There are those amongst us who would Beach Boy and surf their way through the warmth smelling like coconuts and sweat. Then there hopefully are people like me who find the desolate grey of winter to be a romantic and enveloping time. Winter Oalafur Arnalds, an Icelandic artist can become the backdrop to a night wrapped in cashmere a glass of Merlot and feet tucked under, maybe reading maybe just looking out the window watching shadows shift shape, from the warmth of your home, if you’re blessed to have such. It can be a time of self absorbed introspect far away from the beach blanket bingo of the world.
Tell me that Bright Eyes ‘Method Acting’ isn’t a winter song. As is everything ever done by The Decemberists. (They chose the right name that’s for sure). I trudged through NY yesterday hands buried deep in pockets, face tucked into a scarf moving at a speed that is not common, but just get me where I need to go before I freeze to death. These faster but melodic offerings assist in the stride of doing so. But cries of desperation and introverted self evaluations are in vogue when its 20 degrees out. See its easy to escape your self when you’re having fun fun fun til your daddy takes your t-bird away but it is not that easy to do when you’re wrapped like a mummy in a dash to get somewhere.
But there is the prospect of warmth. As you travel through the winter days. As you run from one stop to another. When you open the door and the yellow light of warmth engulfs you, when you hold those you love just a bit closer. When the weather stops you. Winter storms are Gods way of saying…….you’re going nowhere. Your welcome.”
We run we rush we hurry we battle we curse we want big better faster stronger NOW NOW NOW…but lets get a good coating of ice on the walk way and good luck with that.
Explosions in the Sky by So Long Lonesome’ which plays as I write this is a perfect example of the world telling you to slow the hell down. Theres no rushing about today. Anyway Pats game is coming up soon. Warmth can come from within, and it can be stronger than any warm front crossing the nation
So basically Winter is a time to reflect and wrapped in layers dismiss the narcissistic world we dwell in..cuz no ones foxy in a parka. With a kitchen full of scents and a hugs that linger just a bit longer than a summer touch could, make winter not something to be dreaded but to be cherished, in a few months we shed our cocoons and thrust out there still in a hurry but with the oppression of not only the air but the interaction of others. Ambient song such as African Velvet by Air can accompany you on that journey. Not to intrusive but a background to the pictures your forced to contend with of your life at the moment.
Its a fine line between antisocial and introverted. Winter gives us a sampler of that exactly.