MARCH ROARED INTO MINNESOTA like a lion this past weekend. Louder in some parts of our state, like in Minneapolis northward. And quieter in other parts, like here in Faribault.
We got only a few inches of snow in my community. I think. It’s difficult to measure in a spring storm that mixes heavy snow, light snow, wet snow, sleet and rain. Yes, it’s been quite a mix of precip. But I can assuredly tell you that the once barren landscape is layered in fresh snow under grey, drippy skies.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport recorded 8.2 inches of snow, the biggest snowfall of the season. They can have it, although I’m sure Minnesotans attempting to fly out for warm spring break destinations did not appreciate all the flight delays and cancellations on Sunday.
Other than attending church services early Sunday morning and stepping onto the back stoop to take a few photos, I stayed inside all day. It was an ideal “sprinter” day (as my friend Gretchen aptly terms this season) to settle in with a good book. I’m reading The Violin Conspiracy, a novel by Brendan Slocumb centering on a gifted Black violinist. It’s a riveting, emotional read. Sometimes I wanted to roar like a lion at the unfairness, the prejudice, the challenges that thread through this book. I’m half-way through the novel.
Lion. Lamb. That applies to life, to books, to the month of March.
If I have a choice, I’ll choose a gentle lamb. I dislike conflict. I dislike sprinter storms that create travel woes, that require snow removal. But often we have no choice. Weather and life roar in like a lion and we face the challenges. Sometimes with fear. Sometimes with bravery. However we react, we are the stronger for having faced the lion. More empathetic. More compassionate. Less afraid. And that is the lesson of March.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I read The Violin Conspiracy with my book discussion group and learned so much about the racial unfairness in the music world. I was intrigued to discover that the author is a high school music teacher. He also is a talented writer. A fascinating story.
I am learning a lot, too. About music. About racism. About the challenges of being Black in America.
And now , on to the gentleness of April, I’m hoping. A great lesson from March, indeed
Yes, gentleness. I’d like that.
Sounds like another book to add to my list. I did read Kin…and found it very interesting. I sometimes resist learning the challenges of being Black in America…too close to home…but I know I can’t ignore the subject.
I understand the “too close to home,” Valerie. Yet, it’s important to read, to widen my understanding.
I saw that your area was getting some nasty weather again. Good day to stay inside and read in my opinion. That book sounds interesting — will have to look it up.
It’s a must-read book. The weather tomorrow looks to be nasty also, which may cancel plans.
We have 9 inches of snow here and it’s still falling. ❄️🌨️ This is perfect weather to stay indoors. Your book sounds very interesting.
I heard you got lots of snow in the Brainerd Lakes Area. I bet it’s beautiful. We had rain today off and on. No snow today.
Lamb or lion = what beautiful imagery.
Yes, quite a contrast between the lion and the lamb.
”Sprinter”’indeed! 😄I do remember wondering if the lion-like entrance of March would result in a lamb-like exit and indeed it seems to be! At least around here we will be getting rain and much warmer temperatures by the first of April. And I’m ok with that!
I took your word combo and ran with it. I’m OK with warm weather also.