Who would have thought that the blizzard harsh winter storms of Chicago would invite an overwhelming feeling of peace in my being.......

It has not been entirely bad as I would have thought. A foot of snow leaves much room for fun play times in the back yard with the little brothers and the dogs. Walking around in what looks like a mystical white powder covered city allows the imagination to wonder and make believe that I am traveling through a magical foreign land. Somewhere I have not visit in quite some time. I am use to venturing out in this weather to scale a mountain on my board.....but this time I'm walking down the street to get home, or go to work, or catch a train. I'm kind of use to the snowy city life which is surprising since I have been spoiled with sunny warm California days for the last six years. But there is much hidden beauty that winter brings once we change our perception of the dreaded season. It's amazing to me how many birds survive and live daily in this weather. They aren't complaining, so why should I? I feel blessed to experience a different season, new weather patterns, new sounds, sights and smells.

Yesterday as I was shoveling the sidewalk in front of my family's house, the snow decided to pick a battle with me and swallow my precious new peacock ring! I threw down the shovel and took on the snows challenge and dove head first into the teasing lump of white frozen water and wrestled my ring out of it's grip! Now the snow is tickling me, and I am laughing, rolling around, throwing snowballs, making piles, forgetting what my whole purpose is with the snow and the shovel. I was playing like a kid and it was great! Sooner or later I realized that I was on the front lawn rolling around like a child and the neighbors were staring...I think they wished they too could have just let go for a moment and jumped in to have a little fun! We should never feel to old to play! Playing makes life worth living, and nature offers many conditions to play in...its a matter of taking advantage and letting go of what seems mature or not.

Anyways, I'm thinking of maybe sticking around here to see what's up with the Spring time....Chicago has its magic. There is no Ocean or Mountains around the corner, but there is beauty and nature where ever we go, it is just a matter of shifting perception and being open to all life that surrounds us :)