and snow BIG, then I am officially done with winter. I am filled to overflowing with frosty windshields in the early, still dark mornings. I am finished with the cold wind whistling through trees that have been bare for too long. Winter weather advisories that never come to fruition and the forecasters who get my hopes up are now on my short list.
Since I love lists so much, it is time to make a new one; a warm weather one. This new and improved list will not include heavy winter coats, gloves or scarves. It won’t include three layers of clothes or multiple pairs of socks worn under fur-lined boots. It also won’t include walking home because the ice is too thick to drive in.
I was recently reminded by a friend that boating season is just around the corner. It took less than two seconds for the image of skimming across the lake with the sun hot on my skin and the wind in my face to fill my warmth starved brain. I foresee cold drinks and much laughter as we frolic in the lake. Actually, I suppose I should clarify; I foresee much laughter as THEY frolic in the lake as I’m not really box-ankled about jumping into water that I can’t see through. I’m more of a “float-on-the-top” kind of gal.
I look at my pale, winter skin and think of sunning myself like a lizard and admiring my tan lines (after the redness fades). I love the sun and, unlike many people I know, don’t mind the 90 plus temperatures of a steamy Appalachian summer. I long for the thunderstorms that come out of nowhere, bringing with them the stunning display of lightning and sky that only God can provide.
I look forward to long hikes along shaded trails and wading in the clear, cold pool at the foot of my favorite waterfall; speeding with the top down over curvy mountain roads to get there. My sister’s pool with the shimmering water and full-sized slide call to me like a siren’s song. Trips to the ocean and embracing the sunrise in the wee hours then sipping boat drinks at sunset will find their place at the top of my list.
Yes, I am officially done with winter and realize as I write this post and compose my list that I am going to need more paper. Now, if I can only get Mother Nature to cooperate, all will be well with the world and I can stop shivering.
A Photographer's Heart 