WE MINNESOTANS PRIDE ourselves on our winter hardiness. But this week is testing even the hardiest among us as temps drop into the double digit subzero range. Add the wind and it feels like -30 to -40 degrees outdoors. No wonder extreme cold warnings have been issued for our state. Exposed skin can freeze in minutes. No wonder schools are closing and shifting to e-learning.
The bright sunshine fools no one. It’s an illusion of warmth. But the sunshine also reminds me that much warmer days are only months away, that winter isn’t forever, that we will get through this cold spell. We always do.
But as I wait and (mostly) shelter indoors, I find myself drawn to floral photos I took during the spring and summer. Images which visually remind me that the snow will melt, the earth will thaw and warm, seeds will grow, flowers will flourish and these frigid days of winter will be only a memory.
It’s a bit of a psychological endeavor, this convincing myself that spring will be here “before we know it.” Some days, especially during a cold snap, that seems almost laughable. I admit, my appreciation of winter has diminished as I’ve aged. I’m not alone in feeling that way among my Baby Boomer friends, which is likely the reason many flee to warmer climates for a week, or even months, during winter. I say good for them if that’s a feasible option. It’s not for me.
So I find ways to cope. Read more. Write more. Walk indoors at the mall instead of outside. And when I do go out, bundle up, clamp a stocking cap on my head without care that it flattens my hair. Eat dark chocolate. Drink tea. Cook soups and chili. Pull out my warmest sweater to layer over a tee and flannel shirt. Connect with friends more. Remember hot summer days Up North at the cabin.
And never forget that the flowers will unfurl in the sunshine and warmth. Bold, beautiful, vibrant blooms. Lovely. Filling my soul and spirit in a poetically beautiful way that winter can’t.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
trying to keep my eye on the prize, and thinking about those flowers. deep in the deep cold here as well –
Stay focused on those flowers.
I definitely will
Flowers are always nice remberances of warmer months to come. Hopefully soon there will be a weather turnabout.
The weather is supposed to warm this weekend. Just gotta get through this week.
Oh my Audrey I think we were sharing thoughts. Yesterday I complained to my husband about how deceptive it is for the sun to shine so brightly, when it’s so cold. And later I looked through photos of our summer MN state park adventures to warm up. I miss summer terribly. I love your bright tulip photo.
I’m not surprised that we were thinking warm. Hold hope for warmer days.
I love seeing the pictures of the colorful flowers. Thanks for brightening my day. ;-0
I’m happy to brighten your day. We can all use some sunshine right now.
In my younger years, I embraced the cold. My Air Force father had flown into Thule Greenland and passengers were warned not to take in that :breath of fresh air (unprotected) as your next stop would be the hospital, I did everything in my power to stay warm. At 20 below, my car would not start. I would wrap up a scarf around my face and run to school, arriving with a face full of ice clinging to the mouth area of my scarf. I learned many things to keep moving and to keep other things moving. I am not as hardy today, but I still like my comfort. Improvise, adapt and overcome. Spring will be here, – maybe not soon enough!
Like you, I embraced winter during my younger years. Not so much now. Always good to hear from you, Gunny.
those flowers and beach pictures seem like a life time away. I am currently making hot tea to warm up my hands enough to knit.
I sometimes do the same, make tea to warm myself, especially my hands. As I type, I’m covered in a fleece throw.