Close to home

It’s “cold” but not really cold today. After a few months of winter, the body adjusts—what feels unacceptably frigid in early fall becomes a pleasant winter day. I’m in the front room, sun streaming in and window open wide. My feet are chilled but my core is warm, and I’m enjoying the contrast.

About this time last year, I saw the signs of spring. We’re not quite there, yet it feels close. A run of zero-ish weather will start to melt the snow, yielding weeks of slush and puddles. I overlook this part of winter, the inevitable counterpoint to frigid days and accumulating snow, the cycle nearing its yearly completion.

I reminded myself earlier of what I find relaxing, casting for something to ground me. (I’m okay, on the whole—don’t fret!) While my list of therapeutic things does help, I think it’s missing a preface on context. Remember: when you’re a bit down, don’t carry on with an empty stomach, make sure you’re drinking water, and so on, if you can help it. Therapeutic activities need a healthy host to do their best work.

A few links for you:

• I rarely listen to podcasts. This one was worth it. I’ve long followed both Roxane Gay and Debbie Millman in their respective fields, and was thrilled when I first read about their engagement. Well, Brené Brown recently interviewed the two together, and it’s a lovely conversation. (With transcript, if that’s your jam!)
• I’m not sure how I encountered it, but this Black Ottawa Scene obituary of Desmond Doran is a beautiful portrait of a community figure. Such a full life.
• This history of the Toronto Public Library, framed by some key buildings, celebrates the library in its varied forms.

All the best for the week ahead.

Lucas