“The cold never bothered me anyway.” ~Elsa, Frozen
Photo doesn’t do the parka justice b
I sure hope the cold wouldn’t bother Elsa, she is the Snow Queen in Disney’s Frozen after all. Me, I’m the exact opposite.
Since anything lower than 70 degrees is cold to me, I’d never survive arctic-like weather for any amount of time. You’ll never find me gracefully walking up a snow-clad mountain, in nothing more than a gown, cape, and one glove, singing no less.
Take this morning, for example, it was 3 degrees below zero. I was enjoying a steaming cup of coffee while catching up on a few of my favorite blogs when it happened. Mollie, my ride or die a.k.a. furbaby gives me the signal she’s ready for her daily constitutional.
It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken But You’ll Be Warm
One thing I dislike most when it’s this cold is preparing for outdoors. It takes too much time to layer up so as to not succumb to the harsh elements. So I’ve created this little recipe to send the cold packing.
- Take 1 bandana for the head, tee-shirt, leggings, and knee-high socks
- Next, put on a knit beanie hat, sweatshirt, and fleece pants
- Then an over-the-head hooded sweatshirt, pull hood over beanie
- Follow up with fuzzy shearling lined, lace-up knee-high boots (tuck in fleece pants)
- Add faux-fur-trimmed hooded parka
- Next, add faux fur-lined gloves
- Finally, tie a scarf around hooded parka to cover face then you’re all set
Twenty minutes later, yeah, thank the lord I don’t have to put on makeup, I grab Mollie’s leash, poo bags, and door keys to venture outside. As soon as I opened the door and felt the wintry blast of snowy cold air I swear we were heading into a polar vortex.
Trudging in the snow while Mollie leaps—somewhat sorta like a graceful gazelle—through the snow-laden grass, my mind begins wandering. I think back to the days of my youth when I pretended the cold didn’t bother me. Then suddenly I realize how content I am where I am.
The cold bothers me
As Mollie digs in the snow for the perfect spot to do her business I remembered how beautifully poised Elsa appeared yet she had a secret. When she sings “Let It Go” this is where she’s comfortable with who she really is.
I begin thinking of some of the things I am not. I am not a queen, or a princess even, I am not a writer, at times I don’t feel like a blogger, I am not an adventurer, singer, dancer, actress, photographer, artist or philosopher.
No, I may not be many of the things I longed to be and as I get older my mind isn’t as sharp as it once was but there’s freedom with age. Having lived more days than what’s left going forward, I can be unapologetically selective, to do what’s best for me instead of following the crowd. Standing up for myself, treasuring my time, and speaking my mind is more important than seeking approval.
I am still a work in progress, learning new things every day and striving for balance instead of perfection. Oh, and before I forget, after 10 minutes or thereabouts Mollie did her thing and I’m safely ensconced in my cozy home.
Have a great weekend and stay warm!!