The paradox of the Minnesota winter...
Winter in Minnesota is an emotional roller coaster of
love-hate-love.
Winter begins beautifully. It is the whitest white,
very light and very gentle. Everything looks
different and fresh. This is the first 'love'.
This first 'love' will last hopefully through
December. Or until the first day in which the high
temperature doesn't get above zero. Or the first time
you have to jump-start your car. Or change a flat
tire.
This is the first 'hate'.
For six to eight weeks you need to be able to
tolerate this because there is no escaping it. You
can try heading south for a couple of weeks, but you
are only running away from reality. And reality will
be here when you return.
And you know you will be returning.
And then very suddenly, things begin to feel positive
again. Usually it is a bright sunny day in March or
the first time you hear a robin sing, but it is
enough to give you positive momentum. This is the
second 'love'.
Minnesota winters have a sinusoidal rhythm and there
is a comfort in that regularity.