My Life - Chapter 51 - Summer or Winter

A Winter Morning       12/22/2013  dwm photo

 As a child of the upper Midwest I enjoy and cherish summer and winter.

 Winter reminds us we need each other, we need house, home, and warmth.

 Without winter, summer doesn't deliver the same level of enchantment and wonder as we frolic, ride, hike, and explore from sun-up to sun-down.

 I'm not a winter sport enthusiast.  At least not since aging out of sledding.  Now, my idea of a great winter day is exploring, camera in hand, along fields, trails, and streams.

As a kid, my friend K.C. and I would take our sleds to Roosevelt Elementary.  It was across the street from my school, St. Paul's, but it had bigger hills so it was our favorite place to glide.  Some times we found our way to Palmer Park which had gentle hills and longer slides.

More than sledding and throwing snowballs, winter meant basketball on my court or Andy's next door.  Playing hoops outside required two balls.  One we played with, the other was inside, so when a ball stopped bouncing we switched.

A field of sunflowers at the Pope Farm 
Conservancy. 8/10/2013 dwm photo

In summer, there's more to do.  My favorite thing is  hopping on a bike early, get miles under the
tires before stopping to eat.  After the café, it's back on the bike to watch nature's on-going show in vivid color.

A long ride on a warm, wind-free day is a special experience.  There is a feeling of freedom on a summer day.  At its best, I'm one with the bike, not thinking, just in the moment as my feet make the wheels go round.

Summer offers more subjects to shoot.  In winter, on cloudy days, the landscape looks black and white through a lens.  Summer's natural light, especially early and late, make it a photography wonderland.

I'm not big on water sports either, but being on or near water in the summer is one of life's great pleasures.  Birds singing, sun shining, fish jumping, and a light breeze either alone or with family is a good way to spend a day or night.

In winter, it's a good to have an extra layer with hat and gloves, but you can find the same joy while driving between trees covered in snow whether you're alone or in the company of friends.  

I've been south in the winter.  It feels good, but I'm convinced I'll always want to live somewhere that has four seasons. 

I want to yearn for spring in the dead of winter.  I want to look forward to warm day with a tailing wind and a smooth road stretched before you.  As the days get shorter, I'll look for leaves splashed orange, yellow, and red, then with the first nip of frost I'll search for the first flakes, the first day below freezing, and the first time I have to sweep snow off the car before driving to work.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall - they are all wonderful.