trapped in a beautiful place

There is a cartoon with a funny caption that says,"The air hurts my face. Why am I living where the air hurts my face." Pictured is a sad person with the weight of a big frown on his face, pulling his head so low that it seems to almost force him to the ground. I don't know why it makes me chuckle, but it does. Every time.

This great state I live in - Minnesota, is full of those faces especially this time of year when it's cold, dark and we are so over winter. Stick a fork in it; it's done!

So why do we live here? Or the million dollar question: Why do we stay?

For most people, they were born here. I was lucky enough to be shipped here when I was a baby - from South Korea, just in case you were wondering. You'd be amazed how often I have to clarify that. No, not NORTH Korea! 

We have family here. We have friends here. We have those pesky things called jobs or careers. Running away to a tropical island in the sun sounds amazing, but realistic? Not so much. For me, I dream of moving to Colorado. Mostly because I think I could actually succeed in convincing my better half to go that far. But I fantasize about LIVING THE DREAM in Alaska. Yes, that would be me running the B & B, making delectable food and mouth-watering desserts for the hungry travelers. My desire to move 'North the the Future' proves that I don't despise the cold. Just call me Elsa.

For me, it's a more favorable alternative than melting under the heat and humidity of summer. In times of cold, you can always layer on more and more. But in times of misery and heat, you can only take off so much...

This is the first time in my life that I have thoroughly enjoyed walking in the winter time. When the cold air blasts my face and threatens to freeze my face into an awkward state of permagrin, it makes me feel alive. Shivers run through my body and my eyes water like there's no tomorrow. The sheer madness of it all spurs me on, step after step. One foot in front of the other. If it's possible to get high off spending time in nature, then I guess this is it for me.

While I was out today, I happened to look down and see these leaves frozen into place, perfectly outlined by a thin sheet of ice. It made me think of my earlier question of why we live here. Due to whatever circumstances, forced or chosen, I am kindof stuck here, but there is beauty in that. It's just for a time. Just for a season. It won't last forever. Spring will arrive, and with that, freedom.

I don't want to miss the wonderful things right in front of me while I wait for whatever Spring represents in my life.