gentle persuasion of the sunshine which slowly melted down the big snowbanks of winter. It was a welcome reprieve for those with cabin fever.


After church on Sunday, I discovered Rosevilles Central Park , which is very close to our home. Being new in the area, it was like finding an unexpected treasure for me. I drove in, and saw all of the trails so nicely groomed and hurried home to get my dear companion to come walk with me. The sun was shining warmly, and now and then, in the distance, we could hear the call of a chickadee. Folks were out in numbers, walking dogs, jogging or pushing children in carriages. The joy of glimpsing springs promise, even briefly, brought smiles to the faces of passerbys.

The edge of the small watershed lake in the park, was a nice open area for the ducks to settle and find a haven to swim, fluff their feathers and simply enjoy the sunlight. They too welcomed this small gift given in the midst of a harsh winter.

It seems that we sometimes need to experience some discomforts or unpleasantries to truly appreciate the simple little everyday gifts that are presented to us along the way. Things like seeing the first tulips peeking through the snow in springtime, or the sight of sunlight and a rainbow in the sky, after a storm. They are all earths gifts of promise telling us that all is well, in the circle of life, and no matter what storms may come, hope and healing are not far behind.

I am so happy to live in this part of the country where we can experience a panorama of changing seasons, each with a beauty all its own. Winters white, Springs blossoms and songbirds, summers playground and autumns gold, all are part of the tapestry we call Minnesota. We are happy to be here anticipating each new season.

Old Fashioned Winter

This winter seems to be almost like the old fashioned winters of my youth, when the temperatures dropped to -20 or -30 in the upper peninsula of my Michigan. I remember how we used to go and wait for the school bus, in our "bus shack" and stamping our feet so that they did not freeze as we watched for that big orange school bus. Sometimes, when it was late, we would turn and head towards home only to look back and it was coming, so we made a quick turn around and ran to catch the ride to school.

It hardly seems that it was so long ago and the years have flown by, but thankfully we can conjure up in our minds the wonderful memories of yesteryear, and it seems like yesterday.

Yesterday, we went to the Fairgrounds where many large snow carvings were on display from the Winter Carnival events. They were amazing! There was a large snow maze there which , children of all ages, were wandering through. I remember how , when we we kids, dad would build a big snow igloo from blocks of hard snow that he cut with a shovel. It was really warm inside of those snow houses all protected from wind and cold. When we got older, we would dig our own snow tunnels and forts. There was always something, in the line of fun, to do in winter, that never costed us any money. Snow forts, sledding, ice fishing, snowmen, snowball fights etc. The wonderful realm of imagination thrives in the minds of children, making everyday an adventure.

Aside from the fun of winter sports and play, the best part to me was to be able to go indoors and savor the warmth of a pot belly stove and warm the innards with a cup of hot cocoa topped with a big, puffy white marshmallow, which sat like foam on a chocolate sea.

Those by gone days provide warm memories because we shared them in a close knit family . We were used to the harsh weather and knew how to deal with it because it was part of everyday life. This year, there are more ice and snow storms presenting themselves in places where people have not experienced them and there is nothing fun about it for them. The world has become a different place, in so many ways, yet children will always find ways to have fun and build their own memories for future days to come. With February underway now, and the sun becoming higher in the sky, I am gradually letting thoughts of springtime emerge into my thoughts, like the first crocuses that brighten our days after winter snows start to dwindle into the warming earth. Time to think Spring!!

Celebrating Winter At The Winter Carnival

Saturday we had a wonderful time, though a bit frosty on the fingers and toes,as we joined the crowd wandering about beautiful Rice Park and marvelling at the intricate ice sculpture designs which were scattered about the area.

There was a carved design of a grandfather clock surrounded by carnival button replicas of the past years,which was quite amazing. It was done by two friends who were chefs by trade, which was where they became interested in ice sculpting. They have been at it for the past twenty eight years and still love the art. Also to be seen were large snowflakes of ice, figures, chairs and a long ice wall celebrating the 125 year anniversary of the Winter Carnival, and so many more delicate sculptures.

The tantalizing smell of hot dogs permeated the air making us hungry. Families were sharing family time as the children played in the snow and the family dog was being a happy spectator as he walked along on his leash, curious and playful, at times.

The King Boreas parade presented itself at 2 o'clock and hosted fire trucks and whistles, police cars, and colorful Klondike Kate with her ladies, who were bursting with song. There were a few colorful floats but due to the economy, the parade was much smaller than usual, they said.

All in all, it was fun to be amidst a joyful group of people celebrating the simple things in life. It is always good to get into new surroundings , especially if it is a once in awhile happening, because it is so easy to get into a rut doing only familiar things. Looking around at the crowd, I told my companion that we were the only seniors to be seen and we got quite a good laugh to think we braved the cold along with the the younger folks.

The feeling that I carried away with me from our day, was one of warmth, laughter, friendship and the happiness that comes from sharing an event with a loved one. It was one of the early pages in our memory log which is just being built.

A New Year and New Beginnings

Here it is, a brand new year once again and a time for new beginnings, fresh and bright, like the first few pages of a promising new book. January is always an exciting time for me because, with another birthday in a just few days, I look forward to all the wonderful things that the year could bring. First of all, in January the sun seems to be brighter in the sky and I gather thoughts of springtime which will come after winter slips away. Looking to the bright side, with joy in my heart, energizes my spirit, so that each new day holds a promise of life's continuity.

This past year has brought about many changes for me and I now find myself travelling a new path, on the road of life. I have closed the door on events that shattered my very being and rediscovered the person that God created me to be, happy, optimistic, loving and willing to make changes that will enrich my life and the life of others. It is such a good and peaceful feeling to know that I am on a road that leads to a brighter tomorrow where love and healing permanently reside.

It is sometimes difficult to adapt to changes in one's life, when it means uprooting the predictable and secure present, and moving onward to entirely new surroundings and lifestyle, but when love comes calling, as did happen to me, it is easy. Slowly, day by day, I have come to know that my choice to move on and take a chance on following my heart, is the right way to venture.

There will be many opportunities to grow as a person, make new friends, while keeping the old who are dear to me, and share my life with another person who loves me, as we see new places and find harmony in our daily life. We will live side by side, yet not in each other's shadow, and know the warm feeling of being needed and loved. Love is the greatest gift and I wish that each life may be blessed with peace and love.