It’s been a long time since I’ve seen snow falling. Two years ago I was in Florida completing my last physical therapy school clinical rotation for the bulk of winter, and last year I was living in sunny North Carolina. Having grown up in a place that can have -8 degree chill and ice storms that could take the power out for days, I never thought I’d miss the cold. I was quickly humbled when I felt the heat of a North Carolina Summer, and realized just how wrong I was. I would step outside in 99 degree heat with 99% humidity and immediately be grumpy, swollen and damp. I’ve never sweat so much in one year (partially because I found a love for hot yoga, but mostly because of the climate). Apparently; I love to layer, to burrow, to hibernate in coziness. Even before I decided to move back to New England, I was missing the cold.
I was prepared to eat those words this past week as a bitter chill crept over Cambridge, especially in the early morning while I waited for my bus. I was nervous about how I would fare in the cold given how out of practice I was. At 7 AM on an unassuming Wednesday, I wrapped myself in a thick scarf, donned my earmuffs, gloves and thick coat, and walked to the art gallery that doubles as my bus stop. I peered into the gallery full of gorgeous acrylic and oil paintings and found myself in somewhat of a trance. I didn’t feel the cold in all of its fury. I was bundled appropriately, and was further warmed by how incredibly joyful this neighborhood makes me. How this place, at this time, feels more like home than anywhere I’ve experienced. This is what will keep me warm through this Winter (and all of the aforementioned adornments).
To top it all off, this same art gallery that is under a 4 minute walk from my apartment, is also a 4 minute walk from one of my closest friends, and hosts a yoga class twice a week. There are few things in this world that I adore more than my friends, art and yoga. On that same chilly Wednesday, my dear friend and I met for their 7 PM vinyasa flow. We moved through strength and flexibility poses, gazing at exquisite works of art around us, and then hugged goodbye right before the first snowflakes of the year began to fall. My walk home may have been short, but I didn’t feel the cold at all. It was utterly magical, and please someone pinch me, because I can’t believe this is something I will be able to do on a regular basis moving forward.
Everyday I fall in love with my life here a little more. I am so incredibly lucky to bundle in, and be bundled by, Boston. These are the moments I need to look back on when I fear there is no good left in the world. If and when I am low on hope, these are the memories I need proof of. In my attempt to document more of these joyful moments, here are some other things keeping me warm and sane this Winter, and will continue to warm my spirit for the years to come, no matter what happens:
Hosting my best friends around a dinner table for friends-giving last month
Hosting Thanksgiving with my partner and his family
Having my family over for a walk in Cambridge and a delicious lunch at Mad Monkfish in Central (10/10 so yummy)
Playing arcade games for hours at FreePlay in Worcester for Shea’s birthday
Silly little romance books & fantasy books
DIY holiday decorations & miscellaneous crafting
The 2024 pop music renaissance
Hot yoga and art gallery yoga !!
What will be keeping you warm this winter? What is your evidence of the good to reflect on when you need it?
All my love,
-Katie
Other Recs:
Looking for ways to do some good?
Check out the American Civil Liberties Union “Take Action” page for causes you can get involved in: https://www.aclu.org/action
Book Recs:
Blue Sisters - Coco Mellors. I’m 3/4 of the way through this book and it’s taken the breath out of my lungs no less than 9 times thus far.
Music Recs:
Sulfur Skies by JOBIE
Breathe by bby
Rent Free by Evening Elephants
So Cold by Balu Brigade
Speak to Me Muse by Bonny Light Horseman