Grasping for light and warmth in the basket of Andy’s car, I sit in contented silence as we drive back to the inn on a snowy Maine night. It is a moment of reflection for me, as Andy and my Mom hold their own conversation up front. I can only half-hear muffled words and occasional laughter. Sounds of solace on a freezing night. I’ve always enjoyed these moments – the cozy interior of a war car, a lavish coat around my shoulders, and a frigid world just outside the window.
The juxtaposition of comfort against an inhospitable atmosphere is a wickedly wonderful thrill – the way a cool bedroom makes the covers so much cozier.
On this evening, we are headed back for further thrilling contrasts – one of the unheralded and under-appreciated joys of winter. Still, I long for the months where the outside temperature isn’t this much of a drastic shift. The tease of March is right around the corner. In the meantime, I reach for the light…
