An Invincible Summer

In the depth of winter,
I finally learned that
there was in me an
invincible summer.

~Albert Camus

Of Note: About this time of year, cabin fever becomes a real thing for those who live in the north woods. As I look out today upon the gray and white scenery, I understand why. There is no color. Color begins to transform the landscape in the spring followed by a summer that unfolds in a riot of blues, greens, reds and yellows with some purples thrown in for fun. At every turn glorious views beckon to be immortalized. Not so in the winter when looking outward. Ah, but looking inward provides a different view--one where the seasons of the year cyclically play their tune upon the strung heart. Where quiet accelerates growth, and growth begets opportunity. Mr. Camus understood this and shared his insight with the rest of the world. For those with cabin fever, it's a timely reminder of truth.

Today's Weather Report: Bet you could guess that it was pretty dreary today though "warm" for January in the upper teens and twenties. It's the kind of day that makes pushing a cart full of groceries and cat litter through a parking lot almost impossible. If anyone saw that spectacle today, they would have laughed out loud at the humorous scene of me pulling a cart with both hands to the car. Pushing through the deep slush was definitely out of the question. What's more, because parking lot lines are not visible, vehicles are positioned in makeshift "rows" that are impressive in their attempt to be orderly. It says something about humanity that out of chaos comes order--even in a store parking lot in the middle of winter.

News You Can Use Snippet: Hugh Hefner was recently interviewed by TIME magazine. No one would argue that this man helped shape the sexual mores of America more than any other human being alive. He reminded us that before the advent of Playboy, "nice young people did not live together before they got married. Having a baby out of wedlock was a scandal that drove some people to suicide. Oral sex was illegal." When asked did he ever feel like a dirty old man, Hefner replied without hesitation: "Not for a moment. I'm on the side of the angels and always have been." His resolute statement definitely gave us a different idea as to angelic occupations these days.