Sunday, December 08, 2013
Sunday Reflection: The Cold
It is still and cold here now. Yesterday, the temperature did not get above zero; that's the coldest it has been in a while. I put on a wool sweater, a heavy coat, a furry hat and thick gloves, on top of boots built for this kind of day. Even with all that, you can feel the exposed parts of you start to freeze up a little. I walked into town and the river had frozen over. The skating rink in Arden Park was already covered with smooth, clear ice, and everything else was covered with snow. I think all those Christmas card scenes are set somewhere close by.
I love that quiet and stillness in Advent. It filters everything out, hushes the world. You have to seek it, of course, like anything worthwhile-- you have to brave the cold.
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One of the most beautiful things to see is a sunrise when the snow and ice is on everything in sight and the sunlight makes everything sparkle. Kind of like being in the middle of a huge crystal candelabra but much better. And if there is a little color in the sky (in addition to blue) the experience is even better.
I love the displays that come from the creator of the universe, who set forth the laws of physics and chemistry, and thus painted the sunrise and sunset so beautifully that no human can capture their beauty.
I love the displays that come from the creator of the universe, who set forth the laws of physics and chemistry, and thus painted the sunrise and sunset so beautifully that no human can capture their beauty.
# posted by 
: 8:34 AM
: 8:34 AM
No mention of Nelson Mandela on the Razor yet. I'll take the liberty.
One summer in the mid 1980s, I was traveling across the choppy waters of Lake Saganaga, much closer to the Arctic Circle than to South Africa. Along with me were a few other white teenage suburbanites. To the background hum of the Evinrude 18hp outboard engine, we pounded out a steady thumping funky beat and chanted a sing-song "Free Nelson Mandela!!" over and over. Even at that time, before the eventual achievements, the man's story was incredibly compelling. A true hero of humanity.
Mandela is dead
Long live Nelson Mandela
One summer in the mid 1980s, I was traveling across the choppy waters of Lake Saganaga, much closer to the Arctic Circle than to South Africa. Along with me were a few other white teenage suburbanites. To the background hum of the Evinrude 18hp outboard engine, we pounded out a steady thumping funky beat and chanted a sing-song "Free Nelson Mandela!!" over and over. Even at that time, before the eventual achievements, the man's story was incredibly compelling. A true hero of humanity.
Mandela is dead
Long live Nelson Mandela
Viva Mandela, viva!
I used to love to go running when the temperature was below zero. I'd get the strangest looks. I would wear a ski mask to keep from getting frost bite. Three miles at -7F is a treat you soon won't forget. Yet here I am to talk about it. I agree with Osler--Advent is a wonderful time of year to contemplate your life, your beliefs, the universe, everything, really. The world slows down for a moment and lets you breath. Not a bad thing.
I used to love to go running when the temperature was below zero. I'd get the strangest looks. I would wear a ski mask to keep from getting frost bite. Three miles at -7F is a treat you soon won't forget. Yet here I am to talk about it. I agree with Osler--Advent is a wonderful time of year to contemplate your life, your beliefs, the universe, everything, really. The world slows down for a moment and lets you breath. Not a bad thing.
Well after dinner I would bundle up, go out into the cold and lay down a couple of layers of ice on the backyard rink. Not a sound except for the hose. I was alone under a clear sky with sparkling stars lit only by the window light from our warm home. Inside the family was asleep and safe.
That was as near to paradise as I have been.
That was as near to paradise as I have been.
As you know,I hate the cold. But I have to face it or the puppy would explode. So I put my teal snowsuit on and my Russian cap lined with rabbit fur and my mukluks and out I go.The dog is intrepid and loves winter.The absence of color the white on white on white equalizes all feeling to a state of peace. A cardinal bugles in the white tree and some red berries still cling. I remain indebted to a dog who forces me out. Who carries me through winter. I am vigilant for owls and my ear to the ground for coyote.
# posted by : 11:46 PM
: 11:46 PM
So, now I feel guilty that I left the 25-degree Baylor game after one quarter. It was 25, and I was wearing XC ski gear, but it wasn't enough. My husband stayed to the end.
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