Mar 22: Winter Dreams

I remember my winter dreams when I was a northerner. They went something like this: I would imagine the pavement I was walking on - but without slush, ice or snow. I would recall the feeling of dry concrete under dry shoes and the look and smell of grass that was green, not brown. And I would think about spring. Real spring, with warmth and flowers and leaves on the trees. Then I often fantasized about visiting some place that could offer that kind of weather now, without having to wait for weeks. All this came to mind for me recently as I was reflecting on the horrible winter so many people went through this year. I'm glad I didn't have to deal with it.

In the U.S. and in Europe, massive snowstorms and fierce cold waves battered residents over and over. Even though this is officially spring, the crummy weather continues for many folks. Snow over the weekend in Chicago, for instance, and rain today in New York. Yuck.

When I went through a tough winter while living up north, I didn't want cold rain at this time of year. And I sure didn't want any more snow. I desperately wanted to see the sun shine, to feel the heat on my face and in my bones. I craved summer, really, not spring. I can remember thinking, "Just give me a few days to thaw out, to really enjoy sunlight again and blue skies. I need that!" If this describes your feelings just now, as you sit by your computer and look outside at another dreary day, you have my sympathy. I feel for you, my friend. But hang in there and remember, there's always Florida. If you can swing a trip down here sometime before long, all the better. But if not, just bring us to mind once in a while. Take a tropical vacation in your daydreams to a spot on the map where it's expected to be in the high 70s with lots of sun for much of this week. The Fort Lauderdale ocean is as blue as the sky most days. People run across hot sand on the beaches where they lie on blankets in their bathing suits. The whole world really isn't harsh and cold and pitiless, much as it may seem that way to you at the moment. Soon enough, your own summer will come. But for now, one way or the other, feel free to borrow some of our sunshine if it will help.