Bygone Bicyclist

Long work days (and nights) have kept much of my free time lately. When not working, or sleeping, I seem to be spending my time cooking. Tonight I am spending much of my time doing so; truffles, cookies and pies – oh my! That said, it’s a fantastic night for it. Outside it’s in the low 40s, windy and raining. It may be a white Christmas after all! A few days ago I experimented with an apple pie with blackberries, ginger and cardamom. The crust was exquisite, filling amazing and presentation gorgeous. I don’t think I’ve ever made a pie so perfect before. Since, I’ve decided that to be my Christmas dinner cooking project.

Snow.

Strange weather really. As debates heat over global warming, we see some of the coldest temperatures for the month / year in many places. In some cases, we even see all time low records being broken – see: Alberta, Canada breaks record low by 10 degrees Celsius. While the effects of modern day humans obviously has *some* effect on the atmosphere, temperatures over the last two winters have been quite bitter – more so than “average”. Since arriving after my long commute, the average low here has been around 30. Winter hasn’t even struck yet! No, this post isn’t about the weather, global warming or what you think.

My time on research and planning has been halted a fair bit lately by work. Soon updates will be more plentiful, but until then, they may be a little sparse. The winter holidays don’t help at all in that department either. Things are hectic and days are short. The weather has inhibited my riding a fair bit since arrival, but it is supposed to be warming a little bit this week. Perhaps this weekend I will get in some decent riding time. Of the two bikes I brought with me, only the penny is functional right now. I tore apart my fixed gear (my ‘training’ bike) to give it a paint job. It’s coming out quite fantastic, and I can’t wait to get it all back together and see it done.

Coming right along. Forgive the camera-phone.

Christmas nears and I can’t help reminisce the magic years ago. Most people grow out of the magic of certain childhood discoveries, beliefs and / or mysteries. Christmas seems to be a subject drawn dismal to most as time goes by. Maybe it’s partially society. Perhaps it’s growing out of tradition. It could be the many a reason, not just a specific something. Either way, I have so many fond memories of Christmas times as a child. Some will argue the ‘reason for Christmas’ versus the commerciality of the common Christmas (while ‘reason for the season’ definitely can differ from person to person).

That said, there are things I miss and feel myself drawn to more this year than perhaps in the near past. I haven’t had a real tree in my house in over 5 years. My dad and I used to volunteer at the Christmas tree lot, and some of those times are the most fond of my youth. I don’t get to sing in the choir this year (and regret that). I haven’t caroled in over a decade, and Christmas music, overall, seems something that has slipped from my life. The last few weeks I have been listening to some of the all time (as well as some not quite as popular) greatest recordings of Christmas songs and I’m really brought back to a time of joy and comfort. It’s almost as if a door has opened, and light is allowed to shine the dark abyss, ultimately warming and pleasing the receiver. Do yourself a favor this year: listen, sing and enjoy some Christmas classics!

I know I can attest to this, and for that very reason I make such an assessment. Rarely does it seem I (or many people) have time to just sit down and reflect on things. Reflecting on things so fond and moving in your life can often be the answer to the question you feel unanswered for some time. Looking back at times of joy and cheer give insight to what could possibly give you such a feeling again. The holidays are depressing to some, but I think many could find great joy by acting out their holiday with more fruitful acts. Even if you’re happy or just neutral, try to give yourself 5-15 minutes a day to think, write and reflect. It can do wonders for the soul.