I love that there is now a word for sitting around with slippers and a warm blanket and reading a book. Of course it must be a Scandinavian term to be truly trendy, but it’s always been a great way to make it through the winters. I am as guilty as the next for complaining about dark afternoons and frigid temperatures (and snow, why is it snowing again, though it doesn’t look like it’ll be too bad), and there is something about spring and rebirth and such that is lovely, but winter is, at heart, a lovely time. And what’s wrong with spending more time indoors?

I’ve been feeling pretty stressed out about this week but trying to manage it. It’s mostly because of this viola gig tomorrow, isn’t that silly? I did get (most) of my students figured out, and then Monday’s schedule, and yesterday’s, was even lighter than anticipated due to a couple of sick students. Today is not bad, but after teaching we have a band rehearsal, which (okay, maybe I’m contradicting my attitude in paragraph 1 but) means it’ll be cold and dark and I have to go out in it. (I say winter is best INSIDE wearing cozy clothing). We also have a quartet concert this weekend, and while I’m not particularly stressed about it, it is another THING to do. And I have to copy programs and talk about one of the pieces beforehand. Sigh.

Really it’s all fine though, this is how stuff is, for everybody. Little stressful events and life chugs along. The snow falls and covers the sidewalks.

I was reading online a bit about the Midwest and how people on the coasts don’t understand its beauty. Firstly, we must decide whether Missouri is part of the Midwest. I would agree that it is. I think no matter where I go, I appreciate the beauty of the landscape. This wasn’t true as a child, but you know how things are: you grow up and start to appreciate more of the things around you! (I remember being bored of seeing the Grand Canyon as a kid). I do think it’s possible to admire the quiet beauty of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas or enjoy a quiet hike in Babler State Park, but also appreciate the Rocky Mountains and the Golden Gate Bridge. Many people seem to think only travel is only worth doing if you go to Europe or Asia, but I think no matter where you go you can appreciate the beauty of the land, and you can learn something new. I’ve been stuck (by choice, as obviously I have the privilege to be able to go away when I like) in St Louis since getting back from our trip in August, and to some of you that may not seem long, but I’m feeling a bit stuck and wanting to see new places. Some of that just means I need to seek out places here, and we do that when we can (one thing I do is work entirely too much when I’m here, so that does cut down on local sightseeing) but going away is such a lovely thing, isn’t it?

I realize this is a random blog post. I had a sort of resolution to blog more often and to be more detailed in my blogging. Why do I continue to blog even when this is supposedly a dying activity? It’s my public journal, and I enjoy it. But I also want to feel it is worthwhile! I don’t want to just be yelling into the abyss (I’m not generally yelling, but you know…) about myself. The world is a terrible and uncertain place, but this is still fun.