The sun has been bathing this Northwestern city and I feel the energy roar through my whole body and soul. It is cold for Portland, which is normally the land of mild temperatures, grey skies, and drizzle. The impatiens in my planter boxes are bowing their faces, giving in to the freezing temperatures of the past week. At the same time, I find myself bursting with energy and ideas for projects and writing topics; it is almost like a rebirth. I love cold weather and sun. Can this feeling last? I know not; but I do know it is here now and it is time to embrace the moment and enjoy every second.
As I pause this morning to see the clear, blue sky outside the window, visions of an ice skating rink float into my head. The temperature is below freezing and I feel the excitement of that young 3rd grader anticipating the opening of the ice skating rink at the village recreation center. In the now, I notice I am holding my breath as I remember. I pause and let renewed breath return! I can feel the cold and the freedom of my 12 year old self alone on the rink, singing to myself and skating. It is Sunday morning and I have skipped church to go to my private sanctuary of solitude and the luxury of having the ice rink all to myself. There is a light coating of snow on the rink and it is cold. I now exhale and allow myself to enjoy those sweet memories of anticipation and delight for the cold and for ice skating, even as I now anticipate donning my hat, gloves and jacket to go outside. The ice skates are waiting in the closet. Not today, but something is telling me my ice skates and the ice rink are calling.